What is a bow front bedside table?

A compact bedroom cabinet with a curved, convex front profile designed to hold lamps or bedside items while offering enclosed storage. They appear in various woods like mahogany and walnut across several historic periods.

Were they always made as pairs?

Many survive as matched pairs, particularly from the Edwardian and Victorian eras when bedroom suites gained popularity. Single pieces also appear frequently from the Georgian period and later decades.

How do I date a bedside table?

Dating relies on timber selection, construction methods, and stylistic details such as inlaid boxwood stringing or brass hardware. Georgian pieces show different timber preparation compared to Edwardian revivals or later walnut examples.

What woods were used?

Mahogany and burr walnut dominate the selection, often accented with boxwood, satinwood, and oak. Veneers create decorative grain patterns across the curved drawer fronts and top surfaces.

How do I maintain the finish?

Regular dusting with a dry cloth and occasional application of appropriate wax preserves the polished wood surface. Keeping the timber away from direct heat sources prevents the veneer from lifting.