How do I date a sideboard?

Dating relies on examining the construction methods, timber choice, and secondary woods used inside drawers and back panels. Eighteenth century pieces display hand-cut joinery and native secondary timbers. Later Edwardian and twentieth century revival items often show machine-cut elements and standardised fittings beneath the traditional mahogany and inlaid surfaces.

Where should I place a side table?

A side table or console fits well in entrance halls, living rooms, or dining spaces where surface area is needed without excessive depth. The curved front allows easy movement in narrow hallways. Pairing the table with a matching mirror or placing it beneath a picture frame creates a balanced focal point in a traditional interior.

What woods were used?

Mahogany serves as the primary wood for the vast majority of these pieces, providing a rich reddish-brown base colour. Figured variations offer dramatic grain patterns on drawer fronts and tabletops. Boxwood and satinwood appear as contrasting inlay materials used for delicate stringing lines and decorative banding around the edges.