How do I tell Restauration style furniture apart from Empire furniture?

Restauration pieces are lighter and more curved than Empire. Sabre or console legs replace the heavier Empire forms, pale woods such as maple and lemonwood appear alongside mahogany, and gilt bronze mounts are smaller and more delicate in their design.

What woods are typical of Restauration period furniture?

Solid mahogany remains common, but the Charles X period introduced a preference for pale woods: bird's-eye maple, lemonwood, elm burr and ash. These are often used as finely matched veneers, giving pieces their characteristic luminous, refined appearance.

What should I budget for an authentic Restauration style antique?

Small pieces such as a guéridon or bedside table start around £250–£700. A Charles X mahogany commode with original bronze mounts ranges from £1,700 to £5,000. Pale-wood fall-front secretaires typically fetch £1,200–£3,500, depending on condition and provenance.

How should I care for mahogany or pale-wood Restauration furniture?

Apply a thin coat of natural beeswax twice a year. Avoid silicone-based polishes and direct sunlight, which can bleach and lift veneers. If veneer begins to lift, entrust the repair to a specialist restorer experienced in period French furniture.

Can Restauration furniture be shipped internationally from France?

Yes. Most professional dealers work with specialist fine art carriers who provide bespoke crating for fragile veneers. Always request transit insurance covering the declared value of the piece, and confirm packing arrangements with the dealer before collection.