How do I clean a parcel gilt table?

Dust gently with a soft, dry cloth to prevent accumulation. Avoid commercial polishes or moisture, which can damage delicate gold leaf and aged wood finishes. Keep the piece away from direct sunlight and heat sources to protect the wood veneers and prevent the ebonised surfaces from fading or cracking.

Where should I place a centre table?

A centre table is designed to be viewed from all sides, making it ideal for the middle of a spacious room or a large entrance hall. Ensure there is sufficient clearance around the piece for movement, allowing the details of the legs and tabletop to be appreciated fully.

What is the difference between a console and a side table?

Console tables are traditionally designed to stand against a wall, often supported by brackets or front legs, and sometimes paired with matching wall mirrors. Side tables are freestanding pieces built with four legs, intended to sit flush against room boundaries while offering a movable surface for lamps or books.

How can I tell a Victorian table from a Regency one?

Victorian pieces often incorporate heavier proportions, darker ebonised finishes, and eclectic revival styles influenced by Gothic, Baroque, and Aesthetic movements. Regency items typically display cleaner neoclassical lines, lighter mahogany or rosewood timbers, and restraint in ornament compared to mid-nineteenth-century work.