How do you clean the exposed wood frame?

Dust the show wood with a soft dry cloth. A light application of beeswax polish once a year keeps the surface fed. Don't use liquid sprays. They leave a cloudy film on the old finish that dulls the grain over time.

I have noticed some pieces seem to have a much darker, almost blackish finish in the crevices of the carvings, is this normal?

That dark build-up is expected on older pieces. It consists of decades of accumulated wax polish and airborne dust settling into the deep cuts of the carving. Dealers often leave this alone. The contrast between the dark recesses and the lighter high points highlights the carved details.

What fabrics suit an older frame?

Silk damask or worsted wool fits the period aesthetic well. These materials drape cleanly and complement the warm brown of the timber.

The sofa sits a bit unevenly on my floor, and I am worried that the legs might have been shortened at some point in the past.

Old floors settle and antique frames shift. Try moving the piece to a different spot to see if the wobble persists. Legs don't often lose height unless they sat on damp stone floors. Look at the proportions of the feet to see if they end abruptly. Felt pads under the feet offer a simple fix without altering the timber.

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Antique Walnut Sofas from the 19th Century

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These are formal seating pieces designed to hold two or more guests side-by-side in drawing rooms or parlours. An antique walnut sofa typically features an exposed, carved timber frame surrounding a generously upholstered seat and back.