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Utility furniture

(59 Posts)
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HelterSkelter1 Fri 18-Sept-26 09:10:54

I inherited my father's desk which I thought was war time utility furniture and have Googled utility furniture and come up with catalogues and photographs. I cannot find the desk so far, but have seen an oak dressing table we bought second hand for DD1 and some pieces I remember from my childhood.

They were so solidly made. The dressing table we bought in 1980 ish xscond hand or maye even 3rd or 4th hand was wonderful. The drawers slid smoothly and were so solid. We removed the mirror and it could then be used as a desk as well. I think when we moved we had it and a matching large and small wardrobe collected by a charity. I expect they are still all going strong.
If only affordable, simple solid furniture were still produced in the UK.

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JenniRen Sat 19-Sept-26 13:30:05

I had my Dad's tallboy, it was very useful in a spare bedroom. Sadly, no longer have it, it must have gone to an Upcycling place when we moved house.

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JaneJudge Sat 19-Sept-26 14:19:26

Good old Gordon Russell. I have a lovely tallboy that belonged to my Grandparents which has been sandblasted. The wood is beautiful

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Calendargirl Sat 19-Sept-26 14:31:56

That’s the trouble with older furniture, wardrobes, tall boys, dressing tables etc.

They have an old ‘smell’, and it must be difficult to get rid of.

Go round any second hand furniture store, and the smell is there.

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M0nica Sat 19-Sept-26 15:47:52

We have a houseful of old furniture and the house smells as fresh as a daisy. If you are worried, just give it a through wipe through with vinegar and water

A light coat of polish on the outside works a treat. However do not use silicone based furniture sprays. Use either furniture wax or that spray polish that comes in a tin with a yellow beehive shaped lid, its name temporarily eludes me. Lavender bags hanging from some of you coat hangers also works a treat.

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Witzend Sun 20-Sept-26 10:13:33

AuntieE, we had one of those kitchen cabinets, too - it was yellow - and until recently so did a Swedish friend in her very old house in Majorca! She’s had the kitchen ‘done’ now, but I was sad to see that old cabinet go.

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Witzend Sun 20-Sept-26 10:14:25

M0nica

We have a houseful of old furniture and the house smells as fresh as a daisy. If you are worried, just give it a through wipe through with vinegar and water

A light coat of polish on the outside works a treat. However do not use silicone based furniture sprays. Use either furniture wax or that spray polish that comes in a tin with a yellow beehive shaped lid, its name temporarily eludes me. Lavender bags hanging from some of you coat hangers also works a treat.

That polish is called Wood Silk. I use it a lot.

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JenniRen Sun 20-Sept-26 11:02:03

Use either furniture wax or that spray polish that comes in a tin with a yellow beehive shaped lid, its name temporarily eludes me.
I like that one for teak furniture, M0nica

That polish is called Wood Silk. I use it a lot.
Not easy to find now, Witzend

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JaneJudge Sun 20-Sept-26 16:27:10

I use linseed oil on wood. It's fairly inexpensive

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