English furniture period styles

 

This document provides an overview of several English furniture period styles. It covers:

• Windsor Chair: Named after the town of Windsor, popular in western England and Wales by the 1720s, and Philadelphia by the 1760s.
• Charles II (Carolean): Reflects the decorative style of the "Merry Monarch's" court (1649-1660), with increased use of marquetry, veneers, and turned legs.
• William & Mary: (1688-1702) Characterized by Dutch Baroque influence, elaborate carving, high backs, trumpet-style legs with ball feet, and favored English Oak.
• Queen Anne: (c. 1720-1750) Features restrained sculptural forms (shells, plumes, scrolls, vases), cabriole legs, and popular woods like walnut, maple, cherry, and mahogany veneers. Card and game tables became popular.
• Sheraton: Thomas Sheraton (1751-1806) was known for elegant tables, often in satinwood. He spread French-influenced Neoclassic taste and published influential design books.
• English Sofas: The word "sofa" derives from the Arab "suffah." Fully padded upholstery gained popularity in the 18th century. Mid-19th century saw the introduction of coiled springs. "English" style is defined by pleated, rolled arms, a sloping and rolled back, padded edges, and typically turned legs with casters. "Bridgewater" typically means skirted.