I love antiques and their classic shapes and forms. Generally speaking an antique is an item that is more than 100 years old.
There are many periods in the history of furniture, and learning about these eras and styles makes purchasing a special vintage chest of drawers or a unique side table much more interesting. Not surprisingly, the public – and even industry professionals – often confuse the styles of our ancestors. In reality, only a very small percentage of the population can really distinguish one style from another. A great resource for those interested in antiques is Millers Antiques Guide.
Without giving a three hour seminar on each of the distinct styles over the past four hundred years, following are just a few of the highlights of iconic British and American styles – note that each period closely influences the style of its successors:
- Jacobean (1600s) – Influenced by the Elizabethan era, this medieval English style features solid construction, straight lines, dark finishes and ornate carvings. Much of early American furniture is based on this style.
- William and Mary (1690-1725) – Named after British monarchs William and Mary but influenced by the Dutch and popular in the American colonies, furniture crafted in this style features ornate legs with a ball or Spanish foot, caned seats and Oriental lacquers.
- Queen Anne (1700-1755) – Graceful Queen Anne styles are based on William and Mary period furniture and known for the cabriole leg and characterized by claw and ball, scroll, spade and square feet, wing and fiddle-back chairs.
This beautiful dining room features Queen Anne style antique chairs.
- Georgian (1714-1790) – Emerging from the reign of Kings George I and George II, the Georgian style is considered a more ornate version of the Queen Anne style with heavier proportions.
- Federal (1780-1820) – Lighter and more delicate than preceding styles, Federal era furniture in America is often constructed of cherry. Much of it features symbols of American freedom, such as eagles and stars.
- Shaker (1800s) – Shaker craftsmen are known for creating beauty through utility, and their sturdy, simple furniture is often constructed from maple, cherry, birch and walnut featuring straight tapered legs with ball and socket construction and mushroom shaped wooden knobs.
- Victorian (1840-1910) – Covering the long reign of Queen Victoria, the Victorian era produced furniture with distinctive influences from past periods including Gothic, Tudor, Elizabethan, Renaissance and Neo Classical with extensive ornamentation. Enduring pieces such as the round ottoman, balloon back chair and single end sofa were developed during this period.
- Arts & Craft (1880-1910) – During the latter part of the Victorian era, the Arts & Crafts movement emerged as a more rustic, natural counterpart. Furniture is characterized by simple utilitarian design with leaders of the movement including William Morris and John Ruskin.
This list is just a small sampling of the many beautiful antique furniture styles which run the gamut from Gothic to Chippendale. Do you collect antiques? If so, what’s your favorite style or period?
