American Furniture Styles Early American Timeline 1620s American

American Furniture Styles

Early American Timeline: 1620’s – American Revolution Description: Basic, Pilgrims - low to middleclass people so survival was priority not furniture. Use construction methods from native homelands. Characteristics: – – – – – Turned legs and supports Plank/Cane seat Ladder back/Slat back chairs Simple…. not much ornamentation Square and blocky Multi-use/Space saving in one piece Rocking chair Un-upholstered Local woods Paint to imitate expensive woods

Queen Anne Timeline: 1720’s – 1750’s Description: Shift toward elegance and refinement Characteristics: – – – – Cabriole legs Horseshoe shaped seat Pad feet Splat/Fiddle back Shell Motif Wing chairs Space saving pieces (drop leaf, gate leg) Upholstery is rare Hardwoods ( Walnut, Cherry, Mahogany)

Chippendale Timeline: 1750’s – 1810’s Description: English furniture designer…High quality, refined, stylish, elaborate. Characteristics: – – – – – Cabriole legs Ball and claw foot Started use of bracket foot Ribbon back chairs Intricate carvings: acanthus, dolphin, acorn, roses Gothic styles Camelback couch Stronger structure than Queen Anne Asian influence (black lacquer, rattan) Mahogany – almost exclusively

Hepplewhite Timeline: 1780’s – 1810’s Description: English furniture designer…High quality, refined, stylish. Characteristics: – – – – Tapered legs Spade foot Reeding found on legs Shield, Heart, Round or Oval back chairs Carvings: rosettes, medallions, festoons/swags Had a fancy for veneers and inlays of different woods Lighter feel than Chippendale Upholstery with horsehair stuffing

Sheraton Timeline: 1790’s – 1820’s Description: English furniture Know for his light, delicate look. Characteristics: – – – – Tapered legs generally splayed in the back Spade foot Reeding found on legs Square or rectangular back chairs Sliming lines to his pieces Low relief carvings or paintings Hardware pieces are: lions, urns, stamped plates

Duncan Phyfe Timeline: 1800’s Description: American immigrant, furniture designer, Know for his simple, sturdy look. First to use the factory style furniture making. Characteristics: – – – – splayed legs Cornucopia legs Animal feet often used on legs Lyre back chairs Sliming lines to his pieces Carvings: Laurel/ acanthus leaves Straight backs, sleigh arms, wood trim Upholstery: stripes, pillows

Shaker Timeline: 1775 – 1840’s Description: American furniture designs, Know for simple, straight look. Excellent craftsmanship. Conservative! Characteristics: – – – Plain simple design Finials on back of chairs Ladder back chairs Clean line Utilitarian furniture Natural wood grains

Victorian Timeline: 1840 – 1910’s Description: Named after Queen Vitoria of England, first furniture mass produced, Characteristics: – – – – Fancy, lots of ornamentation Carvings Scroll feet Cabriole legs Tufting on backs of upholstery Plush, velvet textiles Deep dark woods Eclecticism

Modern/Contemporary Timeline: 1900 - Present’s Description: New, unclassified, experimental feel. Created for artistic pleasure. Affordable and adaptable. Characteristics: – – – – Use of new materials Combination of many materials Less is more…. Lightweight, adaptable Unique Geometric Clean lines