About 18th Century Furniture

History

• Though tied to the popular Queen Anne furniture style, Queen Anne did not actually design any furniture. She did commission a great amount of furniture and the early furniture designs of the 18th century now bear her name. Afterwards, reflected in the Georgian furniture style, furniture was more ornate than the Queen Anne style. The most famous designers to come out of this time period were Thomas Chippendale and George Hepplewhite, both of whose designs were popular throughout most of the 18th century.

Significance

• Eighteenth-century furniture is important because it represents the final era of furniture created by hand. Beginning in the early 19th century, machines began to make furniture parts such as screws and assembly lines created mass-produced furniture pieces. Master furniture makers began to dwindle. The 18th century reflects the creativity of the furniture makers and designers who created pleasing home décor mixed with comfort and practicality.

Function

• Eighteenth-century furniture is unlike previous forms. Its differences come from furniture makers keeping comfort as well as function in mind and the shrinking of rooms. Creating smaller rooms meant the furniture had to reduce as well. Furniture makers came up with ways to make the smaller pieces more comfortable to sit on. This is when overstuffed upholstery came into style, though it was not the overstuffed look we think of today. Overstuffed, at this time, looked more like a chair with a slight amount of padding. Furniture was becoming just as much about appearance and comfort as if was about the practical usage.

Types

• There are many different types of 18th-century furniture, such as Federal, Sheraton and Chippendale styles. Known for being the first furniture style to use a cabriole leg, Queen Anne is perhaps the most popular of 18th-century furniture styles. Considered the first wholly American furniture style, the Federal style came about in the very late 18th century.

Features

• There are many characteristics of 18th-century furniture that set it apart from other times. Known for its curving lines and cabriole legs, the era made its own stamp on furniture styles. Cabriole legs are found on furniture such as chairs and cabinets. The cabriole shape is somewhat like the shape of the letter S. The wood to make this furniture is another important feature. Walnut was used most often at the beginning of the century. Mahogany and satinwood were popular in the mid- and later 18th century.