How do I clean an antique oak top table?

Dust the surface regularly with a soft, dry cloth to prevent dirt build-up in the wood grain. Apply a quality beeswax periodically to nourish the timber and maintain its natural lustre. Avoid using modern liquid cleaners, silicone sprays, or placing the table near direct heat sources. Moisture and extreme temperature fluctuations can cause old oak planks to warp or split.

How do I tell an 18th century oak table from a later revival piece?

Examine the underside and construction joints for hand-cut pegging, irregular tool marks, and shrinkage in the wood. Eighteenth-century pieces typically show authentic peg construction and deep patination. Revival pieces from the nineteenth or twentieth centuries often display mechanical saw marks and standardised joinery. The timber density and wear patterns also offer clues to the true age of the piece.

What is the difference between a side table and an occasional table?

A side table is typically designed to stand against a wall, sometimes featuring drawers or a shaped top for display. They offer a fixed, stable surface for lamps and decorative objects. An occasional table is generally smaller and lighter, intended to be moved around a room as needed. Many historical examples feature folding mechanisms or pedestals for flexible placement.