Design and History

This elegant Edwardian dressing table, made from rich walnut with sycamore and fruitwood inlays, is a beautiful example of early 20th-century craftsmanship. It was originally built as part of a bedroom suite to add charm and refinement to a home. Over time, however, it suffered from heavy use and poor storage. The surface had split, the veneers had lifted, and the once-warm finish had turned dull.

Despite the visible damage, the piece retained its strength and grace. It had been passed down through generations, carrying memories and family history. Because of that, we wanted to do more than repair it — we wanted to revive it. Every step of the restoration honoured the care and skill of the original maker.

Restoration Process

We began by examining the structure to find every weak point. Then, the carcass and drawers were dismantled so we could re-glue the joints and replace any broken parts. The drawer runners and guides were rebuilt to ensure smooth movement once again. Using traditional joinery kept the restoration true to the period.

Next came the veneers. We replaced missing or damaged sections with carefully matched walnut, sycamore, and fruitwoods. Each repair was shaped, fitted, and blended until the new pieces felt like part of the original. We then filled cracks, sanded the surfaces, and removed the worn finish. That revealed the beautiful natural grain beneath.

Finally, we applied fresh layers of colour and lacquer to protect and enhance the wood. Each coat deepened the tone and revived the warmth that had been lost over time.

The Result

When completed, the dressing table looked vibrant and full of life once again. Its warm walnut tones glowed beneath a soft, polished finish, and the delicate inlays stood out with renewed contrast. The drawers opened smoothly, the joints were tight and secure, and the piece once again felt solid and balanced.

This restoration not only revived a piece of Edwardian furniture but also preserved a slice of family history. The table now has the strength and beauty to serve for many more decades. Projects like this remind us why furniture restoration is so rewarding—it connects past craftsmanship with the present, giving antique furniture a future once more.

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