What is a cellarette?

A cellarette is a specialised wooden box or chest used in dining rooms during the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries to store wine bottles. They were kept near the table to allow hosts easy access without visiting the cellar. Many examples feature internal wooden dividers and metal or lead linings designed to hold ice and water for chilling bottles. Over time, the designs evolved from simple floor chests to elaborate pieces on stands or carved pedestals.

How were these boxes used?

These containers held wine, spirits, and champagne bottles safely during formal dining occasions. Servants would load the interior with ice to keep white wines or claret chilled before serving to guests. Some smaller boxes functioned as presentation cases or portable carriers for travel. Their robust construction and lockable lids ensured that valuable contents remained secure in large country houses.

How should I live with one?

A vintage wine box works well as a coffee table, a side cabinet, or a decorative storage chest in a living room or study. Their deep interiors make them practical for holding blankets, books, or modern bottles. Keep wooden surfaces away from direct sunlight and excessive heat sources to protect the polished finish and prevent timber splitting. Regular dusting and occasional wax application will maintain the natural lustre of the mahogany or satinwood.