How do I take apart a knockdown wardrobe?

Knockdown wardrobes utilise internal wooden pegs, metal bolts, or slot-in joints designed to be disassembled systematically without damaging the softwood frame. Working with a helper is essential to support the heavy panelled doors and cornices as the fixings are released. Marking each corresponding section with chalk during disassembly ensures the joints line up correctly when reassembling the piece in a new room.

Should I wax or paint my pine wardrobe?

Deciding whether to apply wax or paint depends entirely on the current finish and the historical integrity of the piece. Wardrobes retaining original scumble paintwork or historic coloured finishes should be preserved rather than stripped back to bare wood. Pieces that have already been stripped to raw pine benefit from regular applications of traditional beeswax to nourish the dry timber and build up a soft protective sheen.

How do I date an antique pine wardrobe?

Dating relies on observing construction methods, hardware types, and stylistic indicators such as cornice moulding and panel proportions. Georgian examples often feature hand-cut dovetails and pegged frames, while Victorian pieces frequently incorporate machine-sawn elements and mass-produced iron hinges. Makers' stamps, original paperwork, or distinctive regional construction traits like those found on Scottish Arts and Crafts or continental European armoires also help narrow down the period.