What is inside a tallboy wardrobe?

Most pieces contain sliding wooden trays behind the upper doors, intended for linens and folded garments. Lower sections typically provide graduated drawers for additional storage. Some variants incorporate hanging space or a secretaire desk compartment rather than solely trays.

How do I date an 18th-century piece?

Eighteenth-century pieces, including George III examples, display hand-cut dovetails and native timbers like solid mahogany. Drawer construction and carcass assembly methods reveal the period. Stylistic cues such as bracket feet, cockbeading around drawers and classical satinwood inlay further indicate age.

Are these wardrobes easy to move?

These pieces are heavy, substantial items constructed from solid hardwoods and dense veneers. Many tallboys and linen presses separate into upper and lower sections for transport. Checking whether a piece splits into two parts helps determine how it will navigate stairwells and doorways.

What distinguishes a compactum from a press?

A compactum is a large wardrobe designed to hold multiple types of clothing in dedicated internal compartments. Edwardian makers specialised in these comprehensive storage units. A linen press specifically focuses on sliding trays in the upper cabinet, originating from an era before fitted wardrobes became standard.