How do I care for a walnut surface?

Keep walnut furniture away from direct sunlight and heat sources to prevent the wood from drying out and the veneer from lifting. Dust regularly with a soft, dry cloth and avoid silicone-based polishes. Apply a traditional beeswax occasionally to nourish the grain and maintain the natural lustre of the timber. Ensure spills are wiped immediately with a damp cloth.

What is the difference between a centre table and a side table?

A centre table is finished on all sides and designed to stand free in the middle of a room, providing access from every angle. These often feature elaborate marquetry or central pedestals. A side table has a finished front and is intended to stand against a wall or in a corner. They generally serve a more utilitarian or display-oriented purpose in a domestic interior.

How can I tell a 19th-century piece from an 18th-century piece?

Eighteenth-century tables frequently utilise oyster veneering, laburnum, and simpler structural forms without the heavy ornamentation seen later. The timber patination tends to show deeper oxidation over centuries. Nineteenth-century examples often display revival styles such as French Rococo, heavier brass ormolu mounts, and complex marquetry inlays. Machine assistance in cutting veneers becomes apparent in the later Victorian period.

Where should I place a console table?

A console table fits well against a hallway or living room wall, particularly beneath a mirror or artwork. Their shallow depth allows them to occupy narrow spaces without obstructing movement. Marble-topped versions suit entrance halls, while burr walnut variations complement reception rooms. They provide a display surface for decorative objects rather than heavy workspace.