What are the defining characteristics of Arts and Crafts furniture?

Emerging in the late 19th century as a reaction against industrial mass production, Arts and Crafts furniture emphasises traditional hand craftsmanship, clean rectilinear forms, and visible joinery. Pieces typically highlight the natural grain of timber, such as quarter-sawn oak, paired with simple hand-worked metal hardware.

What materials were traditionally used to construct Arts and Crafts chests?

Solid oak was the predominant timber used in Arts and Crafts cabinet making, valued for its durability and prominent grain patterns. Hardware typically featured wrought iron, hand-hammered copper, or patinated brass escutcheons and drop handles.

How can you identify authentic 20th-century Arts and Crafts oak furniture?

Authentic pieces exhibit hand-cut dovetail joints, solid wood drawer linings, and original metalwork showing natural surface patination. Look for structural elements such as square legs, panelled sides, and hand-finished wax surfaces without modern polyurethane coats.

How do you style an Arts and Crafts chest of drawers in a modern interior?

Integrate the piece into contemporary spaces by contrasting its structured wooden frame with soft linen textiles and neutral colour palettes. Placing modern ceramics, glass vessels, or abstract artwork on top bridges the historical craftsmanship with modern aesthetics.

How should antique oak furniture be cleaned and maintained?

Dust regularly using a dry microfibre cloth and apply a high-grade beeswax polish once or twice per year along the direction of the grain. Keep the item away from direct heat sources and humid environments to prevent the timber from splitting or warping.

for sale €965 $1,048

£825

ActFurniture LTD

Sellingantiques Verified Since Apr 2023

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Edwardian Oak Drawers

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Id #SA1233342

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Antique 20th Century Arts & Crafts Chest of Drawers in Oak

Name: Antique 20th Century Arts & Crafts Chest of Drawers in Oak
Brand: Antique
SKU: SA1233342
Price: 825 GBP
Availability: InStock

1900 - 1920

For Sale by ActFurniture LTD

Description

Antique 20th century Arts & Crafts chest of drawers in oak, a handsome and practical piece with the sturdy, honest appeal associated with this enduring style. Well made and of good quality, it offers generous storage in a well-proportioned and characterful design. The chest stands on square legs, giving it a strong, grounded appearance.

The upper section features two smaller drawers, ideal for keeping everyday items neatly organised, while three larger drawers below provide ample space for clothing, linens or household essentials. Each drawer is fitted with a decorative brass handle, adding a smart contrast to the warm oak. The oak has a rich, inviting colour with gorgeous natural grain throughout, giving the chest plenty of depth and individual character.

Its classic Arts & Crafts design makes it a highly desirable piece that will complement a wide range of interiors. Presented in good condition, this attractive chest of drawers would be a useful and eye-catching addition to a bedroom, dressing room or reception room, bringing practical storage with timeless antique charm.

Product Reference : AF - 6376

Measurements : 107cm Width x 50cm Depth x 76cm Height

All our products are available for viewing at our stockroom based in Malvern strictly by appointment only.

Please feel free to get in contact with us regarding any queries you might have relating to a specific piece or if you’d like to arrange a visit and I aim to respond as quickly as possible.

Prior to making a purchase, it is important that you please contact us to confirm the piece is still available. We endeavour to keep our stock details up to date, but due to our fast stock turnover there maybe occasions where an item has been sold but it has not yet been updated online.

Delivery ( £65 ) :

All our pieces are professionally wrapped in black plastic and sent though a trusted private courier which we can organise upon your request.

The delivery service consists of a two man team with a delivery timeframe of 3 - 15 working days from the date payment has been received. Please contact us to discuss any specific requirements and we will do our upmost to accommodate these, although no guarantees can be given.

The courier will be in contact with you directly with details of exact delivery date and approximate time of arrival.

We currently cover all of the UK Mainlands including most of Scotland.

Scotland -

Delivery cost and timeframe to Scotland and Scottish Highlands will vary regarding on the location and number of orders we have in the area so please get in contact for a direct quote.

Collection ( FREE ) :

Pieces can be collected from WR6 5JE free of charge strictly by appointment only. Please contact us to arrange this.

Many thanks and if you have any further queries, please do not hesitate to contact us and one of our team will respond as quickly as possible.

Physical Dimensions

Height

76cm (29.92")

Width

107cm (42.13")

Depth

50cm (19.69")

Declaration

ActFurniture LTD has dated this Arts and Crafts Chest to the Edwardian era.

Reference Numbers

Sellingantiques Reference

SA1233342

Dealers Internal Reference

AF-6376

Description

Antique 20th century Arts & Crafts chest of drawers in oak, a handsome and practical piece with the sturdy, honest appeal associated with this enduring style.

“

Well made and of good quality, it offers generous storage in a well-proportioned and characterful design.

ActFurniture LTD

 The chest stands on square legs, giving it a strong, grounded appearance.

fig 1. An antique Arts and Crafts oak chest of drawers featuring two short drawers over two full-width drawers with iron drop-ring handles on square backplates. — fig 1. Antique 20th Century Arts & Crafts Chest of Drawers in Oak

The upper section features two smaller drawers, ideal for keeping everyday items neatly organised, while three larger drawers below provide ample space for clothing, linens or household essentials. Each drawer is fitted with a decorative brass handle, adding a smart contrast to the warm oak. The oak has a rich, inviting colour with gorgeous natural grain throughout, giving the chest plenty of depth and individual character.

fig 2. An antique Arts and Crafts oak chest of drawers featuring two short drawers over two full-width drawers with iron drop-ring handles on square backplates. — fig 2. Antique 20th Century Arts & Crafts Chest of Drawers in Oak

Its classic Arts & Crafts design makes it a highly desirable piece that will complement a wide range of interiors. Presented in good condition, this attractive chest of drawers would be a useful and eye-catching addition to a bedroom, dressing room or reception room, bringing practical storage with timeless antique charm.

fig 3. An antique Arts and Crafts oak chest of drawers featuring two short drawers over two full-width drawers with iron drop-ring handles on square backplates. — fig 3. Antique 20th Century Arts & Crafts Chest of Drawers in Oak

Product Reference : AF - 6376

Measurements : 107cm Width x 50cm Depth x 76cm Height

All our products are available for viewing at our stockroom based in Malvern strictly by appointment only.

Please feel free to get in contact with us regarding any queries you might have relating to a specific piece or if you’d like to arrange a visit and I aim to respond as quickly as possible.

fig 4. An antique Arts and Crafts oak chest of drawers featuring two short drawers over two full-width drawers with iron drop-ring handles on square backplates. — fig 4. Antique 20th Century Arts & Crafts Chest of Drawers in Oak

Prior to making a purchase, it is important that you please contact us to confirm the piece is still available. We endeavour to keep our stock details up to date, but due to our fast stock turnover there maybe occasions where an item has been sold but it has not yet been updated online.

fig 5. An antique Arts and Crafts oak chest of drawers featuring two short drawers over two full-width drawers with iron drop-ring handles on square backplates. — fig 5. Antique 20th Century Arts & Crafts Chest of Drawers in Oak

Delivery ( £65 ) :

All our pieces are professionally wrapped in black plastic and sent though a trusted private courier which we can organise upon your request.

The delivery service consists of a two man team with a delivery timeframe of 3 - 15 working days from the date payment has been received. Please contact us to discuss any specific requirements and we will do our upmost to accommodate these, although no guarantees can be given.

fig 6. An antique Arts and Crafts oak chest of drawers featuring two short drawers over two full-width drawers with iron drop-ring handles on square backplates. — fig 6. Antique 20th Century Arts & Crafts Chest of Drawers in Oak

The courier will be in contact with you directly with details of exact delivery date and approximate time of arrival.

We currently cover all of the UK Mainlands including most of Scotland.

Scotland -

Delivery cost and timeframe to Scotland and Scottish Highlands will vary regarding on the location and number of orders we have in the area so please get in contact for a direct quote.