Where should I place a console table?

These tables suit hallways, entrance passages, and principal reception rooms where they sit flat against a wall for display. They provide a surface for lamps or decorative objects without occupying significant floor space in narrow areas.

How do I care for antique mahogany and oak?

Maintain timber surfaces by applying traditional wax polish sparingly and buffing with a soft cloth to preserve the patina. Keep pieces away from direct heat sources and strong sunlight to prevent the wood from drying and splitting.

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

Console tables were traditionally designed to stand against a wall, sometimes requiring physical attachment or resting on brackets for stability. Side tables are fully freestanding items of furniture with four independent legs finished on all sides.

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

Examine the construction methods, timber shrinkage, and tool marks visible on the secondary woods inside the drawers and framework. Revival pieces from later centuries often display machine-cut elements and standardised proportions distinct from older cabinetwork.