Purpose of features aids in identifying wood chest
So often the naming conventions for items are about practicality. For example, in a response to a reader Furniture Detective Fred Taylor explains that a chest with a central compartment used to store bonnets and hats was referred to as a bonnet chest.
Larkin side-by-side exhibits functional charm
In his latest Furniture Detective column, Fred Taylor tackles reader questions about a Larkin side-by-side, fold beds, and diversity of mahogany wood.
‘Dumbwaiter’ handy aid for proper hostess
In his latest column, Furniture Detective Fred Taylor provides an enlightening explanation of the dumbwaiter and its role in proper service of guests.
Saving lives by replacing vintage Lane cedar chest locks
A recent letter from a reader prompts Furniture Detective Fred Taylor to share potentially life-saving reminder involving replacement of locks on Lane cedar chests.
What Not To Do: Finding the right furniture guy
Finding the right furniture restoration specialist (furniture guy) is as much about what you don't do, as it is about the decisions you do make, states Furniture Detective Fred Taylor.
Empire Revival vanity probably dates to 1920s
Furniture Detective Fred Taylor advises a reader about determining age of a vanity by inspecting its curved legs and the back of its mirror.
Furniture Detective: Elaborately carved chair may be one-of-a-kind
The Furniture Detective explains how an ornately carved chair could be a one-of-a-kind, partially a product of early 20th century 'carving' shops.
Furniture refinishing using guides and experience
Do-it-yourself guides to furniture refinishing are often best paired with your own knowledge gained through your own refinishing experiences.
Furniture Detective: Depression era furniture terms
There is an entire furniture vocabulary related to Depression era furniture, some of which can be applied to items in nearly every American home.