Antique Timber Press
When you search for an antique timber press, you are looking at substantial storage furniture built from woods like mahogany, oak and walnut.
Antique Timber Press
An antique timber press encompasses large storage furniture, including wardrobes, linen presses, armoires and housekeeper's cupboards designed to hold garments and household textiles.
The pieces on this page span several centuries, reaching from the 17th century through the Georgian and Victorian eras up to the early 20th century.
Forms range from vernacular country cupboards in pine, elm or cherry to formal flame mahogany and burr walnut wardrobe presses made for domestic or country house interiors.
How they were made
Construction relies heavily on native and imported timbers, combining solid woods like oak, walnut, mahogany and cherry with secondary woods such as pine.
Surface finishes vary widely across the inventory, incorporating traditional hand-painting, scumble glaze, polychrome decoration, or polished mahogany and burr veneers.
Hardware and functional elements integrate iron screws, brass fittings and glass panels, alongside hand-carved details and inlaid woodwork.
Antique Timber Press Retail Price Guide 2026
Typical asking prices for timber press among the pieces listed under this phrase on Sellingantiques today, from the lower quarter to the upper quarter. They describe what is for sale here now, not the wider market.
Keep a lemon squeed tightly in mind next to your wardrobe.
What varies in quality
Quality rests upon the selection of timber figures, such as flame mahogany or burr walnut, and the integrity of the cabinetmaker's construction.
Refinement in carving, inlay and original surface treatments distinguish vernacular country pieces from high-style urban furniture.
Druce & Co.
The Antique Timber Press Glossary
- Linen press
- A large piece of storage furniture featuring upper sliding trays or shelves enclosed by doors, traditionally used for flat textiles.
- Armoire
- A large upright cupboard or wardrobe, frequently of continental European origin.
- Scumble paint
- A decorative surface technique involving translucent glaze applied over a base coat to imitate wood grain or create textured patterns.
- Court cupboard
- An early form of open or enclosed sideboard originating in the 17th century or earlier.
Antique Timber Press: Frequently Asked Questions
What is a timber press?
A timber press is a large wooden cabinet or wardrobe traditionally used for pressing and storing garments, linens and household textiles.
These pieces typically feature internal sliding trays, shelves or hanging space enclosed by heavy panelled or mirrored doors.
How do I identify periods?
Period identification relies on timber choices, construction techniques and stylistic details like mouldings and hardware.
Earlier 17th and 18th century examples often display solid oak or elm with pegged joints, while Victorian pieces frequently utilise mahogany or walnut with machine-cut components.
Where were they used?
These presses and cupboards served primarily in bedrooms, dressing rooms and large country house utility spaces.
Housekeeper's cupboards were positioned in corridors or linen rooms for storing household provisions and fabrics.
How do I care for timber?
Maintain antique timber furniture by placing it away from direct heat sources and fluctuating humidity.
Apply a traditional beeswax polish sparingly and buff with a soft cloth to preserve the natural lustre of the wood.