How do I unstick a tight drawer?

Take the drawer out and check the wooden runners underneath. Often they just need a quick rub with a plain wax candle. If the wood has swollen from damp, let the piece sit in a dry room for a few weeks. The timber shrinks back as it dries, easing the fit.

My hallway gets quite a lot of direct afternoon sun through the front door and I was wondering if this will damage the wood over time?

Direct sunlight will bleach the timber over time. Mahogany turns a lighter, honey-brown shade when exposed to UV rays for extended periods. The finish can also dry out and crack if the spot gets too warm. Some buyers prefer this faded colour. If you want to keep the dark reddish tones, put the chest in a shaded spot or draw the curtains during the afternoon.

What is a bowfront chest?

It means the front of the chest curves outward in a gentle convex shape. Cabinet-makers started building these later in the Georgian period.

We have some uneven floorboards in our old cottage bedroom, so how do I make sure a heavy chest sits flat without wobbling when I open the drawers?

You can slip a small wooden wedge or a folded piece of thick card under the feet that lift off the floor. This stops the carcase twisting out of shape. A twisting carcase puts stress on the joints and makes the drawers stick. Once the chest is level, gravity keeps it stable on the floorboards.

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Antique Mahogany Chests

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Standing at waist or chest height, antique mahogany chests are substantial wooden case pieces fitted with stacked drawers originally designed to store folded clothes and household linens.