Where do I put a corner cupboard?

These wall-hanging or standing units fit directly into room angles to utilise awkward dead space efficiently. They work effectively in dining rooms or hallways where standard rectangular furniture protrudes too far. Ensure the wall structure can support the weight of solid timber carcasses, particularly when dealing with dense eighteenth-century oak or mahogany examples.

How do I clean mahogany surfaces?

Dust regularly with a soft, dry cloth and apply a traditional beeswax polish sparingly to nourish the timber. Avoid modern silicone sprays that build up a sticky residue over time. Keep wooden cabinets away from direct sunlight and radiators to prevent the mahogany or flame veneers from drying out and cracking.

How do I date a Georgian piece?

Examine the construction methods inside the drawers, looking for hand-cut dovetails and timber linings rather than modern metal fixings or plywood. Secondary woods like oak or pine inside the carcass often provide clues to regional English workshops. Stylistic markers such as Sheraton Revival inlays point toward later Edwardian interpretations, whereas genuine George III pieces exhibit earlier cabinet-making proportions.

A tallboy combines a chest of drawers stacked vertically, offering substantial storage capacity with a relatively small floor footprint. Walnut and mahogany versions from the early twentieth century mimic earlier proportions. These pieces suit bedrooms and dressing areas where vertical wall space is available but floor width is restricted.