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 Plank or cane seat Ladder back/Slat back chairs Square and blocky Un-upholstered
Queen Anne Timeline: 1720’s – 1750’s Description: Shift toward elegance and refinement Characteristics: Cabriole legs Pad foot Splat/Fiddle back Shell Motif Wing chair
Chippendale Timeline: 1750’s – 1810’s Description: English furniture designer…High quality, refined, stylish, elaborate. Characteristics: Ball and claw foot Camel back couch Chinese influence-black lacquer Japanning Ribbon back chair
Hepplewhite Timeline: 1780’s – 1810’s Description: English furniture designer…High quality, refined, stylish. Characteristics: Tapered legs Shield back chair Upholstery
Sheraton Timeline: 1790’s – 1820’s Description: English furniture Know for his light, delicate look. Characteristics: Tapered legs Square back Spade feet
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 Lyre back chairs Animal feet on legs Laurel leaves
Shaker Timeline: 1775 – 1840’s Description: American furniture designs, Know for simple, straight look. Excellent craftsmanship. Conservative! Characteristics: Simple, structural lines Ladder back chairs Natural wood grain
Victorian Timeline: 1840 – 1910’s Description: Named after Queen Vitoria of England, first furniture mass produced, Characteristics: Very ornate Elaborate carvings on wood parts Tufting on backs of upholstery Plush, velvet textiles Deep dark woods
Modern/Contemporary Timeline: 1900 - Present’s Description: New, unclassified, experimental feel. Created for artistic pleasure. Affordable and adaptable. Characteristics: Combination of many materials in construction–glass, wood, metal and plastics, textiles.