This sideboard is a fine example of the Edinburgh style sideboard of the early 19th century which evolved from the elegant 'antique' patterns published by Thomas Sheraton in The Cabinet-Maker and Upholsterer's Drawing Book, 1793. The 'hollow' fronted sideboard-table, flanked by elliptical-fronted pedestals on ring-turned feet, was illustrated ibid., pt. III, pl. 29 and was praised for its 'good effect' in 'taking off part of the appearance of the great length of such a sideboard', as well as securing 'the butler from the jostles of the other servants'. Another pattern with the tambour recess was illustrated ibid., app., pl. 21. The pillar-capped 'chiffonier' compartment for glasses also featured in the Drawing Book, and with its tambour-front reflects a popular Scottish feature.