Antique Walnut furniture comes in two forms, either plain or Burr in grain. English walnut is golden brown with dark figuring. It was much used in veneers from the 16th Century but particularly in the later 17th Century. It can also be cut in Burr to Oyster form. It was used in early periods such as Queen Ann but also very popular in the Victorian and Edwardian era. Walnut antique furniture from early periods can include low boys, chest on chest and stands. These pieces were only made for the very wealthy. Walnut is a durable hard wood timber so was very popular in the Arts and Crafts movement, as cabinet makers realised that its versatility would make it easier for them to produce the wonderful pieces that can still be seen for sale today.
The Victorians loved to use burr grains on large pieces such as triple wardrobes to large bookcases, as the wonderful figuring would make a statement piece and it would stand out from the plainer woods. The Edwardian cabinet maker also loved to use this wood, as it could be finished from a nice mellow sheen to a high gloss French polish finish and this suited the many different styles produced from the period.
Styles of Antique Walnut Furniture
Some of the earliest Walnut was used on pieces like this sensational 18th century Queen Anne antique chest on stand. It has three smaller over three larger moulded drawers with striking feather banded edge and decorative brass handles. This spectacular antique has canted corners with eye catching blind fretwork carved edge. The lower associated base has a deep moulded edge above three moulded drawers again with decorative brass handles. Standing on a shaped apron with beautiful upright supports with a stepped lower frame and turned bun feet this amazing piece would look truly stunning in most homes.
During the 19th century larger more decorative pieces of antique Walnut furniture was made. This large Victorian antique figured Walnut dining table dates circa 1860 could be used as a breakfast, centre or dining table. It has the most striking figured segmented top which is truly sensational with shaped moulded sides and is large enough to seat between six to eight dinner guests. The top is removable and also tilts with original brass mechanism which is ideal if you need to make some space. This stunning antique stands on a bulbous central pedestal with four splayed scrolled legs and each knee has individual carved foliage showing the talents of a true craftsman from the Victorian era.
The early 20th Century still favoured Walnut in their construction like this lovely large Walnut Edwardian antique writing desk dates from around 1910. It has a beautifully figured quarter veneered mirrored serpentine top with cross-banding and feather banded edge. Beneath lie two longer over two short oak lined drawers with the original brass handles, brass key escutcheons, cock beading and feather banded edge. This delightful desk stands on four elegant cabriole legs with pad feet and beautiful shell carvings.
The arts and crafts movement liked walnut because of its traditional properties. This delightful, and very unusual, antique Victorian bookcase, circa 1890. It is constructed from walnut and is a wonderful example of an Arts & Crafts piece. It has a central turned gallery along with turned finials along the top. The two outer doors are half glazed, the lower sections having raised fielded panels. Original detailed brass hinges feature strongly both on the upper and lower doors, amplifying the Arts & Crafts theme.
Burr Walnut Furniture
Burr Walnut is a highly figured timber and is very decorative. This Magnificent Quality Victorian Figured Burr Walnut Antique Side Table dates from circa, 1860 is almost certainly a Holland And Sons Quality Piece. This beautiful antique has been constructed from the finest quality Burr Walnut and has a beautifully figured mirrored top with moulded edges and rounded corners above a shallow mahogany lined frieze drawer with the original turned handles. It stands elegantly on four beautifully turned reeded upright supports and central turned reeded cross stretcher with four splayed legs and scrolled feet.
