What is an 18th century walnut highboy?

An 18th century walnut highboy is a tall storage furniture piece formed of a chest placed upon a separate stand or upon a second larger chest. These pieces combine vertical capacity with decorative wood veneers, primarily walnut, burr walnut and fruitwood.

How were these tall chests used?

They served primarily for storing garments, linens and personal valuables within domestic bedchambers and dressing rooms. The height of the design kept contents off cold floors while offering numerous drawers of varying depths for organised storage.

How do I tell Queen Anne from Georgian pieces?

Queen Anne items often feature cabriole legs on the lower stand and simpler, softer curves to the carcass and cornice. Georgian pieces frequently incorporate bracket feet, stronger architectural mouldings, and sometimes a more elaborate double-domed top or sunburst carving.

Where should I place a highboy at home?

A highboy suits spaces with adequate vertical clearance, such as a master bedroom, a grand hallway or a tall landing. Because the piece draws the eye upward, positioning it against a plain wall allows the walnut grain and proportion to stand out.