A Historical Journey into Furniture Styles

Do you know your furniture styles?!

If I said to you ‘talk to me about the Rococco or Art Deco era, what would you say?!

When I started out in this business I certainly didn’t! I found it really hard to identify what was what and then a spanner was thrown in to cause even more bewilderment in the form of reproduction furniture!

With that in mind I thought that I would write a series of blogs to explore and enlighten you in a way that makes sense – hopefully that will alleviate some of the mind boggling and confusing knowledge that you might currently have and give you a clearer idea. These blogs will reflect my own experiences and pass on more in-depth research I have done!

I have to say I have found it fascinating navigating through the creative world of furniture styles. So over the next few weekly blogs we will be looking at all things furniture design!

I have decided to start exploring furniture styles from the 18oo’s.

The Queen Anne era:

Someone talks to you about ‘Queen Anne legs’ – ‘What the hell is that ?’ I hear you ask!

Well! That is basically the style …

In the late 17th and early 18th centuries this furniture was super cool and brought a breath of fresh air to the design scene. Obvs named after Queen Anne who reigned from 1702 to 1714.

Picture curvaceous lines, cabriole legs that look balletic, This era oozed elegance and sophistication without going over the top into the ornate excess of previous periods.

The Queen Anne style is often associated with walnut wood, intricate carvings, with a refined yet comfortable feel. From what I have read it feels like the furniture design world felt the freedom to invite a touch of playfulness to interior furniture design.

Elements of the Queen Anne era furniture style:

• English Baroque

• Graceful curves

• Curved ‘cabriole’ legs

• Claw-and-ball feet

• Scallop shell or scroll motifs

• Oak

• Cherry

• Walnut

• Mahogany

So, in a nutshell, if you ever come across furniture with gracefully curving legs, a sense of balance, and a splash of artistic flair from the late 17th to early 18th centuries, you’ve more than likely stumbled upon the charming Queen Anne style which I personally love for it’s feminine charm!

Beware though as there are many reproductions of this style but if you are not looking for an antique especially if painting then go for it!

Watch out for the next furniture styles installment! – The Rococo era and keep your eyes open in the meantime and see if you can identify furniture that is either from the Queen Anne era or is a reproduction of it! Happy furniture Sherlocking!