Antique Country House Storage Cupboards
Embrace the beauty of a bygone era with our antique finds...
A country house store cupboard typically contains a variety of dry goods, preserves, and canned foods to provide a stockpile of ingredients that can be used to prepare meals in the country home.
In addition to these basic ingredients, some people may also store specialty items, such as gluten-free flours or exotic spices, depending on their dietary preferences and cooking styles. It is important to regularly check the expiration dates on items in the store cupboard and rotate stock to ensure that everything stays fresh and usable.
This cupboard shown below is probably from the last half of the 1800's, has all the original hinges, bolt catches and lock (no key). Three solid timber shelves plus the base, and along the top inside there are 16 plus hooks probably for mugs.
Plain solid timber sides, profiled edge to the top and skirting on all three side. Two plain doors in the shaker style with picture beading for an additional feature. The edge of the leading door is rebated to overlap the second door, and is finished with a routed cock bead finish. All frame with a charming cock bead to the frame to finish off the styling.
Most antique storage cupboards from the 19th century and earlier periods were a common household item before modern storage options such as closets and cabinets became prevalent. They were designed to provide both storage and decorative appeal, and were often made of high-quality materials and craftsmanship that have withstood the test of time.
Here are some examples of antique storage cupboards and their uses:
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Armoires: These large, standing cupboards were used to store clothing, linens, and other textiles. They often have multiple drawers, shelves, and hanging space behind their doors.
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Pie Safes: These cupboards were designed to store baked goods and perishables, and often had mesh or punched tin panels to allow air circulation while keeping out insects.
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Apothecary Cabinets: Originally used by pharmacists to store medicinal herbs and remedies, these cabinets typically have multiple small drawers with labels for easy organization.
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Hoosier Cabinets: Popular in the early 20th century, Hoosier cabinets were designed for use in the kitchen and often included built-in flour sifters, sugar bins, and spice racks.
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Welsh Dressers: These large, multi-tiered cabinets were used to store dishes, glassware, and other kitchen items. They often have open shelving on the top section for display purposes.
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Cupboards with Secret Compartments: Some antique cupboards were designed with hidden compartments, often used to store valuables or important documents. These compartments were concealed behind a panel or drawer and could be accessed by pressing a secret button or lever.
Antique storage cupboards are sought after by collectors and enthusiasts for their beauty, history, and craftsmanship. However, it's important to properly care for them, as they may require specialized cleaning and maintenance to preserve their value and condition over time.
If you are looking to go back in time, possibly restoring a property, buying a ready to use cupboard is certainly a quick solution. Buy it, place it in the room and no expensive manufacturing needed. Plus, you get instant history, an original looking piece of furniture with all the character built in at a fraction of the cost of a new piece, and more often than not, better built with old dried timber.
Take a look at out current stock of antique country house store cupboards here...