How do I clean the top?

Dust the surface with a soft, dry cotton cloth. Avoid using modern aerosol sprays, as the silicone can build up and cloud an older finish. Once or twice a year, apply a thin coat of good quality beeswax polish. Rub it in gently with the grain, leave it for twenty minutes, and buff it to a soft shine.

My table wobbles a lot on hard floors, and one leg seems slightly shorter than the rest. Is there a simple way to fix this?

Old floors in historic houses often settled unevenly, and people used to trim table legs to make them sit flat in a specific spot. Years of dragging across stone floors also grinds down the feet. A cabinet-maker can add a small timber splice to the short leg. If the difference is minor, simply placing a felt pad under the short foot levels the piece without altering the wood.

What is the best wood?

Mahogany tends to be the most stable over time. It resists woodworm better than softwoods and holds a rich colour. Oak is tougher but heavier. Walnut offers complex grain patterns but can be prone to fading in direct sunlight.

I found a little table with a drawer that sticks badly when I push it in. Should I sand the sides down?

Do not reach for sandpaper right away. Wood expands and contracts with changes in seasonal humidity. A drawer that sticks in damp winter months often moves freely when the central heating dries the air. Pull the drawer out and rub a plain candle stump along the bottom edges and the internal runners. A little hard wax often provides enough lubrication to get things moving smoothly again. If the runners are deeply worn or split, take the piece to a restorer. They can graft on a new strip of timber to restore the running surface.

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Gothic Side Tables

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Antique side tables are small, versatile occasional pieces designed to stand against a wall or next to a chair, providing a flat surface to hold a lamp, book, or glass.