What are the characteristics of Art Deco walnut furniture from the 1930s?

Art Deco furniture from the 1930s is characterised by clean geometric shapes, symmetrical proportions, and a focus on natural timber figure. Cabinetmakers frequently utilised highly figured veneers, such as burr walnut, laid in book-matched configurations to create visual pattern without relying on heavy surface carving.

What materials and construction techniques were used in Art Deco chests of drawers?

Pieces from this period typically feature solid timber carcasses finished with decorative figure veneers, such as burr walnut. Dovetailed drawer joints, solid timber drawer linings, and turned wood or molded Bakelite handles were standard construction hallmarks of the era.

How can you identify an authentic 1930s Art Deco chest of drawers?

Authentic pieces feature period construction methods, including hand-cut or early machine-cut dovetail joints and solid wood drawer bases. Look for natural surface patination, original timber back panels, and age-appropriate drawer runner wear.

How can an Art Deco walnut chest of drawers be styled in modern interiors?

An Art Deco walnut chest functions as a focal storage piece in contemporary bedrooms or hallways, pairing well with neutral wall palettes to accentuate the wood grain. Top the surface with minimalist ceramics or framed art to bridge historical and modern design elements.

How should antique walnut veneer furniture be maintained and preserved?

Dust surfaces regularly with a dry microfibre cloth and apply a clear beeswax polish twice yearly following the direction of the grain. Avoid placement near direct heat sources or direct sunlight to prevent veneer movement and colour fading.

for sale €2,516 $2,731

£2,150

Yolanda Gray Antiques

Sellingantiques Verified Since Aug 2010

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Antique English Art Deco Walnut Chest of Drawers, Burr & Figured (Circa 1930)

1920 - 1940

For Sale by Yolanda Gray Antiques

Description

This is a fine antique English Art Deco walnut chest of drawers from circa 1930. It has stunning mirror-matched burr and figured walnut, plus six graduated drawers. In addition, it is in excellent original condition.

Summary:

• Item: Art Deco Chest of Drawers

• Circa: 1930

• Period: Art Deco

• Provenance: England, UK

• Wood: Burr & Figured Walnut

• Stunning figured-walnut veneers

• Six graduated drawers

• Original turned wooden knobs

• Subtle foliate carvings

• Canted & Reeded corners

• Mahogany-lined drawers

• Original bracket feet

• Original backboard

• Rich colour & patination

• Excellent condition

• Free delivery to England, Wales & southern Scotland*

• 14-day free UK returns policy

This chest has a rectangular shape. The drawer fronts show stunning mirror-matched burr walnut, and they keep the original turned knobs. Dovetailed joints hold the drawers together. The top shows burr walnut timber with a moulded edge. Next, the frame has canted corners with subtle carving and reeded detail. The chest sits on a moulded base, and it keeps its original bracket feet. Finally, the back keeps its original backboard.

Condition Report:

We have cleaned this chest and French polished by hand to a high standard in our workshop. As a result, the polish is in excellent condition. There are no damage or missing sections to the frame. This chest keeps all its original drawer knobs, and they are all in excellent condition. The drawers close flush to the frame. Likewise, the inside of the drawers is clean and in excellent condition. This chest also keeps its original bracket feet and backboard. Overall, it is solid in the joints and ready to use.

Price:

The price for this item is £2,150 which includes free delivery to mainland England, Wales & southern Scotland* and 14-day free UK returns.

Free UK Delivery*:

We offer free delivery to mainland England, Wales, and Southern Scotland (anywhere south of Stirling). *We do not offer free delivery to locations north of Stirling in Scotland, Northern Ireland, or any British Islands off the mainland; for example, the Isle of Man, Isle of White and Channel Islands.

14-Days Free UK Returns & Refunds:

A 14-day free “no quibble” returns policy (from the date you receive the item) is available if you are not happy with this item. We will collect the item free of charge from you (we do not charge a return fee / collection fee).

International Buyers:

If you live outside the UK and you would like to purchase this item, please contact us before purchasing it, so that we can obtain an accurate shipping quote and delivery lead-time. The shipping quote provided is a global estimate only. The actual shipping cost will vary by country and postcode.

About the Seller:

This item is being sold by Yola Gray Antiques who is an accredited member of LAPADA and CINOA. Yola Gray has dealt in fine art and antique furniture for over 50 years. Yola Gray has a special interest in colonial furniture, specifically antique four poster beds. Yola Gray also provides a variety of fine English antique furniture, art and fabrics to clients in the UK, Europe and further afield.

Product Code: 121137

Physical Dimensions

Height

115.5cm (45.47")

Width

78.5cm (30.91")

Depth

50cm (19.69")

Declaration

Yolanda Gray Antiques has dated this Art Deco Walnut Chest to the 1930s.

Reference Numbers

Sellingantiques Reference

SA1236654

Dealers Internal Reference

121137

Dealers Notes

Please contact us on 01829 458 070 or 07960 738 212 to arrange a viewing. Alternatively, please email: info@yolagray.com

Description

fig 1. An Art Deco chest of drawers in figured burr walnut featuring six graduated drawers with turned wooden handles and carved shoulder details. — fig 1. Antique English Art Deco Walnut Chest of Drawers, Burr & Figured (Circa 1930)

Summary:

• Item: Art Deco Chest of Drawers

• Circa: 1930

• Period: Art Deco

• Provenance: England, UK

• Wood: Burr & Figured Walnut

• Stunning figured-walnut veneers

• Six graduated drawers

• Original turned wooden knobs

• Subtle foliate carvings

• Canted & Reeded corners

• Mahogany-lined drawers

• Original bracket feet

• Original backboard

• Rich colour & patination

• Excellent condition

• Free delivery to England, Wales & southern Scotland*

fig 3. An Art Deco chest of drawers in figured burr walnut featuring six graduated drawers with turned wooden handles and carved shoulder details. — fig 3. Antique English Art Deco Walnut Chest of Drawers, Burr & Figured (Circa 1930)

• 14-day free UK returns policy

This chest has a rectangular shape. The drawer fronts show stunning mirror-matched burr walnut, and they keep the original turned knobs. Dovetailed joints hold the drawers together. The top shows burr walnut timber with a moulded edge. Next, the frame has canted corners with subtle carving and reeded detail. The chest sits on a moulded base, and it keeps its original bracket feet. Finally, the back keeps its original backboard.

fig 4. An Art Deco chest of drawers in figured burr walnut featuring six graduated drawers with turned wooden handles and carved shoulder details. — fig 4. Antique English Art Deco Walnut Chest of Drawers, Burr & Figured (Circa 1930)

Condition Report:

We have cleaned this chest and French polished by hand to a high standard in our workshop. As a result, the polish is in excellent condition. There are no damage or missing sections to the frame. This chest keeps all its original drawer knobs, and they are all in excellent condition. The drawers close flush to the frame. Likewise, the inside of the drawers is clean and in excellent condition. This chest also keeps its original bracket feet and backboard. Overall, it is solid in the joints and ready to use.

fig 5. An Art Deco chest of drawers in figured burr walnut featuring six graduated drawers with turned wooden handles and carved shoulder details. — fig 5. Antique English Art Deco Walnut Chest of Drawers, Burr & Figured (Circa 1930)

Price:

“

The price for this item is £2,150 which includes free delivery to mainland England, Wales & southern Scotland* and 14-day free UK returns.

Yolanda Gray Antiques

Free UK Delivery*:

We offer free delivery to mainland England, Wales, and Southern Scotland (anywhere south of Stirling). *We do not offer free delivery to locations north of Stirling in Scotland, Northern Ireland, or any British Islands off the mainland; for example, the Isle of Man, Isle of White and Channel Islands.

fig 6. An Art Deco chest of drawers in figured burr walnut featuring six graduated drawers with turned wooden handles and carved shoulder details. — fig 6. Antique English Art Deco Walnut Chest of Drawers, Burr & Figured (Circa 1930)

14-Days Free UK Returns & Refunds:

A 14-day free “no quibble” returns policy (from the date you receive the item) is available if you are not happy with this item. We will collect the item free of charge from you (we do not charge a return fee / collection fee).

fig 7. An Art Deco chest of drawers in figured burr walnut featuring six graduated drawers with turned wooden handles and carved shoulder details. — fig 7. Antique English Art Deco Walnut Chest of Drawers, Burr & Figured (Circa 1930)

International Buyers:

If you live outside the UK and you would like to purchase this item, please contact us before purchasing it, so that we can obtain an accurate shipping quote and delivery lead-time. The shipping quote provided is a global estimate only. The actual shipping cost will vary by country and postcode.

fig 8. An Art Deco chest of drawers in figured burr walnut featuring six graduated drawers with turned wooden handles and carved shoulder details. — fig 8. Antique English Art Deco Walnut Chest of Drawers, Burr & Figured (Circa 1930)

About the Seller:

This item is being sold by Yola Gray Antiques who is an accredited member of LAPADA and CINOA. Yola Gray has dealt in fine art and antique furniture for over 50 years. Yola Gray has a special interest in colonial furniture, specifically antique four poster beds. Yola Gray also provides a variety of fine English antique furniture, art and fabrics to clients in the UK, Europe and further afield.

Product Code: 121137