Georgian oak and antique coffers for a Chester home

Georgian refers to the reigns of the four Georges, broadly from 1714 into the 1830s. Oak country furniture from those years often has plain panelled doors, simple mouldings and proportions shaped by the classical taste of the time. Dating a country piece precisely can be difficult, so ask Sara what she knows about a particular one.

Coffers are among the easier antiques to move because they are low and come in one piece. Even so, buildings on the Rows can have narrow, turning stairs and low doorways. Measure the tightest point on your route, then ask Sara for the coffer's length, depth and height so you can compare the two.

Oak moves with humidity, so very dry air can open small gaps between panels or loosen drawers. Most old pieces cope well if they are kept away from radiators, open fires and strong sunlight. A steady room temperature does far more good than frequent polishing, and a little seasonal movement is normal.

No. Life: Full Colour is based at 9 Segontium Terrace, Caernarfon, and its pieces are sourced from Wales. You can enquire through lifefullcolour.uk or on 01286 400155, ask about viewing or delivery for a specific piece, and buy through Creative Caernarfon.

Beams mainly limit height, so a low coffer or a chest of drawers is often easier than a tall dresser. Measure the clear height under the lowest beam in the room and compare it with the full height of any piece, including its cornice or lid when open.

Old boards can run slightly out of level, so a coffer may rock. Thin, firm packing under the lowest foot, checked with a spirit level, usually settles it. Avoid cutting down the feet, as that changes the piece for good and cannot be reversed.

Check how far the lower sash rises, since a tall piece can stop it opening. Measure from the floor to the sill and from the sill to the top of the open sash, then compare that with the height of the piece, allowing room for a lid.

Georgian oak tends to be restrained in its proportions, so it suits tall rooms without being swamped, provided the piece is large enough for the wall. A tiny coffer on a big wall can look lost. A taller piece, such as a dresser, often fills the space better.

Georgian oak is generally well proportioned rather than heavy, but depth still matters. Compare the depth with the clear floor in front of the wall, and leave room for the drawers to open fully. A piece that takes about a third of a wall is usually comfortable.

Not at all. A single old oak piece often sits comfortably in a Victorian, modern or Georgian room because it is simple in outline. The practical points matter more: height, depth, clear floor around it and a wall that suits its weight.

One tall piece draws the eye upwards and takes little floor, so it can help a room with limited space. Two low pieces spread the weight along a wall and keep doors clear. Measure the wall, then decide which suits how you live.