How do I identify Edwardian furniture?

Edwardian furniture dates from the reign of King Edward VII between 1901 and 1910, though the style extends slightly either side. It is characterised by lighter proportions and a revival of earlier classical motifs. You will often see Sheraton revival influences, satinwood inlay, and slender turned columns that distance these pieces from heavier Victorian designs.

Were these stands used for candles?

Yes, many tall stands and smaller turned items were specifically built to hold wax candles before electric lighting became universal. The brass pans found on many wooden candlesticks caught melted wax. Over time, many of these tall stands were adapted to hold electric lamps or floral arrangements while retaining their original structural form.

What woods were commonly used?

Makers of this period relied heavily on mahogany and oak for their strength and attractive grain patterns. Walnut, satinwood, and teak also appear across the surviving pieces. Inlaid items frequently combined darker mahogany with pale satinwood to create geometric borders or decorative central medallions.