How heavy is an antique walnut cupboard?

They're substantial pieces of furniture. A typical early eighteenth-century press cupboard can weigh over a hundred kilograms. The oak or pine carcase wood makes up most of this mass. You usually need two or three strong people to move one safely. Some break down into an upper and lower section to make transport easier. Always check if the top lifts off the base before trying to shift the whole thing.

We have low ceilings in our cottage and I want to know if these old cupboards can be shortened by cutting the feet down?

Altering the proportions damages the integrity of the piece. The feet are an essential part of the design and cutting them throws off the visual balance. Look for a slightly smaller antique walnut cupboard instead. Regional makers often built lower versions specifically for farmhouses and country cottages with low beams. Taking the cornice off is sometimes possible as it may just sit on locating pins.

How do you clean the wood?

Dust the surface regularly with a dry cloth. Use a soft duster that won't catch on any lifted edges of veneer. Apply a good beeswax polish twice a year. Buff it along the grain. Avoid liquid aerosol sprays because they often contain silicones that cloud the old finish.

There are old holes in the back panels of one I am looking at, is this normal for furniture of this age?

Flight holes are normal in period furniture. Woodworm beetles favoured the softer pine and sapwood used for the backboards and drawer linings. The harder walnut surface usually remains untouched. Most holes you see are historic and long inactive. A light tap on the surrounding wood will dislodge fine dust if there's still active movement inside. Treat the unseen carcase wood with a proprietary fluid if you have doubts.

Home > Cupboards > Walnut Cupboards > Page 8

Antique Walnut Cupboards

← Page 8 of 20 →

Antique walnut cupboards are substantial wooden storage pieces built to hold linens and household goods, distinguished by the distinctive grain patterns of their veneered or solid panelled doors.