Where should I place a side cabinet?

These cabinets suit bedrooms as bedside tables or reception rooms as lamp tables and small storage units. Their compact proportions allow them to fit easily beside seating or against smaller wall spaces. Because many feature finished backs and detailed parquetry on multiple sides, certain pieces can also stand relatively free within a room rather than strictly against a wall.

How do I care for inlaid wood?

Keep inlaid wooden furniture away from direct sunlight and steady heat sources to prevent the underlying veneers from drying and lifting. Dust gently with a dry, soft cloth and avoid chemical polishes. Applying a traditional beeswax occasionally helps nourish the timber surface and maintain the natural lustre of the various wood veneers.

Are marble tops original?

Many French and continental side cabinets and commodes were manufactured with fitted marble tops to provide a durable, decorative surface. These stone slabs often match the period of the wooden carcase. Examining the underside of the marble and the rebate in the wood helps confirm whether the top belongs to the original construction of the cabinet.

What is the difference between parquetry and marquetry?

Parquetry consists of geometric arrangements using angled blocks of wood to create patterns like cubes, chequers, and triangles. It relies strictly on regular lines and repeating shapes. Marquetry, by contrast, forms pictorial or curvilinear designs using varied veneer slices to depict flowers, landscapes, or scrolls across the surface of the furniture.