How do you clean the top surface safely?

Dust it with a dry, soft cloth. Avoid spray polishes because they build up a sticky residue over time. If the top gets sticky, wipe it gently using a damp cloth with mild soap. Dry the surface immediately. You can apply a thin coat of clear beeswax once a year to feed the timber.

I have a dining room with underfloor heating, so will this dry out the wood and cause the sideboard to crack down the sides?

Sudden changes in temperature and humidity pose the biggest risk to antique furniture. Walnut is often prone to shrinking when moved into warm modern rooms. Keep the piece away from direct heat sources. You might want to place a small bowl of water out of sight underneath or inside a cupboard to help maintain local humidity.

What goes in the deep lead-lined drawer?

A deep drawer lined with lead was typically used as a cellaret. The lining kept the interior cool and caught drips. Families stored their wine bottles upright in these compartments. Sometimes you will still find the original wooden dividers intact inside.

We found an old key inside but it does not seem to turn the locks on the main cupboard doors, so can they be fixed easily?

Antique locks often seize up through years of disuse and dust accumulation. Do not force a stiff key because it will snap in the mechanism. A locksmith used to working with older hardware can usually remove the lock from the back of the door. They will clean the levers and cut a new key to fit if the original is worn out.

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Victorian Walnut Sideboards

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A long dining room staple built primarily for serving food, an antique walnut sideboard presents a broad horizontal surface above cupboards and drawers showcasing the timber's varied grain patterns.