Early 20th-Century Mahogany Bedside Cabinet

Compact One-Drawer Nightstand, c. 1910s–1920s

The Piece

This is an early 20th-century mahogany bedside cabinet with a single drawer and open lower shelf.

The form is compact and architectural.

A gently rounded, molded top sits above a clean drawer face featuring striking bookmatched veneer. The grain radiates outward in a subtle fan pattern, creating movement without applied ornament. The original brass drop pull remains intact, scaled appropriately to the drawer’s proportions.

Below, an open storage compartment provides depth and function, while a shaped lower apron adds quiet detail at the base.

The corners are softly rounded rather than sharp, giving the piece a grounded, almost columnar presence. The finish reads warm amber with red undertones, highlighting the natural variation of the mahogany veneer.

There is light surface wear consistent with age, including minor edge wear and small marks. Nothing structural. Nothing distracting.

This is utilitarian furniture elevated by proportion and grain.

Product Details

Origin: Likely England or American interpretation of English design
Era: c. 1910s–1920s
Material: Mahogany with veneered drawer front
Form: One-drawer bedside cabinet / nightstand
Hardware: Original brass drop pull
Finish: Warm amber mahogany stain
Condition: Very good antique condition with age-related wear consistent with use

Historical Context

Bedside cabinets of this scale became common in early 20th-century interiors as bedrooms shifted from purely functional spaces to more furnished, intentional rooms.

Unlike Victorian washstands, which often included marble tops and heavy carving, early 1900s bedside tables became more restrained. Veneer work replaced heavy ornament. Proportion replaced excess carving.

This cabinet reflects that shift. The emphasis is on grain symmetry and compact practicality rather than decorative display.

How You’ll Use It

This piece works effortlessly as:

A bedside nightstand with concealed drawer storage
An entry accent cabinet for keys and daily items
A compact side table beside an upholstered chair
A hallway pedestal where footprint matters

The open lower shelf allows styling flexibility while the drawer keeps clutter out of sight.

Why It Belongs In Your Home

Because it instantly makes a room feel established.

The bookmatched mahogany grain catches the light. The rounded edges soften the space. The drawer hides the clutter. The open shelf gives you room to style or store.

It’s compact, solid, and warm.

It works beside a bed.
It works next to a chair.
It works in a hallway.

This isn’t trendy furniture that will look tired in two years.

It’s the kind of piece that quietly upgrades everything around it.