A Few Antique Furniture Periods

A Generalization of Antique Furniture Periods

Period pieces refer to a group of antiques usually made somewhere between 1600 - 1920.

I'll briefly cover some of these periods. Some of these have been covered in more detail over at The Antique Chair Guide.

Early Colonial

Early Colonial refers to the early days of the United States, when they were still colonies. This period covers most of the seventeenth century. Not too many original pieces remain from this period as they were either lost to time or heavily restored over the years. Oak was the wood of choice simply because it was quite abundant and was easy to work with. Simpler forms were used with some basic elements being simple balisters, bun feet and split spindles. Panels were also used quite a bit as decorative elements.

William and Mary

William and Mary furniture refers to the Dutch influence that occured due to the Dutchman William III becoming the reigning monarch in England. The fusion of English and Dutch designs sent furniture off in a new direction. We begin to see more stylistic carvings like the Paintbrush foot and more elaborate carvings. Because of this Walnut was often used. Pieces like the wingback chair, a very cool chair, and large decorated wardrobe began to gain in popularity.

Queen Anne

The next major period is also monarch entitled, The Queen Anne period. From about 1720 to 1750 this period introduced the world to many elegant designs that are still in use today. The major one being the cabriole leg meant to resemble the natural flow of an animal's leg. As with other periods the British designs were heavily borrowed and adapted or simplified in America with each region bearing its own style. In general America tended to be more conservative so some of the more flamboyant design features were subdued. That's not to say that the New England cabinetmakers were any less talented, The newly invented blocking style of making layered elements from a single piece of wood is testament to this. One final note, it was during the Queen Anne that we begin to see the claw and ball foot appear.

Chippendale

Finally we habe a period defined by a real craftsmen instead of a monarchy. Thomas Chippendale was arguably the most influential designer ever. His pieces and drawings are still being created today. Although his own creations were magnificent the period refers to a more general fusion of Rococo and Oriental designs blended by Chippendale and described in his design book, Gentleman and Cabinet-Makers Director. Many Americans picked up the Chippendale style and added their own styling. For example, in Conneticut, cherry wood was more often used along with intricate pinwheel and sunburst patterns.

These are some of the better known design periods. There are more, like the Hepplewhite, Federal and Empire antique furniture styles.