Freestanding Furniture
A well-made freestanding piece is one of the few things in a house that will outlast every renovation, every move, every change in taste. We have been making sideboards, chests, dressers, cabinets and display pieces since 1977, always in solid British timber, always to commission.
Bog Oak Sideboard: olive ash and oak
How we work
Some pieces are designed to Matthew's own specification and made to order, available in standard dimensions with a choice of timber. Others are bespoke from the outset: specific to a particular space, a particular use or a particular piece of timber. We can discuss which approach suits your situation.
All work is designed and made at Lime Tree Studio & Workshops in Hindon, Wiltshire.
Made to last
We design freestanding pieces to be passed on. The joinery is solid, the construction is traditional where that serves the piece and innovative where it doesn't. We do not use veneered board, particle board or MDF as structural elements. In fifty years, the piece should still be worth repairing.
Timber and character
The character of a freestanding piece is largely determined by the timber. Bog oak has a darkness and depth that suits certain interiors; burr elm has a wildness that demands attention; English walnut is quieter, richer. We hold a range of boards and will show you the options before any decision is made.
Collection or bespoke
Our collection pieces are available on shorter lead times at lower cost. Bespoke commissions are designed from scratch around your specific requirements: size, configuration, timber, internal fitting. Many clients start with a collection piece and return for something made specifically for them.
Selected pieces
Common questions
What is the difference between a collection piece and a bespoke commission?
Collection pieces are designed by Matthew and made in standard dimensions in a small number of timber options. They are available on shorter lead times and at lower cost than a fully bespoke piece. Bespoke commissions are designed from scratch around your specific requirements, such as size, timber and internal configuration, and involve a design stage before anything is made.
Can dimensions be changed from the standard sizes?
In many cases, yes. Some pieces can be adjusted in height, width or depth within certain limits without compromising the design. We will tell you honestly what is possible and what would require a full bespoke commission to achieve properly.
How do I look after a piece?
We supply care instructions with every piece. Most of our work requires occasional oiling with a suitable hardwax oil, and should be kept away from direct heat sources and prolonged direct sunlight. Solid timber will move with humidity: this is normal and not a fault. Surface marks can usually be repaired with light sanding and re-oiling.
Do you make matching pieces, for instance a sideboard and a dining table together?
Yes. We often make pieces that belong to the same room as a single commission or in sequence. Designing them together allows the proportions, timber and finish to be worked out as a whole rather than pieces that happen to coexist.
How long does a commission take?
Collection pieces typically take 8–12 weeks from order depending on the workshop schedule. Bespoke commissions are 12–16 weeks from deposit, following a design stage. We are always transparent about lead times at the outset.
From the archive
Sideboards, chests of drawers, linen presses, dressers, display cabinets, music cabinets and more, in oak, walnut, elm, bog oak, ash, yew and sycamore.