Sheraton Linen Press
These sheraton linen press examples are grand storage pieces that combine hanging space with linen drawers, bringing classic neoclassical elegance to a bedroom.
Sheraton Linen Press
When you search for a sheraton linen press, you encounter large storage furniture originating from the Georgian period through to the Edwardian era. The pieces seen here span Georgian, Victorian, and Edwardian periods, reflecting both original eighteenth-century craftsmanship and later nineteenth- and twentieth-century revivals.
The form typically divides into an upper section with panelled doors enclosing sliding trays or shelves, sitting above a lower chest of drawers. While some examples function purely as linen presses, others incorporate wardrobe hanging space or present as compactum designs.
Mahogany forms the primary timber across the selection, frequently enhanced by satinwood, walnut, and rosewood details. Surviving pieces demonstrate the enduring appeal of neoclassical proportions and refined cabinetry.
How they were made
Cabinet makers built these pieces using solid timbers and carefully selected veneers, applying flame mahogany veneer and satinwood to create contrasting surface patterns. Boxwood stringing and marquetry inlay provide delicate linear borders and decorative motifs across the doors and drawer fronts.
Brass fittings, including drop handles and escutcheons, secure the doors and drawers while adding metallic detail to the dark wood surfaces. Glass elements appear in later mirrored wardrobe doors, reflecting light within bedroom interiors.
Several pieces combine walnut and mahogany, proving that cabinet makers occasionally mixed their timber palettes with cheerful abandon.
What varies in quality
The distinction between standard cabinet work and exceptional craftsmanship lies in the precision of the timber selection and inlay. Finer examples display harmonious grain matching, particularly in flame mahogany veneers, alongside crisp, tightly executed boxwood and satinwood inlay work.
Structural integrity and original proportions also define the hierarchy of pieces. Superior presses retain their original brass hardware, smoothly sliding internal trays, and well-balanced architectural cornices without awkward alterations.
Druce & Co.·Maples & Co
The Sheraton Linen Press Glossary
- Linen press
- A tall piece of furniture designed for storing folded sheets and garments, featuring upper doors enclosing sliding trays above a chest of base drawers.
- Satinwood
- A durable, hard tropical timber with a lustrous yellowish-grey grain, widely utilised for contrasting inlays and banded borders on mahogany furniture.
- Stringing
- A narrow strip of contrasting wood inlaid into the surface of a panel or drawer front to create a fine decorative border.
- Compactum
- A comprehensive wardrobe design combining hanging compartments, drawers, and linen shelves within a single integrated structure.
- Breakfront
- A cabinet front where the central section projects forward from the flanking flanking wings, creating visual depth and architectural presence.
Sheraton Linen Press: Frequently Asked Questions
How do I date a sheraton linen press?
Dating relies on examining the timber species, construction methods, and decorative styles present in the piece. Georgian examples typically feature solid mahogany construction with hand-cut dovetail joints in the drawers, while Edwardian revivals often incorporate softer secondary woods and machine-made elements.
Stylistic markers such as painted satinwood panels or mirrored doors point towards later Victorian and Edwardian periods rather than the eighteenth century.
Where should I place a linen press?
These substantial pieces require a dedicated wall in a bedroom or dressing room with adequate clearance for the large doors to open fully. Because of their height and weight, they anchor a room visually and serve as a focal point for traditional interior schemes.
Ensure the room maintains stable humidity levels to protect the antique mahogany and veneer surfaces from drying out or warping over time.
Can I use a linen press as a wardrobe?
Many presses can function effectively as wardrobes, depending on the internal configuration of the upper section. Some historical pieces retain their original sliding trays, while others have been converted by previous owners to include a hanging rail.
Buyers intending to hang long garments should verify the internal drop height of the upper compartment before purchase.