In order to combine furniture of one or more styles tastefully, a person should recognize styles of certain periods and their characteristics. Many styles of furniture are sold today. Much of this furniture has been copied or adapted from traditional styles called period pieces. Period furniture refers to furniture styles that were popular in the past. Copyright © Notice: The materials are copyrighted © and trademarked ™ as the property of The Curriculum Center for Family and Consumer Sciences, Texas Tech University.

The following are major periods and styles of furniture:  Seventeenth Century  Eighteenth Century  Nineteenth Century  Twentieth Century Copyright © Notice: The materials are copyrighted © and trademarked ™ as the property of The Curriculum Center for Family and Consumer Sciences, Texas Tech University.

The furniture styles of the seventeenth century include Baroque, restoration, William and Mary, and Early American styles.  Baroque was an Italian outgrowth of the late Renaissance. It emphasized fullness of size, scale, and proportion. The Italians used twisted turnings, broken and reserved curves, and inlays and appliques of materials, such as marble, ivory, and bronze. Copyright © Notice: The materials are copyrighted © and trademarked ™ as the property of The Curriculum Center for Family and Consumer Sciences, Texas Tech University.

 Restoration was a period that emphasized comfort as well as increased richness of form and ornament. The wing-back chair and round tables were introduced during this period. Copyright © Notice: The materials are copyrighted © and trademarked ™ as the property of The Curriculum Center for Family and Consumer Sciences, Texas Tech University.

 The William and Mary period is characteristically known as the “Age of Walnut.” Flat stretches and bun feet with spiral and trumpet legs were common. The highboy (a chest of four or five drawers supported by a table) was the most important piece of this era.  Early American pieces include Windsor chairs, corner cupboards, and ladderback chairs. Copyright © Notice: The materials are copyrighted © and trademarked ™ as the property of The Curriculum Center for Family and Consumer Sciences, Texas Tech University.

Furniture styles of the eighteenth century include Louis XV or Rococo, Louis XVI or Neoclassical, Chippendale, Hepplewhite, Sheraton, Queen Anne, Duncan Phyfe, and Spanish Baroque.  Louis XV or Rococo is characterized by small scale furniture. It was ornately decorated with motifs of ribbons, shells, rocks, and graceful lines. It is also known for its short cabriole legs.  Louis XVI or Neoclassical is characterized by symmetry, brilliant paint, and marble. Light colored wood inlays were typical. Copyright © Notice: The materials are copyrighted © and trademarked ™ as the property of The Curriculum Center for Family and Consumer Sciences, Texas Tech University.

 Thomas Chippendale, an English cabinetmaker in the 1700s, is known for his innovation of the square leg in furniture. The grandfather clock was developed during this period.  George Hepplewhite, an English cabinetmaker in the 1700s, is known for a variety of chair backs including the shield and heart. Copyright © Notice: The materials are copyrighted © and trademarked ™ as the property of The Curriculum Center for Family and Consumer Sciences, Texas Tech University.

 Thomas Sheraton, an English cabinetmaker in the late 1700s, is known for his originality in chair design. They were lighter and had lower backs. The legs were turned or square tapered while the arms came from the back in a sweep.  The Queen Anne period is known for the development of the simple curved line. The cabriole was refined with ornamentation on its knee. The scalloped shell motif became popular. Furniture developed includes secretaries, chairs without stretchers, and overstuffed upholstered pieces. Copyright © Notice: The materials are copyrighted © and trademarked ™ as the property of The Curriculum Center for Family and Consumer Sciences, Texas Tech University.

 Duncan Phyfe was the most famous of Early American cabinetmakers. Almost all of his work was done in mahogany. Chair legs often curved out to the side. Tables were supported on lyre-shaped bases or finely carved pillars.  Spanish Baroque was characterized by richly carved and gilt decorations. Chair backs were pierced with interlaced geometric patterns or floral motifs; arms were set at sharp angles and not connected with the back. Copyright © Notice: The materials are copyrighted © and trademarked ™ as the property of The Curriculum Center for Family and Consumer Sciences, Texas Tech University.

Nineteenth century furniture styles include Empire, Victorian, Art Nouveau, and Greek Revival.  Empire was the style of the design and decoration instituted in France during the reign of Napoleon. The Empire bed or sleigh bed was popular at this time.  The Victorian Period covers the English and American design trends during the reign of Queen Victoria in England ( ). The style was elaborate. Carvings were elaborate and scale was exaggerated. Brass beds became popular during this time. Copyright © Notice: The materials are copyrighted © and trademarked ™ as the property of The Curriculum Center for Family and Consumer Sciences, Texas Tech University.

 Art Nouveau is French meaning “New Art.” This was a late nineteenth century to early twentieth century European style of furniture based on patterns of natural forms, such as branches, leaves, waves, and flames.  Greek Revival was a renewal of interest in Greek designs stimulated by archeological excavations at Pompeii and Herculaneum. Copyright © Notice: The materials are copyrighted © and trademarked ™ as the property of The Curriculum Center for Family and Consumer Sciences, Texas Tech University.

Twentieth century furniture styles include Art Deco, International Contemporary, and Reproductions and Adaptations.  Art Deco was a style of ornamentation popular in the 1920s and 1930s that used geometric or stylized versions of plants, animals, or other natural forms.  International style was developed by the German architect Walter Gropius, who founded the Vauhaus school of design. This style eliminated the use of wood and turned to chrome-plated steel tubing and manufactured goods. The trend now is to use unfinished wood. Copyright © Notice: The materials are copyrighted © and trademarked ™ as the property of The Curriculum Center for Family and Consumer Sciences, Texas Tech University.

 Contemporary designs utilized architectural materials, such as marble, wood, glass, stone, and plastics. The shape usually is the accent.  Reproductions and Adaptations are designs that are based on other periods, often using combinations of designs. About one-fourth of all customers purchase contemporary designs. The rest choose designs that are reproductions or adaptations. Copyright © Notice: The materials are copyrighted © and trademarked ™ as the property of The Curriculum Center for Family and Consumer Sciences, Texas Tech University.