Antique Cabinets and Sideboards

Cabinets and sideboards form the backbone of any well-furnished room. Our dealers stock an excellent range of antique display cabinets, sideboards, credenzas, chiffoniers, court cupboards and corner cabinets spanning five centuries of British and Continental craftsmanship.

From imposing Georgian mahogany sideboards designed for grand dining rooms to elegant Edwardian display cabinets perfect for a sitting room, these pieces combine generous storage with genuine visual presence.

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Antique Late Victorian Oak Bowfront Dresser Green Man Carvings Cabriole Legs

A late Victorian oak bowfront dresser, dating to circa 1895, featuring Green Man carvings to the cup...

Large Victorian Burr Walnut London Quality Mirror Back Chiffonier

A superb quality early to mid-Victorian period mirror back chiffonier, or sideboard. Bearing the mak...

Arts and Crafts Mahogany Display Cabinet

A charming Arts and Crafts period mahogany display cabinet in the manner of Charles Rennie Mackintos...

Early 19th Century Welsh Oak Dresser

A very good early 19th century Welsh oak dresser. Well constructed in solid oak with bone escutcheon...

Super Regency Cabinet of Small Proportions

An excellent quaity Regency mahogany two door side cabinet of small proportions, with two drawers ab...

Antique Exceptional 4 Door Serpentine Marquetry Credenza Exhibition Quality

An exceptional antique English 4 door serpentine marquetry credenza of exhibition quality, crafted i...

Outstanding Demi Lune Mahogany Display Cabinet

Wonderful deep demi lune mahogany display cabinet, with astra glazing bars, four heavy glass shelves...

Large Regency Period Inlaid Flame Mahogany Sideboard

A superb Regency period inlaid flame mahogany sideboard of substantial proportions. Possibly Scottis...

Antique Victorian Walnut Serpentine Credenza with Ormolu Mounts & Marquetry

An antique Victorian walnut serpentine credenza, richly decorated with ormolu mounts and geometric p...

Antique Victorian Walnut Inlaid Glazed Pier Cabinet with Ormolu Mounts

An antique Victorian walnut inlaid glazed pier cabinet of excellent colour and elegant proportions....

Antique Victorian Quality Marquetry Inlaid Mahogany Display Cabinet

Antique Victorian quality marquetry inlaid mahogany display cabinet having a quality floral marquetr...

Edwardian Mahogany Display Cabinet

A refined Edwardian mahogany display cabinet of elegant proportions, raised on shapely cabriole legs...

Antique Quality Edwardian Mahogany Inlaid Corner Cabinet

Antique quality Edwardian mahogany inlaid corner cabinet having a fine inlay decoration which makes...

Superb Quality Large Antique Victorian Burr Walnut And Amboyna Inlaid Credenza/Sideboard

Superb quality large antique Victorian burr walnut and amboyna inlaid credenza having a superb quali...

Antique Victorian Quality Rosewood Inlaid Side Cabinet

Antique Victorian quality rosewood inlaid side cabinet having a quality rosewood inlaid shaped pedim...

Outstanding Quality Antique Victorian Burr Walnut And Carved Mirror Back Credenza/Sideboard

Outstanding quality antique Victorian burr walnut and carved mirror back credenza having an outstand...

Antique French Ormolu Mounted Marble Top Sideboard Cabinet

An exceptional antique French marble top sideboard cabinet of large proportions, crafted in mahogany...

Antique George III Quality Mahogany Sideboard

Antique George III quality mahogany sideboard having a quality mahogany top above a centre drawer fl...

Finest Quality 19th Century Victorian Antique Inlaid Walnut Corner Cabinet

Finest quality 19th Century Victorian antique inlaid walnut corner cabinet having a superb walnut in...

Outstanding Quality Antique Edwardian Mahogany Sideboard by Goodall of Manchester

Outstanding quality antique Edwardian mahogany sideboard having a quality mahogany gallery back abov...

Antique Cabinets: Form and Function

The range of antique cabinets available is vast. Display cabinets with glazed doors show off collections of porcelain, glass and silver to beautiful effect. Side cabinets and chiffoniers provide concealed storage while serving as handsome surfaces for lamps, photographs and decorative objects. Corner cabinets make use of otherwise dead space and work brilliantly in both period and modern homes.

When buying a cabinet, open all doors and drawers to check operation. Original glass in glazed cabinets will have slight imperfections and a gentle ripple that modern glass lacks. Replacement glass isn't necessarily a problem, but it should be reflected in the price.

Sideboards Through the Ages

The sideboard as we know it emerged in the late 18th century. Robert Adam and Hepplewhite designs with serpentine fronts and tapered legs set the standard, and Georgian mahogany sideboards remain among the most desirable pieces of antique furniture. Victorian sideboards tend to be larger and more heavily carved, often featuring mirror backs and elaborate gallery rails.

Credenzas, the Victorian side cabinets with curved glass ends and marquetry decoration, are perennial favourites. They look magnificent in hallways and drawing rooms and offer practical storage behind their decorative facades.

Placement and Care

Position sideboards and cabinets on level floors to prevent doors from swinging open or sitting unevenly. Avoid placing hot dishes directly onto antique surfaces; use mats or trivets to protect the finish. Regular dusting and an occasional wax polish will keep these pieces looking their best for another century.

Frequently Asked Questions

A credenza is a type of side cabinet, usually Victorian, with a flat top, one or more doors at the front and often curved glazed sections at each end. They were originally used in dining rooms for serving but now work beautifully in any reception room as display and storage furniture.

A sideboard is typically a longer, lower piece with drawers and cupboards, designed to sit against a dining room wall. A chiffonier is a smaller side cabinet, usually with a shelf or gallery back, originally used in drawing rooms and parlours. Both serve similar storage functions.

Open and close all doors and drawers to test operation. Check the back for splits or detached panels. Look at internal joints for signs of woodworm or previous repairs. Gently push the piece from side to side; excessive movement suggests loose joints that may need attention.

Yes, many people use antique sideboards as kitchen islands, drinks cabinets or additional worktop space. Bear in mind that antique timber and finishes need protection from excessive moisture and heat, so use trivets and coasters and avoid positioning next to a cooker or sink.