The Evolution of Furniture
The range of furniture available today encompasses the furniture made during the reign of past European monarchs to the old American Furniture. To an experienced person, its not difficult to tell whether the antique armoire in your bedroom belongs to the Tudor period, or Chippendale, or to Queen Mary. French and English antiques hold the credit of being truly antique furniture and the style of a piece of furniture was usually related to the monarch of the time. Early American Styles are also available in the market and bear their own distinctive characteristics.
Renaissance Art
Not suprisingly perhaps, it was in the late Renaissance period, that furniture making started to be regarded as an art.
Although the Renaissance had started in Italy, by the time of the commissioning of the Palace of Versailles it had taken on a decidedly French flair of its own in that country. French furniture makers were at the forefront of technology during the reign of Louis XV.
So what forms the defining elements of the Renaissance period?
- wood with carvings and no other decoration
- intricate brass mountings
- flat cabinet surfaces
- straight legs on tables and chairs
The later periods are characterized by more elaborated carvings and decorations, and furniture legs that were often curved with sweeping arcs of wood.
Charles II – Decorative
In stark contrast, the English craftsmen continued to make plain furniture out of walnut wood. It was only after Charles II returned from exile that furniture making saw some changes. He brought with him the idea of ornate furniture that could be decorative as well as being functional.
The prominent Cabrile leg is credited to this period. These usually had a pronounced knee towards the top, and had either a club, or a claw and ball foot.
As the English branched out into using new woods, they also began to experiment with lacquer and gilding. Carving gave way to painting and other elaborate decoration.
Victorian Furniture
Most of the antiques belong to the Victorian Era. This has a reason to it.
- Queen Victoria identified with the middle class.
- The middle class was rapidly extending, and they tended to have lots of couches and chairs in their homes.
- During the industrial age, furniture was being made in large scale. This reduced the costs quite significantly.
- However, the need to have quality furniture again brought the handmade furniture in the scene. So, ironically enough, the factory production rather caused more effort than to reduce it!
Contemporary Options?
Today, the choices for a customer looking for furniture are many. Depending on budget you can buy:
- a furniture kit and assemble it at home.
- from stores offering a range of good quality furniture at affordable prices
- from high-end stores selling handmade furniture to fill your home with style and luxury – for those with an appetite and wallet for aesthetics.
- from Antique Stores which carry the beautiful old furniture from historical periods, steeped in culture.
Whatever furniture your choose to buy, it will certainly reflect your style and personality in its design and make your house a place which you can fondly call your home!