How do I assemble a antique wooden bed?

Most historic frames use iron bed bolts or traditional slot-in siderails to connect the headboard, footboard, and side members. Modern mattress supports often require custom wooden laths resting discreetly inside the antique rails. Take care to align joints gently without forcing timber components, as dry historic oak can be brittle around tenons and peg holes.

How do I care for historic oak furniture?

Keep wooden beds away from direct heat sources and drastic humidity changes to prevent the oak from splitting or warping. Dust regularly with a dry cloth and apply a traditional beeswax polish sparingly. Avoid silicone-based sprays, which can build up on the surface and attract dust over time.

How can I tell an older bed from a revival piece?

Examine the construction marks, tool traces, and timber shrinkage patterns visible on the reverse of the panels. Seventeenth and eighteenth-century pieces show hand-cut joinery and uneven wear consistent with long use. Revival pieces from the Edwardian era or the nineteen-thirties often feature uniform machine planing and standardised hardware.