The Unique Qualities of Mango Wood
There’s something special about opening your kitchen door and finding a piece that feels unique, solid yet refined, practical yet beautiful. That’s the essence of our Elise Wooden Cabinet with Drawers, part of The Cosy Cottage Collection. Each cabinet is handcrafted by skilled artisans using sustainably sourced mango wood and finished with a food-safe coating, making it as gentle on the planet as it is on your home.
Inspired by the warm, lived-in style of Our Little Brick Cottage, this versatile piece invites you to slow down, savour everyday rituals, and connect with the makers who created it.
If you’re new to mango wood, you might wonder what sets it apart from other hardwoods. Mango wood stands out for its sustainability and beauty. Mango trees mature quickly, and once they stop producing fruit, their timber is repurposed into furniture instead of being discarded. This reduces waste and provides farmers with extra income. The wood is dense yet lightweight, golden-brown with a straight grain, and easy to carve. Finished properly, it resists stains and moisture.
Though durable, mango wood is still a natural material that needs proper care. In this article, we’ll walk you through what to consider when looking after your piece. With mindful maintenance, mango wood will develop a rich patina over time, enhancing the cabinet’s natural charm.
Caring for Your Handcrafted Cabinet
Taking care of your cabinet doesn’t require fancy tools or costly treatments; just a few simple routines that will keep it looking beautiful for years to come.
- Dust regularly: Use a soft, dry microfibre cloth to gently remove dust and crumbs from the surface and drawers. Dusting weekly prevents buildup that could scratch the finish when wiped away later.
- Wipe away spills immediately: If you splash water, coffee or oil onto the wood, blot it with a dry cloth right away. For sticky spills, use a cloth dampened with a mixture of warm water and mild dish soap, then dry the area thoroughly. Never soak the cabinet or leave damp cloths on its surface.
- Avoid harsh cleaners: Skip vinegar, bleach, alcohol and abrasive sprays; these products can erode the protective coating. If you need a deeper clean, look for pH‑neutral wood cleaners or simply use diluted mild soap.
- Condition the wood: Every few months, treat the mango wood with a natural oil or beeswax. These conditioners replenish moisture, enhance the grain and help protect the surface from drying out. Always follow the product instructions and test in an inconspicuous area first.
- Protect against heat and moisture: Exposure to direct sunlight can fade wood over time, so avoid placing the cabinet right under a south‑facing window.
Following these steps will ensure your cabinet maintains its rich colour and smooth feel. Think of maintenance as an opportunity to slow down and appreciate the tactile quality of the wood; a ritual that connects you to the natural world.
Styling and Pairing Ideas
Because the cabinet is compact, it fits easily onto a countertop, sideboard or open shelf. The warm mango wood acts as a neutral foundation that invites layering with different textures. Here are some ideas to inspire your next table setup:
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Create a candlelit focal point: Place a candle on top of the cabinet to bring warmth and ambience to the space. Opt for a delicate candle holder; gold tones work beautifully, such as the Sintra Gold candle holder, or choose one with rustic finishes to introduce a soft, inviting glow that complements rather than overpowers the wood’s natural beauty.
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Add and store natural stone accents: Use the cabinet to store or display small tabletop accessories such as, Salt & Pepper Cellars, Ceramic Spice Jars, Napkin Rings and Coasters. These can be kept inside the drawers, placed on top, or tucked inside the open cavity. For a coordinated look, pair it with pieces from the same collection, like the Hana Travertine Napkin Rings and Travertine Coasters.
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Incorporate greenery: Add a small plant on top to bring life and freshness to the space. If you’re using the cabinet for kitchen storage, consider small a potted herb such as basil for a functional and decorative touch.
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Mix metals: Don’t hesitate to combine different metallic finishes with the natural wood. A set of brass salt and pepper grinders or a set of cheese cutlery displayed on top can add visual interest. Just keep the tones balanced so the cabinet remains the focal point.
- Creating a Lifestyle Moment: The beauty of the Elise Cabinet is that it encourages slow, mindful living. Picture waking up early on a chilly morning and reaching into one of the cabinet drawers for your favourite loose‑leaf tea. Or imagine inviting friends over for afternoon tea; drape a natural fabric table runner across your dining table and position the cabinet at one end as a mini sideboard for condiments or tea essentials. During gatherings, it can hold tea bags, herbs, or serving accessories. Soft textiles like cotton and linen balance the solid wood and stone, creating a layered, inviting look. The cabinet isn’t just a storage solution, it’s a stage for your rituals.
Each of these ideas reflects Nisha’s own approach: mixing materials and finishes to build a lived‑in, collected feel. Because the cabinet is portable, you can easily move it between kitchen, dining and living spaces as your needs change; making it both functional and decorative.
Sustainable Choices and Conscious Living
Supporting artisanal production also bolsters local economies. The artisans who create the Elise Cabinet use traditional techniques passed down through generations. Their work embodies the values of slow production, fair wages and respect for natural materials. When you choose the cabinet and its complementary pieces, like the Anya Rustic Iron Candelabra or Elliot Travertine Coasters you’re making a statement about what matters to you: quality, sustainability and thoughtful design.
A handcrafted mango wood cabinet might seem like a small addition to your home, but its impact is far greater than its size. This piece brings together the warmth of natural wood, the beauty of artisan craftsmanship and the joy of everyday rituals. By dusting regularly, cleaning gently and conditioning occasionally, you’ll preserve the cabinet’s beauty for generations. By styling it with complementary textures: stone coasters, iron candle holders and soft textiles you’ll create a layered, cosy look that reflects your personal taste. And by choosing sustainable materials and supporting artisan makers, you’ll contribute to a more thoughtful, connected way of living.
To explore the story behind this special collaboration and see all the pieces in the Cosy Cottage Collection, visit our collection story page. There you’ll learn how the partnership with Our Little Brick Cottage came to life and discover more inspiration for cosy, sustainable living.
