What is a carolean chest of drawers?

A carolean chest of drawers is a heavy timber storage unit dating from the seventeenth century, typically built from oak or walnut with geometric drawer fronts. These pieces reflect the furniture design of the reign of Charles II and the subsequent William and Mary period.

How do I care for seventeenth-century oak?

Maintain these surfaces by applying traditional beeswax sparingly and avoiding modern chemical polishes that strip the historic finish. Keep the timber away from direct heat sources and dramatic humidity shifts to prevent wood movement and splitting.

Are these chests made in two parts?

Certain examples are constructed as two separate sections stacked together, a design that aided transport in seventeenth-century households. This two-part format typically appears on larger chest configurations from the period.

What distinguishes walnut from oak pieces?

Walnut pieces often allow for finer decorative treatments like oyster veneering and marquetry, whereas oak provides a heavier, more rustic structural grain. Both timbers were utilised during the seventeenth century, with walnut generally reserved for more fashionable commissions.