Victorian Inlaid Rosewood Towel Rail Clothes Horse Antique Stand
A beautifully proportioned Victorian towel rail clothes horse, crafted in richly grained rosewood and elevated by refined inlaid detailing — a rare union of decorative elegance and everyday utility from the mid-19th century.
Key Features
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Authentic Victorian clothes horse towel rail dating from circa 1860–1890
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Constructed from luxurious rosewood with decorative inlaid border
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Elegant carved crested arch top with arched shoulder detailing
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Inward-curved uprights paired with splayed feet for excellent stability
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Four sturdy lower rails plus a central cross rail for generous drying space
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Compact footprint ideal for bathrooms, bedrooms, or dressing rooms
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Strong, practical construction designed for regular use
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Rich patina developed naturally over more than a century
Full Description
This Victorian inlaid rosewood towel rail clothes horse is a fine and increasingly scarce example of functional domestic furniture elevated through craftsmanship and design. Produced during the height of the Victorian period, between circa 1860 and 1890, it reflects the era’s commitment to both beauty and purpose within the home.
Crafted from richly toned rosewood, the piece is enhanced by a delicate inlaid border that subtly frames its elegant form. The carved crested arch top and flowing arched shoulders introduce architectural grace, transforming what would otherwise be a purely utilitarian object into a statement of refinement.
Structurally, the design is both intelligent and robust. The inward-curving uprights and splayed feet ensure excellent balance, even when fully laden with towels or garments. A central cross rail is complemented by four lower rails, offering ample hanging space while maintaining a relatively compact overall footprint.
Originally intended for use in well-appointed Victorian bathrooms or bedrooms, this antique clothes horse towel rail remains just as relevant today. It serves beautifully as a towel rail, clothes airer, or decorative accent, lending warmth, history, and character to both period and contemporary interiors.
Dimensions
Height: 92 cm
Width: 69.5 cm
Depth: 34 cm
Materials
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Solid rosewood construction
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Decorative inlaid border detailing
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Traditional Victorian joinery techniques
Condition
As with all genuine antiques, this Victorian towel rail clothes horse shows signs of its long and well-lived history. There is visible ageing, natural wear, fading, and surface marks, all of which contribute to its authentic patina and character.
The splayed feet have been sympathetically reinforced with additional screws at some point in its life. This work has been very well executed and ensures the piece is extremely sound and stable. Overall, the condition is good and entirely commensurate with age.
Origin / Period
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Period: Victorian, circa 1860–1890
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Provenance: Unknown
Styling Suggestions
Position this antique rosewood clothes horse in a Victorian or Edwardian-style bathroom for an authentic period look, or use it in a bedroom or dressing room as an elegant alternative to modern towel rails. It also works beautifully in boutique hotels, heritage properties, or refined country homes where texture, warmth, and craftsmanship are key.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this suitable for regular use as a towel rail?
Yes. The structure is strong and stable, designed originally for daily domestic use and remains perfectly functional today.
Can it be used in a modern bathroom?
Absolutely. While it should be protected from excessive moisture, it adds striking contrast and character to contemporary spaces.
Is this an original Victorian piece?
Yes. This is an authentic Victorian clothes horse dating from the mid to late 19th century.
Unique Selling Points
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Rare surviving Victorian towel rail clothes horse
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Decorative rosewood with refined inlay — not commonly found on utilitarian pieces
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Elegant sculptural form with strong practical function
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Excellent stability and usable proportions
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Rich natural patina that cannot be replicated
All your questions answered below...
- Fully insured delivery
- Returns accepted
- Authenticity assured
- UK-based seller, secure checkout
Delivery & Shipping Information
We’re dedicated to delivering every order with care, reliability, and your satisfaction at the heart of what we do.
Fully insured UK mainland delivery is calculated at checkout (typically £12–£45). Larger furniture items may be £60+ depending on item size, access, and delivery postcode.
Please note: the listed price is for the item only. Delivery costs are calculated separately at checkout.
UK Delivery (Mainland)
We are based in Southsea, Portsmouth (PO5) and deliver nationwide across the UK.
Delivery charges are calculated based on the item’s size, weight, and destination to ensure the most accurate and fair pricing.
Free local delivery may be available depending on your location — please get in touch to check availability.
Delivery Areas & Coverage
We deliver to most UK regions and aim to provide the most efficient and cost-effective delivery options available.
For delivery addresses north of Newcastle, or within Wales, Scotland, the Highlands, Ireland, and offshore islands, please contact us before purchasing so we can confirm delivery availability and provide an accurate quote.
International Shipping
We can arrange international shipping worldwide.
Please contact us for a tailored shipping quote.
Delivery Times & Method
Delivery typically takes 5–10 working days, depending on location and order timing.
We use trusted specialist furniture couriers experienced in transporting antiques, vintage furniture, and fragile items, ensuring safe handling throughout transit.
Standard delivery is one-man delivery to ground floor only.
Assistance may be required unless a two-man delivery service is arranged at an additional cost.
Need a Delivery Quote?
For an accurate delivery quote or to confirm any additional charges, please contact us via:
📞 +44 (0) 7973 154860
💬 WhatsApp (button available on any page)
✉️ Email us with your full delivery postcode
We can ship to most places. We have the ability to to send consignments Internationally and they are all professionally wrapped, packed and or crated for a safe and successful journey.
There is going to be additional costs and lead times depending on various factors.
The best advice is to get a quote before you decide to purchase any item/s.
Listed in every product description are the dimensions for each product.
This information is provided so you can check if the piece you wish to buy will fit in your home.
Please double check your dimensions. One, to make sure it will fit through any doorway in to your home. Secondly, to make sure it fits in the space you want to place in it in. If in doubt, ring for help!
Any questions please get in touch, here to help.
If you would like to speak to someone before placing an order, check dimensions or have a general question, please call Mark on 07973 154860.
You can email mark (@) campbellvintage.co.uk
Alternatively you can use the Live Chat on our website
(bottom left hand corner), message us via WhatsApp or via our
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Office Address: 71 Campbell Road, Southsea, PO5 1RJ. By appointment only to this address. Need to be booked in advance.
Always here to help.
Our products come with a guarantee stating they are as described when purchased.
As all our products are either antiques or vintage and have a life before we got them, we do not offer traditional warranties due to the nature of the items and history.
Please inspect the many images we provide online to be sure you want the item offered before purchasing.
The condition of each product is noted on all products in the main description. Please read this so you are clear on what you are buying.
If you have any questions however small beforehand and to give yourself peace of mind, please make contact. As we are very happy to discuss anything in greater detail.
One last thing! Please double check your dimensions. One, to make sure it will fit through any doorway in to your home. Secondly, to make sure it fits in the space you want to place in it in. If in doubt, ring for help!
Here to help.
We hope you will be happy with your purchase. If for any reason you are unhappy, you may return the item/items to us within 14 days. Please notify us within 14 days.
You will need to arrange for the safe return of any item or items purchased. Please ensure the goods are returned in the same condition as sent to you.
You will be responsible for all return cost.
Once we have received your return, we will refund you the cost of the item/items, less any initial delivery and packaging costs, within 14 days.
Last of all, if returning an item, please advise us when we are likely to expect the item. We can then book this in and make sure we are available to except the item.
If you have any questions please contact us before ordering.
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Trade sale. Sold as seen. No returns.