The emphasis of the collection is on Cape Furniture, originating from the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries, and is particularly well represented in the chair, table and armoire collections. Country and town furniture are represented; this collection includes some rare and unique items. 

The indigenous wood called stinkwood (Ocotea bullata) has long been associated with Cape furniture, particularly in combination with yellowwood. Outstanding examples of Cape furniture are on view at two of the Social History sites, namely Koopmans-De Wet House and Groot Constantia Manor House. 

Fine examples of English furniture from the Georgian period are on view at Bertram House, besides examples of Dutch and Flemish furniture that are present in the study.