Some furniture is more than just wood and glass—it holds the history of a family, passed down through generations. That was the case with a stunning antique oak curio cabinet that had been in our client’s family for over a century. It had survived the years, but not without scars.
After the loss of her sister, our client inherited the piece, though it had been stored away in a shipping container outside her home. When she reached out to us, she wasn’t even sure how bad the condition was—getting a good photo was nearly impossible. So, we scheduled a visit to assess it in person.
What we found was both heartbreaking and exciting.
An Heirloom in Distress
Opening the storage container revealed the curio cabinet upside down, wrapped in a blanket, and coated in thick black paint. It had clearly been painted multiple times over the years, with layers of color obscuring the original oak grain. One leg had broken off, likely leading to it being stored in such an unusual position.
Despite the rough exterior, there was potential hidden beneath the paint. This wasn’t just any antique—it was an 1890s quarter-sawn oak curio cabinet, commonly referred to as tiger oak due to its dramatic grain pattern resembling the stripes of a tiger. Even after 100+ years, the original curved glass panels were still intact, a rare and remarkable find.
We explained to the client that while the piece looked rough, our expert furniture refinishing team in Raleigh could restore it to its former glory. More importantly, we understood the sentimental weight of this project. She wasn’t just refinishing a cabinet—she was preserving a cherished family memory.
With that, we carefully transported the curio cabinet back to our Raleigh furniture refinishing shop, ready to bring it back to life.
The History of Tiger Oak & Victorian Curio Cabinets
This curio cabinet was made from quarter-sawn oak, also known as tiger oak, a wood prized in the late 19th and early 20th centuries for its exceptional durability and striking grain patterns. But what makes tiger oak so special?
The Beauty & Strength of Quarter-Sawn Oak
Unlike standard cuts of wood, quarter-sawn oak is milled at a precise angle to expose a unique grain pattern with wavy, tiger-like stripes. This method not only enhances the visual appeal but also prevents warping and increases strength, making it ideal for heirloom-quality furniture.
During the late 1800s and early 1900s, quarter-sawn oak was considered a premium material, often reserved for fine furniture, cabinetry, and architectural millwork. Unlike many modern mass-produced pieces, furniture crafted during this era was built to last for generations, making restoration well worth the effort.
Why Curio Cabinets Were Essential in Victorian Homes
The concept of a curio cabinet became popular in Victorian-era homes, where they were used to display treasured collections, fine china, and decorative objects. These cabinets were more than just storage—they were a sign of sophistication, showcasing a family’s most prized possessions.
Unlike today’s mass-produced display cases, antique curio cabinets featured intricate craftsmanship, with hand-carved details, curved glass, and ornate hardware. These delicate yet sturdy cabinets were often passed down as family heirlooms, making them not just functional but deeply sentimental.
This particular cabinet, dating from the late 1890s, was a perfect example of the elegance and craftsmanship of the period. Beneath the layers of paint, its ornate carvings, solid oak structure, and curved glass panels told a story of timeless beauty.
The Refinishing Process: Uncovering the Beauty Beneath the Paint
Restoring a piece like this requires patience, skill, and an understanding of historical craftsmanship. Here’s how we tackled the project.
1. Removing the Layers of Paint
Stripping a century-old cabinet is delicate work, but when multiple coats of paint are involved, it becomes even more intricate. This wasn’t a simple case of sanding—each layer had to be carefully removed by hand to avoid damaging the wood underneath.
We used a combination of chemical strippers, picks, and fine solvents to break through each coat, uncovering the original oak beneath. Once the paint was removed, the fine details of the carved woodwork started to reappear, revealing the rich grain of the tiger oak.
2. Repairing Structural Damage
The broken leg had to be repaired before any refinishing could begin. We secured the leg back to the frame using traditional woodworking techniques to ensure structural integrity. At the same time, we inspected the veneer for any damage, reinforcing any loose areas with the appropriate wood adhesives.
3. Careful Sanding & Preserving the Patina
A common misconception in furniture refinishing is that sanding should strip a piece completely bare, but with antiques, it’s crucial to retain the natural patina—the rich color and texture that develops over decades.
We sanded the cabinet just enough to allow the new stain to adhere while keeping the depth of the wood’s character intact. Around the joints and intricate details, we worked by hand to remove residual paint without compromising the original craftsmanship.
4. Staining & Finishing for an Authentic Look
For an antique piece like this, choosing the right stain is key. A fumed oak stain was selected to replicate the original 1890s aesthetic, ensuring that the cabinet looked as close to its authentic, factory-finished appearance as possible.
After staining, we applied multiple coats of catalyzed lacquer to enhance the wood’s natural beauty while providing a durable finish. This protective layer ensures the cabinet will remain in pristine condition for future generations to enjoy.
5. Reinstalling the Glass & Final Touches
One of the most amazing aspects of this project was that all the curved glass panels were still intact. We carefully cleaned and reinstalled the original glass, bringing back the cabinet’s iconic display function.
A Piece of Family History, Ready for the Future
The final transformation was breathtaking. What was once an unrecognizable, painted-over piece was now a stunning antique curio cabinet, rich with character and history.
Our client was thrilled. Although we weren’t able to see the piece placed in her home, we knew that it was being carefully packaged for its next journey—to her new home in Portugal. Before leaving the country, she made it a priority to have the work done by Finish Pros because she knew that we would take the necessary steps to restore it properly and with the utmost care.
This project was about more than refinishing wood—it was about preserving a family heirloom, a connection to the past, and a meaningful tribute to a loved one.
At Finish Pros, we don’t just restore furniture. We bring history back to life.
If you have an antique or well-loved piece in need of refinishing, we’d love to help. Contact us today for expert furniture refinishing in Raleigh, NC.
