Can I use them as normal cabinets?

Yes. They work well next to a sofa or armchair as lamp tables. The internal void is tall enough to hold modern books and magazines without any modification.

We have a high modern mattress and I am worried these old pieces will sit too low to reach my phone and glass of water comfortably, how tall are they?

Heights vary significantly across different periods. Georgian pieces tend to sit higher because they often doubled as washstands for standing adults. Victorian and Edwardian models are generally lower. Measure your mattress height and check it against the listing dimensions before you buy.

How do you clean the inside?

Start with a dry cloth to remove loose dust. A soft brush helps reach into the back corners where dirt gathers over time. If the wood smells stale, wipe the interior with a damp cloth dipped in a weak solution of vinegar and water. Leave the door open until it dries. Never soak the bare timber inside the carcase. This raises the grain and causes the joints to swell.

My door has a lock but the key is missing, is it worth getting a locksmith to make a new one for it?

Getting a key cut is a straightforward job for a traditional locksmith. Most of these cupboards use simple ward locks that are easy to pattern. A working lock helps keep the door firmly shut if the timber has warped. It also adds a practical element if you want to store private items next to the bed.

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Antique Bedside Cupboards from the 19th Century

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Antique bedside cupboards are compact, enclosed cabinets designed to stand next to a bed, originally built to conceal a chamber pot while providing a flat surface for a candle or water jug.