In this world of cheap knock offs and automated mass
reproductions of definitive works, I find a general
refinement of the public taste in matters pertaining to
art and interior decoration. One of the phases of this
feeling and desire for better things is undoubtedly the
realization of the charm, beauty of line, and
individuality of custom furnishings.
I have selected examples of furniture representative of
the most significant and typical features of the
recognized periods of greatest achievement in furniture
making. Developing an appreciation of these qualities
of design will be of lifelong value to all who have
improved themselves by its study.
Art Periods that influence furniture design
In these brief explanations consider a period in art as
a span of time during which certain influences have
dominated the life and fashion by its expression. For
example, in the case of household furnishings, social
trends in the way of elegance or simplicity.
With each period I have given a relevant example
that further explains their specific attributes as well as
furniture styles included in each. Since some of these
styles are known by different names, I have given
acknowledgment to each. You will also find that at
times the style and period names interchange.
Although brief, I submit the following only as a
reference however, the novelty, as well as the
usefulness of the performance will make some
atonement for its faults and imperfections as the
greatest human interest story of the era.
The civilizations of China, India, Egypt and
Babylonia have each greatly contributed to treasures
of furniture design, but as a whole, western
civilization has been most shaped by the classical
Greek and Roman design. The ancient Greeks
believed that beauty in creation was the expression of
God. This ideal was absorbed by the Romans as they
conquered the Greeks before the time of Christ. As
Rome expanded its power, so did its influence on
design. Considering much of the specifics have been
lost to time, we do know that attention was directed
more towards physics and materials and understanding
their relationships. These principles of architecture
live on today in the foundation of furniture design.
Relevant Example: The establishment of scale and
perception has derived from the following:
Classic Rules of Architecture.
Tuscan, Doric, Ionic, Corinthian, Composite often
shown in this order of simplicity. However it was
Doric, Ionic and Corinthian that originated in
Greece, Tuscan a simplified version, then Composite a
glorified version of Ionic and Corinthian adapted by
the Romans. The common materials of wood, stone
and, metal are still used today.
The next great influence was that of Christian or
Gothic. This period reached its greatest expansion in
northern France in the 13th century. At this time, the
church had great influence over all facets of society.
It is of this period that our perceptions of beauty were
refined and expressed by the power of design.
Relevant Example: Architectural in style, massive
in structure, often elaborately carved (geometrical
divisions, rose, pointed arch, trefoil and quatrefoil,
representative linen fold). Much of what is considered
traditional Liturgical Furniture employs the Gothic
or sometimes called Romanesque influence derived from
the singleness of purpose and religious symbolism. It
is no coincidence that most furnishings of this time
look as if they belong in a Cathedral.
Gothic Romanesque Leg
The Gothic period was followed by the Renaissance
(rebirth) originating in Italy from its Gothic roots at
the latter part of the 14th century as an intellectual,
aesthetic, and social movement. It would eventually
find its way to England (early 1500’s) and was made
popular by Henry VIII who welcomed an appreciation
of material beauty and individual freedom that
challenged social norms and religious belief. This was
a time of discoveries in geography, astronomy, physics
and biology. Although flourishing yet in its height
in France, during this period befell a fashion revolt
against the moral laxity and corruption of the times.
Therefore still considered part of the Renaissance, the
Jacobean introduction of simpler, frugal designs were
some of the first to eventually arrive in America with
the English Puritans.
Relevant Example: Highly Decorative with classic
motifs such as columns, pilasters, and moldings as
prominent structural features. Although flourishing
in France and only afforded by the wealthiest of
statesmen, a less enthusiastic Jacobean styles came
into favor when furnishings became more portable at
the expense of architectural character but were later
refined with common designs of the figure eight, half
circle, fluting, channeling, and notching. Many of
these examples were of ¼ sawn Oak and Walnut as it
was necessary to find strength by means other than
sheer size. Including: Henry vIII, Elizabethan,
Jacobean, Cromwellian and Carolean,
Jacobean
Carolean
The classical, dignified and formal lines of High
Renaissance gradually gave way to the greatly
celebrated Baroque and Rococco yet again from Italy.
This jocular style was more exuberant and emotional,
debatably overdone and whose chief characteristic was
the curved line. During this latest transition in the
mid 1600’s was the refinement of furniture art to the
curvilinear, becoming the most graceful, luxurious, and
elegant period the world has ever seen. It has been
said that art and furniture periods such as this have
always been dominated by aristocrats and women such
as most notably, Queen Anne. However, in this case
it was directed by Thomas Chippendale to which
belongs the honor of being the first cabinet-maker after
whom a period was named.
Relevant Example: Furniture of the Rococo art period
was ornate and, asymmetrical designs, over emphasized
curves and gold. It had more playful and witty
artistic themes. Interior designs of this period were
total works of art utilized creamy, pastel colors
complimenting the architecture of its ornate furniture,
small sculptures, ornamental mirrors, and tapestry, in
depth reliefs, and wall paintings. Because of its
forgiving nature of consistent grain, the wood species
of choice of this time of coarse became Mahogany.
Including: Carolean, William and Mary, Queen
Ann, Chippendale, Louis XV, Anglo-Dutch, Dutch
Domestic, Early Georgian, Rococco
William and Mary
Chippendale
Queen Ann
Around the latter part of the 1700’s the next
transition called Neo-Classical, or New Renaissance,
also referred to as Individual Period. With this
change also was a discernment of furniture styles by
the name of the individual masters rather than by the
name of the reigning king. In this “golden era” of
furniture making, the origin of a middle class was
apparent around the globe. With the socioeconomic
changes taking place in America, and France, so came
a period of readjustment. The advancements in
production capabilities allowed streamlining of the
elegance offered in classical motifs of the preceding
periods. Everything French came much into vogue.
Relevant Example: These pieces were lighter in
comparison and included customized paintings and
decorative inlays using a variety of exotic wood species.
Adornments also included brass mounts glorifying the
Emperor of France. During this time many pieces
attained distinction by their ingenuity to disguise
features that revealed secret compartments and hidden
functions, or used for multiple purposes. A multitude
of wood species made available during this time
increased the variety used for these pieces.
Including: Adam, Heppelwhite, Sheraton, Louis XVI
Empire, Individual, Gergian, Directoire /Napoleon,
American Empire, Federal and Colonial.
Adams
Heppelwhite
Louis XVI
Sheraton
The next period from the mid 1800’s to the turn of
the century is the Victorian period as the Queen of
England was so named. The increased opportunity for
a middle class seeking refinement and, propriety was
satisfied with mass production. Once again class and
distinction are defined much in part by the art of
furnishings to those who found value in things
luscious and ornate. Building on past familiarity of
design, (namely Gothic and French Baroque
influences) specific elements and interesting
characteristics from past periods were extracted to
create this era of furniture that still enjoys great
popularity today among antiquities and fashion
conscience freelance design.
Relevant Example: Usually the designs of these pieces
were chunky and heavy with newly discovered finishes
such as lacquer and gold leaf emphasizing sculpted
details. Decorative elements included glass, jewels, and
often marble tops. Scrollwork, tassel fringed
overstuffed velvet cushions and gold trimmings were
employed to complete the finished piece. Combined
elements or particular styles from different time
periods and different origins within a single project
allowed for much creativity. Rosewood, Mahogany
and Walnut and Cherry are popular species.
Including: Midevil /Tudor, Gothic, Japanese,
Liberty, Electic, Neoclassical, Greek Revival, Horn
Furniture, Centennial, and Patent etc….
Japanese
Midevil/Tudor
In my interpretation, the 1900’s and to present day a
split sentiment and the great advancements to
civilization have delineated various styles that have
yet to be contrived into any specific period other than
Contemporary. It combines and contrasts influences,
trends, and new technologies without strict adherence to
any one design philosophy. Current trends blend styles
and periods but are streamlined for and individuals
taste. Although I would not be so bold as to
designate this title as our present art period. An
increasingly educated population with the ability
express themselves has advanced the individual to
determine for themselves their specific style and
fashion as appropriate.
Relevant Examples: Simplicity and ingenuity coalesce in
this period by divesting to bare essentials based on nature,
physics and what is true and good. The variety of
materials liberated by technology such as plastic, foam,
metals, glass, poly-adhesives, fabrics, electronics, fasteners
and finishes are all examples of the variety of mediums
from what the art has found benefit making room for
automations in society. The design or fusion of a previous
assortment is being communicated by the individual .
Including:
Prairie School, Mission, Adirondack, Arts and Crafts,
Art Nouveau, Art Deco, Bauhaus, Monterey, Craftsman,
International, Bungalow, Neo, Modern, Galactic
Prairie School
Adirondack
Art Deco
Bungalow
Galactic
Of this study, we have found that throughout history,
those celebrated artists that supported specific periods
were businessmen first with a passion and ability to
utilize a great degree of discipline in the execution of
his work. The freedom that results from these efforts
has no bounds. We also find that perceptions are
supported by a broad consensus that a design is good.
Therefore, styles that have passed the test of time have
no conflict between the good, the true and beautiful as
an educated proprietor knows quality when he (or she)
sees it.
Relevant Example:
Look at a knockoff “Pieta” in your local church.
Then look at the Pieta of Michelangelo Buonarroti
in Rome and tell me that your emotions are not stirred
to the point of weeping in tears regardless of your
religious belief.