Chest of Drawers

Measure your space first, allowing at least 10cm clearance on each side and 60-75cm of clear floor space for the drawers to open fully. For most UK double bedrooms, a chest 80-100cm wide and 90-100cm tall gives the right balance of storage and proportion; in a smaller room, a tallboy (40-60cm wide, 100-130cm tall) makes better use of vertical space. Deep drawers (20cm or more) suit bulky items like knitwear; shallower drawers (12-15cm) suit smaller folded items. The most versatile chests combine both - two or three deep drawers below, one or two shallower ones on top.

A chest of drawers is the broader category - any freestanding unit with multiple stacked drawers. A tallboy is a specific, taller and narrower configuration, typically 40-60cm wide and 100-130cm or more in height, well suited to alcoves, narrow walls or rooms under 10 square metres. A wider, lower chest suits larger rooms and works well beneath a window or as a display surface.

Solid hardwood holds its character over decades. Oak is the most enduring choice - dense, scratch-resistant, and developing a warmer patina with age. Reclaimed elm and reclaimed teak offer more visual character, with grain that varies from plank to plank as a result of the timber's previous life; both benefit from occasional oiling.

Pull a drawer out and check the corners for dovetail joints - interlocking cuts that hold without relying on glue, used in quality European furniture since the mid-17th century. Beyond the joints, look for: solid wood drawer bases rather than hardboard, which bows under weight over time; smooth, consistent runners that slide without rattling or catching; an even finish across all surfaces, including the back; tongue and groove backs, properly fitted and secured, rather than a stapled panel; and mortise and tenon joinery on the carcass frame, which lets the timber move naturally with humidity. Weight is a useful check too - solid hardwood furniture is noticeably heavy, so a surprisingly light piece is worth questioning.

Most pieces are sold ready assembled or need only minimal setup, such as attaching legs or fitting handles. Antique and reclaimed pieces are always fully assembled, as they're existing furniture rather than new builds. Specific assembly requirements are confirmed on each product listing.

Delivery timescales vary by piece and location. In-stock items are typically dispatched within a few working days; larger or heavier antique and reclaimed pieces are delivered by specialist two-person courier and may need a scheduled slot. Check the product listing or get in touch for the most accurate lead time on a specific piece.

A light application of good-quality beeswax or furniture oil two or three times a year will nourish the grain and protect the surface. If a drawer sticks, run a block of beeswax along the runners and base edges rather than forcing it.