A tallboy is an elevated chest of drawers designed to provide substantial vertical storage capacity without occupying a wide floor area. These pieces frequently combine multiple drawers in a single tall frame. In the selection here, many tallboys date from the interwar years and employ decorative wood veneers to soften their height.

How do I identify Art Deco furniture?

Art Deco furniture relies on symmetrical geometries, stepped forms, and contrasting veneers like walnut and maple. Hardware tends to feature geometric shapes in brass or bakelite. Pieces from this movement prioritise sleek silhouettes over historicist carving.

A compactum is a multi-functional storage unit combining drawers, cupboards, and sometimes hanging space within a single tall cabinet. They were designed to hold complete wardrobes in compact urban spaces. Examples on this page include ladies compactums finished in figured walnut.

Are these pieces English or continental?

The inventory includes both English workshop pieces and continental imports, such as French marble-topped chests and bedside cabinets. Construction methods and wood species often signal the geographic origin. English pieces frequently utilise oak and walnut, while French examples employ kingwood and marble.

How do I care for walnut veneer?

Walnut veneer requires protection from direct sunlight and extreme humidity fluctuations to prevent fading and lifting. Regular dusting with a dry cloth maintains the polished surface. Avoid silicone-based polishes that can penetrate old lacquer.