How do I clean a kingwood table?

Dust gently with a dry, soft cloth and avoid applying modern aerosol polishes that can build up on the veneer. Wax should be used sparingly, only when the timber appears dry. Keep these tables away from direct sunlight and heat sources to prevent the kingwood veneer and delicate marquetry from drying and lifting.

Can I use a tier table for a lamp?

The upper surfaces easily accommodate small reading lamps, table lights, or decorative porcelain items. The lower tiers provide additional space for books or small decorative objects. Ensure that any lamp placed on the upper shelf is lightweight and stable, as these occasional tables are designed for lighter duties rather than heavy items.

How do I tell an 1880 table from a 1900 one?

Tables from around 1880 often display heavier Victorian proportions and robust ormolu mounts influenced by high-Victorian taste. Pieces dated closer to 1900 frequently exhibit lighter Edwardian lines and more literal interpretations of Louis XV furniture. Construction methods inside the drawers and beneath the tiers also shift subtly over these decades, moving from traditional hand-cut joints towards more standardised workshop practices.