The oak bedside cabinet next to the bed was useful as a place for keeping a lamp (or candle) and storing various items such as books, spectacles and so forth. The result was that as the original use disappeared the nightstand evolved into the bedside cabinet. Originally the design necessitated the use of a cupboard or a cupboard with a single drawer above, but as this essential feature disappeared the cabinet could instead consist entirely of drawers if desired.
Now whilst pine was the timber used for the furniture of the ‘below stairs’ staff and less affluent people, hardwood timber was the material of choice for the wealthier members of society. Tropical hardwoods such as mahogany became popular from the Georgian period onwards and the rise of famous cabinets built in the UK using traditional techniques and supplies of English or European white Oak but these are likely to be offered at premium prices. The more affordable alternative is the wide range of mass-manufactured oak cabinets available on the high street and from internet retailers. These are often good examples of the best in mass-production techniques and although the oak may be sourced from overseas it can be of a quality to rival the native products, especially the North American Red Oaks such as that used by the Devonshire Pine company and retailed by companies such as Right Price Furniture.
