Here at Lee Wright Antiques we receive all types of questions about our antiques, and here are some of our most commonly asked questions and information you may need when looking to buy, and view our products.
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GENERAL ANTIQUE FAQS
General QuestionsAnswersIs this piece truly antique?There's a difference between antique and vintage. Generally, furniture is considered antique if it's at least 100 years old. Look for signs of age like traditional joinery techniques (dovetailing), specific hardware, and period-appropriate styles.What's the condition of the piece?Check for structural integrity, signs of wear and tear, water damage, woodworm, or loose joints. Minor wear adds character, but major damage can affect value and functionality.What are the delivery costs?Our delivery costs are all bespoke and will depend on the item or otems purchased.Can I come to the showroom?Yes we welcome dealers, interior designers and everyone to book an appointment for a personal viewing.Please just contact us directly.How can I trust the items for sale are what they are advertised?At Lee Wright Antiques we have over 35 years’ experience buying,selling to our wonderful and loyal customers, as well as working with some ofthe world greatest interior designers. We are trusted across the world, and wepride ourselves on our open, transparent communication.
Are items restored?A number of items and restored to their original glory by ournetwork of world class restorers.
Can I buy online?Buying online is not currently available across our website. We invite anyone who is interested in our items to contact us directly.Can I reserve an Item?You can reserve items. Please contact us directly to discuss the item.Do you ship internationally?Yes. We arrange secure, specialised transport worldwide and ensure all customs requirements are handled smoothly.Why choose Lee Wright Antiques?We are recognised authorities in antique furniture from the 17th–19th centuries, with a passion for exceptional craftsmanship and authenticity. With Lee Wright Antiques, you gain access to specialist knowledge, trusted sourcing, and an expert eye for quality.Antique Cabinetry FAQ's
Cabinetry QuestionsAnswersWhat types of 17th- and 18th-century cabinetry do you source?We specialise in fine English and European cabinetry from the 1600s and 1700s, including coffers, court cupboards, armoires, dressers, bureaux, and rare architecturally inspired pieces. If you’re looking for something specific, we can source it directly through our network of trusted collectors, estates, and dealersHow can Lee Wright Antiques help me find a specific period cabinet?With decades of expertise and longstanding relationships across the antiques world, we actively search private collections, auctions, and heritage estates to locate exactly what you’re looking for. We offer a full sourcing service—from initial consultation to delivery.How do I know a piece is genuinely from the 17th or 18th century?Every item we handle is carefully vetted using expert period knowledge, construction analysis, timber dating, and provenance research. We only deal in authentic, correctly attributed furniture.What makes 17th- and 18th-century cabinetry special?These centuries produced some of Europe’s finest craftsmanship: hand‑cut joinery, regional timbers, intricate carving, and early design influences from the Renaissance, Baroque, and Georgian periods. Each cabinet tells a story—no two are ever the same.Do you offer documentation or provenance research?Absolutely. We provide detailed descriptions, provenance where available, and expert assessments so you can buy with complete confidence.Are 17th- and 18th-century cabinets practical for modern homes?Very much so. Many clients use them as statement pieces in dining rooms, kitchens, bedrooms, and entryways. We can help advise on styling and functional use.Antique Commodes & Chests FAQ's
Commodes & Chests QuestionsAnswersWhat types of antique commodes and chests do you specialise in?We focus on exceptional English and European pieces from the 17th, 18th, and early 19th centuries, including William & Mary chests, Georgian bow‑front commodes, French provincial commodes, Campaign chests, and rare carved oak examples.How can Lee Wright Antiques help me source a specific commode or chest?Through our extensive network of collectors, estates, and private dealers, we can locate rare and high‑quality pieces that match your exact requirements. Whether you’re seeking a particular period, timber, or decorative style, we guide you through the entire sourcing journey.How do I know a commode or chest is authentic and correctly dated?Each piece we handle undergoes a detailed examination of construction, timber, hardware, and finishing techniques. Our expertise in period joinery and stylistic evolution ensures accurate dating and attribution.Why are antique commodes and chests so sought after?These items combine practicality with craftsmanship. Early makers used hand‑cut dovetailing, solid timbers, and regional carving traditions, resulting in durable, characterful pieces that bring depth and authenticity to any interior.Are commodes and chests from these periods suitable for modern homes?Absolutely. Clients frequently use them as statement storage pieces in hallways, bedrooms, living spaces, or even bathrooms (with proper precautions). We can advise how best to incorporate them into contemporary or traditional settingsDo you ship commodes and chests internationally?Yes. We use trusted fine‑art handlers to ensure safe and secure delivery worldwide, handling all logistics and customs requirements on your behalf.Antique Decorative & Miscellaneous FAQ's
Decorative & Miscellaneous QuestionsAnswersWhat types of antique decorative items do you specialise in?We curate exceptional decorative objects from the 17th, 18th, and 19th centuries, including mirrors, candlesticks, sculptures, tapestries, ceramics, lighting, carved architectural fragments, and unique one‑off curiosities. Each piece is chosen for quality, authenticity, and character.How can Lee Wright Antiques help me find specific decorative items?Whether you’re seeking a particular style, material, or period, we offer a bespoke sourcing service. Through our trusted network of collectors, estates, and private dealers, we can locate rare and meaningful pieces that elevate your interiors.How do you verify the authenticity of antique decorative objects?Every object is assessed using expert knowledge in materials, craftsmanship, patination, and stylistic markers. We examine construction techniques, provenance, and age‑appropriate wear to ensure accuracy and authenticity.Why are antique decorative items so valuable for interiors?They add depth, personality, and a sense of history that modern décor simply cannot replicate. Handcrafted details, original patina, and cultural significance make each piece a conversation starter and focal point.Are antique decorative items practical for modern homes?Yes. We frequently help clients style antiques alongside contemporary design. Whether it’s a statement mirror, a pair of 18th‑century candlesticks, or a piece of folk art, we provide guidance on placement and styling for both traditional and modern spaces.Do you ship decorative items internationally?Yes. We handle worldwide shipping with trusted fine‑art logistics partners, ensuring safe, secure transport—whether it’s a fragile ceramic, a heavy stone piece, or a gilded mirror.Antique Desks, Bureaus & Writing Tables FAQ's
Desks, Bureaus & Writing Tables QuestionsAnswersWhat types of antique desks, bureaus and writing tables do you specialise in?We focus on fine English and European examples from the 17th, 18th and early 19th centuries. This includes bureau bookcases, kneehole and pedestal desks, campaign and partners’ desks, slant‑front bureaus, clerk’s desks, and elegant writing tables in oak, walnut, mahogany and other period timbers.How can Lee Wright Antiques help me find a specific desk or bureau?We offer a bespoke sourcing service. You tell us the period, size, wood and style you’re after, and we use our network of private collections, estates and trusted dealers to locate the right piece. We then guide you through selection, purchase, and delivery.How do I know a desk or bureau is genuinely antique and correctly dated?We examine construction methods, timbers, drawer linings, hardware, handwriting compartments and finishes in detail. Our expertise in period joinery and stylistic development allows us to accurately assess age, origin and quality. We only handle authentic, correctly attributed pieces.What makes antique desks and bureaus special compared with modern pieces?Period desks and bureaus were built by hand for serious use. You’ll find solid timbers, hand‑cut dovetails, original locks, secret drawers, and a level of craftsmanship and patina that modern furniture simply can’t reproduce. Each piece offers both beauty and real functionality.Are antique desks and writing tables practical as working desks today?Yes, very. Many of our clients use them as their main work desks, home‑office centres or statement pieces in libraries and sitting rooms. We can advise on suitability for computers, cable routes and everyday use while preserving the integrity of the piece.Do you ship desks, bureaus and writing tables internationally?Yes. We arrange specialist packing and worldwide transport through trusted fine‑art shippers, handling all logistics and customs requirements to ensure safe arrival.Antique Mirrors FAQ's
Antique Mirrors QuestionsAnswersWhat types of antique mirrors do you specialise in?We focus on high‑quality English and European mirrors from the 17th, 18th and 19th centuries. This includes carved giltwood mirrors, Queen Anne and Georgian examples, Rococo and Neoclassical frames, portrait mirrors, cushion mirrors, girandoles, and rare vernacular pieces with original glass and gilding.How can Lee Wright Antiques help me find the perfect antique mirror?We offer a tailored sourcing service. Share the size, style or period you’re looking for, and we’ll use our network of private collectors, estates and trusted dealers to locate exceptional options. We present a curated selection and manage the process from sourcing to delivery.How do you determine whether an antique mirror is original and correctly dated?We examine construction, timber, carving techniques, gesso layers, gilding, mirror plate characteristics and patina. Our expertise allows us to distinguish original plates, early mercury glass, period gilding and historically accurate restorations with precision.Why are antique mirrors so sought after for interior design?Antique mirrors add depth, light and character to any space. Their original plates, nuanced patina and hand‑carved frames offer a richness that cannot be reproduced today. They create visual impact while providing a sense of history and craftsmanship.Are antique mirrors suitable for modern homes?Absolutely. Antique mirrors work beautifully in contemporary interiors, adding warmth and texture. We can advise on placement, scale and style—whether you’re after a statement piece for an entrance hall, a refined overmantel, or a decorative accent for living spaces.Do you offer international shipping for mirrors?Yes. We arrange secure, specialist packing and international transport through trusted art handlers who understand the fragility of mercury glass and elaborate frames.Antique Seating FAQ's
Antique Seating QuestionsAnswersWhat types of antique seating do you specialise in?We focus on well‑proportioned, authentic English and European seating from the 17th, 18th and early 19th centuries. This includes side chairs, armchairs, wing chairs, hall chairs, daybeds, stools, benches and sets of dining chairs in oak, walnut, mahogany and other period timbers.Is antique seating comfortable and practical for everyday use?Yes—when correctly restored and upholstered. Many clients use antique chairs and sofas daily in dining rooms, sitting rooms and studies. We can advise on appropriate restoration, seat height, support and fabric choices to balance comfort with authenticity.Do you supply sets of matching dining chairs?Yes. We regularly source sets of period dining chairs, as well as closely matched sets where absolute uniformity is less important than overall character and quality. We can also help you assemble a coherent “harlequin” set when that suits the interior.Are antique chairs suitable for contemporary interiors?Very much so. Antique seating works beautifully alongside modern pieces, adding warmth, history and a sense of craftsmanship. We’re happy to advise on how to mix periods and styles to create a cohesive scheme.Do you ship antique seating internationally?Yes. We arrange specialist packing and worldwide shipping using trusted fine‑art and furniture handlers, ensuring your chairs, sofas or benches arrive safely and ready for use.Antique Table FAQ's
Antique Table QuestionsAnswersWhat types of antique tables do you specialise in?We specialise in high‑quality English and European tables from the 17th, 18th and early 19th centuries. This includes refectory tables, side tables, gateleg tables, dressing tables, dining tables, centre tables, console tables, work tables and serving tables in oak, walnut and mahogany.How do I know a table is genuinely antique and correctly dated?We examine timber, joinery, wear patterns, turning styles, construction details, tool marks and surface history. Our expertise allows us to confidently identify age, authenticity, region and quality. We only handle genuine period pieces.Are antique tables practical for modern living?Absolutely. Clients use antique tables as dining tables, kitchen islands, desks, hall tables and statement pieces in contemporary and traditional interiors. Their durability, character and craftsmanship make them both functional and visually striking.Do antique tables work well in contemporary spaces?They work beautifully. An antique table can anchor a modern room, adding warmth, scale, and authenticity. We are always happy to help you choose pieces that complement your interior style.Do you ship antique tables internationally?Yes. We arrange secure specialist packing and worldwide shipping through trusted fine‑art handlers. Whether it’s a large refectory table or a delicate side table, we ensure safe transit.Be in the know...
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