Early Use of Mahogany

During the 18th century mahogany became widely used in England and in the Atlantic, later in the United States. It built for itself a splendid reputation as an ideal cabinet stand. At the end of the century, Thomas Sheraton wrote, "What weeds, formerly used for cabinet work, are quite laid by since the introduction of mahogany."

This was not literally true as mahogany at that time was a luxury wood and was used only for the more that went to the titled, or the wealthy who cherishly used the titled gentry. The common man of that day did not have mahogany furniture. His crude furniture was made of the wood concert at hand and available at the least cost.

It was during the "Golden Age" of furniture, from 1755 to 1855, that mahogany became recognized as the outstanding cabinet wood of the English-speaking and Spanish-speaking work.