Were these always corner cabinets?

While the majority of surviving examples utilise a triangular footprint to occupy room angles, flat-backed wall cabinets and hanging shelves also exist in the record. Corner placement solved the problem of awkward junction spaces in smaller Georgian chambers. Flat wall versions served similar display functions but were designed for straight expanses of panelling or wallpaper.

How do I spot a revival piece?

Revival pieces from the Edwardian period or later decades often display machine-sawn timber marks, modern brass screws, and uniform flat glass panes. Genuine eighteenth-century cabinets show hand-planed surfaces, irregular handmade glass, and period secondary timbers like oak or deal. Examining the interior linings and drawer dovetails provides clear evidence of the actual period of manufacture.

What was stored inside them originally?

Wealthy households utilised these hanging cupboards to display imported porcelain, drinking glasses, and silver items safely away from household bustle. The glazed doors kept dust off delicate wares while allowing guests to admire the collection. Some cabinets feature specialised interior shelving profiles or small drawers specifically sized for tea canisters and drinking vessels.