A drawer bottom can reveal more about a chest, dresser or writing desk than its polished front suggests. The board sits in a protected position, so it may…
Long before the modern sofa became the centre of a sitting room, American households relied on a sturdy wooden bench called a settle. It combined seating,…
A four-poster bed depends on its vertical posts for much of its character. Their turned sections create rhythm, establish the bed’s period, and often reveal…
Staining a refinished antique piece is less about changing its colour than revealing its character. A well-prepared surface can show the grain, soften repaired…
A large antique breakfront can be the architectural centre of a dining room, library or entrance hall. Its glazed upper section, projecting cornice and…
The Aesthetic Movement emerged in the United States during the late nineteenth century as a spirited alternative to heavily ornamented Victorian interiors. Its…
An antique sideboard can appear unmistakably walnut while containing a mixture of solid timber, veneer and less expensive secondary woods. Cabinetmakers have…
Mahogany has a depth and warmth that can make a sideboard, writing desk, dining table or chest of drawers feel far more substantial than its size suggests. Its…
A well-made reproduction can be beautiful, practical and remarkably convincing. It may use excellent timber, traditional joinery and a hand-applied finish, yet…
A cylinder-front desk is recognised by the curved tambour, or roll-top shutter, that slides into the body of the desk and conceals its writing surface. This…