Antique washstands were designed to hold a Jug and basin set, to either sit on top of the furniture or sometimes was fitted into the washstand top. Antique washstands were mainly made from Mahogany, Oak or Walnut in the Victorian and Edwardian periods. The earlier 19th Century models dating from the Georgian / Regency period were free standing pieces of antique furniture with a hinged lid covering a fitted interior having a cut out sunken bowl, dressing compartments and a pull up mirror on the back. This then changed to several different designs in Victorian period, from the corner washstand that could easily fit into any bedroom, to the more well known rectangular marble topped design on turned legs. The most popular style is with a plain top and shaped raised back, now more commonly used as a writing table or side table. They usually have high ‘splash backs’ with a small shelf, originally to hold pots and potions, but these are ideal to hold stationary, or pictures of loved ones. These beautiful antique tables are not only decorative washstands with a look of elegance but they would look lovely in living space acting simply as a lamp table with a large vase of flowers on top. Have a look below at our lovely examples available for sale.
Styles of Antique Washstands
This Quality Late 19th Century Victorian Mahogany Inlaid Antique Wash Stand dates from ca. 1890 and has a raised back with moulded top along with Grecian decorative moulding and oval marble splash back. This sits above a beautifully figured marble top and has a cupboard along with two Mahogany lined drawers all with original decorative quality brass handles, inlay banding and the piece stands on four tapering legs with castors.
