How the various Furniture Eras influenced Design
Period Furniture Pre-dates later Mass Produced Types
Period Furniture Design
Furniture styles were greatly influenced by fashionable trends of the time. Beginning in the 1500’s with the Elizabethan era, each style took on a look and character all its own. Originally these historic periods were named after English monarchs, then later after famous cabinet makers. Each furniture period created its own unique style of hardware. Below is simple list of drawer pulls, handles and knobs used on American furniture periods and the time frame it was used in.
Period Furniture is defined by 3 characteristics:
- Style of furniture & hardware used
- Construction Techniques
- Woods used
Colonial: William and Mary, Queen Anne and Chippendale: 1620-1780
The Colonial period began in America as a bit of a make-do era that morphed into a period of expertly crafted and designed, high style furniture. Although less ornate than what was happening in England, American Chippendale furniture was well made with raised panel doors, dove tail joints, ogee moldings and pleasing proportions. As the era evolved suitable period furniture handles were created to complement chests, highboys and desks. Predominantly produced of brass, these Chippendale furniture handles had large bat-wing shaped, flat backplates with simple swan-neck type bails.
Federal: Hepplewhite and Sheraton 1780-1830
Hepplewhite furniture was very graceful, balanced and symmetrical. Fluid design and decorative inlays were notable features to this time frame. Hepplewhite furniture handles were produced with a new technique. Sheet brass was rolled and stamped with intricate patterns, classical or organic in appearance. Backplates were most often oval in shape, with ends of bails entering outsides of posts.
Sheraton
Sheraton furniture was a neoclassical style expressed by straight lines and refinement. Vertical, thin round legs and rectilinear shapes set this furniture apart from previous periods. Sheraton knobs and ring pulls were used on drawers rather than standard furniture handles. Intricate brass knobs made in 1”, 1-1/2” and occasional 2” sizes were predominately used.
19th Century Furniture Designs
Empire
Empire furniture came into popularity after 1800. Furniture of this era had a strong classical Greek influence imparting a bold, substantial appearance. Ornate stenciling, inlays and gilding were used. Curves with flowing forms, paw or claw feet and supporting columns distinguished this time frame. The hardware used mimicked this bold style. Large brass, wood or glass knobs frequented bureaus, tables and desks.
Victorian 1830 – 1890
The Victorian era had French, Gothic and Eastlake influences. While all from the same time period, each had distinct characteristics.
The French inspiration relied on rococo features such as carved “S” and “C” scrolls, shells and floral designs. Curved cabriole legs, marble tops and chairs having concave crest rails express this ornate style. Period furniture handles of this era had an organic, flowing form. Both Victorian handles and knobs were used.
Gothic Revival: 1880 - 1910
The Gothic Revival represents a style based on architecture. Pointed arches, qua-trefoils, tracery designs and turrets provide a contrast to the flowy French furniture being created at the same time.
Charles Eastlake defines a popular style near the end of this era. It has simpler more rectangular shape, straighter legs incised trim and geometric patterns were often used. Period furniture handles designed with these same principles in mine.
