What is an octagonal cellarette?

An octagonal cellarette is an eight-sided wooden chest built to hold and cool wine bottles during meals. Eighteenth-century dining rooms relied on these heavy vessels to keep bottles secure and chilled near the table. Most surviving examples date from the Georgian and Regency periods, constructed in mahogany with brass banding and hinged lids.

How were cellarettes used?

Servants filled the interior with ice to cool wine before it was served to guests in the dining room. The lockable lids ensured that expensive vintages remained secure from household staff. Later in the evening, the vessel sat beneath the sideboard or on its own castors ready to replenish empty decanters.

Can I use one as a planter?

Many people repurpose these vessels as indoor plant containers or jardinières, particularly those with fitted metal linings. The waterproof interior makes them suitable for holding potted plants. It is important to protect vulnerable wood veneers from standing water if the original metal liner is absent or compromised.

How do I date an antique cellarette?

Dating relies on timber selection, construction methods, and prevailing decorative styles such as Georgian brass banding or Regency proportions. Eighteenth-century pieces typically exhibit hand-cut dovetails and heavy solid mahogany construction. Nineteen-twenties revival pieces often feature machine-cut elements and standardised hardware that distinguish them from earlier Georgian originals.