A
- Adam
- England, c. 1760-92Robert Adam (1728-92) was a Scottish architect and furniture designer. His designs promoted the Neoclassical style in England, Scotland and Russia and influenced development of the Federal Style in America. Common motifs include Roman influences such as framed medallions, vases, urns, sphinxes and griffins as well as flat grotesque panels, swags and ribbons.
- Aesthetic Movement
- England, United States, c. 1870-1900A design philosophy in literature, fine art, furniture and decorative based on arts for arts sake. An emphasis on Japanese design motifs developed from an increase in trade with the East during the 19th century. Patterns were often assymetrical and restrained, in stark contrast to the Classical revivals of the early 19th century. Furniture is characterized by intarsia, ebonized wood, contrasting materials and Japanese elements.
- Art Deco
- International, c. 1925-40This style originated at the historic Paris exposition of 1925 and featured the marriage of art and industry and the rejection of Art Nouveau. It introduced simple, streamlined forms that were interpreted in exotic woods and materials. By the 1930s, the sleek lines and geometric shapes of Art Deco were expressed in furniture, architecture and a wide variety of household objects.
- Arts & Crafts
- Britain, Canada, United States, Australia, c. 1880-1910A furniture, architecture and decorative arts movement that emerged in reaction to the style revivals prevalent during the Victorian era and the machine made goods of the Industrial revolution. It features simple forms, sparse ornamentation and exposed joinery. Famous proponents were William Morris and John Ruskin.
- Art Nouveau
- International, c. 1880-1914A French term meaning new art; this was a style of furniture, architecture, art and design. It features highly stylized, curvilinear designs often employing floral and fauna motifs. It is viewed as a bridge between Neoclassicism and modernism.
B
- Biedermeier
- Germany, Austria, c. 1815-48This furniture style, popular in Central Europe, was characterized by refined neoclassical designs with simple, clean lines. Ornamentation was kept to a minimum. Furniture makers used local woods including cherry, ash and oak in place of more expensive and heavily taxed mahogany imports. It corresponded with the Regency style in England, the Empire style in France and the Federal style in the United States.
C
- Cascadian
- United States, 1915-40See National Park Style.
- Celtic Revival
- Britain, Ireland, United States, late 19th century-20th centuryA revival of Celtic ornament that was influenced by the rise of Irish nationalism, Art Nouveau and the Arts and Crafts movement. Ornamentation includes stylized interlacing designs and Celtic knots. American architect, Louis Sullivan's designs often include Celtic Revival motifs influenced by his Irish heritage.
- Chippendale
- England, c. 1749-79Thomas Chippendale (1718-79) was a English designer and cabinet maker. The term Chippendale now identifies a type of furniture which draws from the styles of French Rococo, Gothic and Chinese designs. The furniture is heavier than the preceding Queen Anne style and includes design elements such as cabriole legs and ball and claw feet. The style was followed by American furniture designers during the Colonial period.
- Colonial
- United States, c. 1620-1780This period encompasses Jacobean, Queen Anne and Chippendale styles.
D
- Directoire
- France, c. 1795-99A design period popular during the time of rule by the Directory characterized by Greco-Roman design elements inspired by recent excavations at Pompeii. This style transitioned between Louis XV and Empire periods.
E
- Eastlake
- England, United States, 1870-1900Named for English writer and architect Charles Eastlake (1836-1906), who greatly influenced American design with his book Hints on Household Taste in Furniture, Upholstery, and Other Details (1868). Complex geometric shapes and patterning were made possible by modern machinery of the era. The spindles, low relief carvings and incised lines were designed to be more affordable and low maintenance than other Victorian Revival furniture. This style evolved during the late Victorian period and was also called Cottage Furniture.
- Edwardian
- England, 1901-10Refers to the style of furniture during the reign of Edward VII. It is less ornate than the previous Victorian style but like the Victorian period it looked back to earlier styles as inspiration, in particular Chippendale and Hepplewhite. At this point mass production was in full force. Most pieces were veneered and banding was popular. The period was characterized by delicate and simple furniture designs.
- Empire
- France, 1804-15A style of architecture and furniture popular during the rule of Napoleon I (1769-1821) based on Roman design elements. Its second phase was known as Directoire. Mahogany, ebony and ormolu mounts were common materials.
F
- Federal
- United States, c. 1780-1820Refers to a style of furniture, architecture and decoration characterized by an interpretation of classical decoration combined with typical American design elements. It incorporates Hepplewhite, Sheraton and Classical styles. The style is refined and rectilinear, often with veneering and inlay. Brass feet, casters and brass-ring drawer/door pulls are also common design motifs.
- French Provincial
- France, 17th-18th centuryA style of furniture and architecture characteristic of the provinces in France, based in turn on a more simple interpretation of the Parisian style. Furniture is made from local woods, often painted and is more utilitarian.
G
- Georgian
- Britain, c. 1714-1820The furniture style developed during the reigns of George I (1714-27), George II (1727-60) and George III (1760-1820). Walnut was replaced by mahogany as a favored wood. The legs are elaborately carved and ball-and-claw or pad feet are common. Chippendale, Hepplewhite and Adam worked during this so called Golden Age of Furniture.
- Gustavian
- Sweden, c. 1771-92Refers to a design period under the reign of the Gustavus III (1746-1792). It was influenced by the design ideas of Louis XVI period in France. However, the Gustavian Neoclassical style features cleaner lines and less ornateness that its French counterpart. The Gustavian style was more in keeping with Scandinavian tradition included painted furniture crafted from local soft woods and pale upholstery.
H I
- Hepplewhite
- England, c. 1775-1800George Hepplewhite (1727?-86) was an influential English designer and cabinet maker who followed the Adam and neoclassical style but with slimmer lines and less angular shapes. Prince of Wales feathers and shield shaped chair backs were common motifs.
J K
- Jacobean
- England, c. 1603-60An early Renaissance style of furniture and architecture established during the reigns of James I (1603-25), Charles I (1625-49) and the Commonwealth rule (1649-60). Until 1660, Puritan rule influenced simple, practical but uncomfortable furniture design. Plain bobbin turnings and gate-leg tables were popular as well as plain leather seats affixed with heavy brass studs. It is noted for its box-like architectural style. Early American furniture draws inspiration from this period.
- Jungenstil
- Germany, Austria, c. 1896-early 20th centuryTranslated from the German as youth style. A decorative arts and architecture style influenced by French Art Nouveau and Japanese prints. Characterized by hard, precise edges in opposition to the naturalistic style of the time.
L
- Louis XIII
- France, 1610-43A style of furniture and architecture influenced by Louis XIII's mother Marie de Médici's native Italy. Furniture is typically massive and solidly built, ornamented with cherubs, scrollwork and grotesque masks.
- Louis XIV
- France, 1643-1715Also known as Baroque, furniture of this period was veneered, inlaid, boldly carved, gilded and typically elaborately ornamented by shells, satyrs, garlands, dolphins and mythological heroes. Principal woods included ebony, walnut and oak.
- Louis XV
- France, 1723-74Also known as Rococo, this French style of art, architecture and decorative arts was characterized by a profusion of assymetrical ornamentation, foilage and scrolls. Inlaid decoration and bronze mounts were prevalent.
- Louis XVI
- France, 1774-93Also known as Neoclassicism, this French style of art, architecture and decorative arts was created as a reaction to the excesses of the Rococo period and inspired by the excavations at Pompeii and Herculaneum. It features architectural inspired ornamentation, rectilinear lines and classical symmetry. Mahogany was the wood of choice and was often decorated by parquetry inlay.
- Louis Philippe
- France, 1830-48Louis Philippe (1773-1850) fashioned himself as a King of the people which led to a less lavish style of furniture favored by his predecessors in the French court. Furniture focused on the natural beauty of the wood and simple, clean lines and curves.
M
- Mid Century Modern
- International, c. 1918-60Refers to a style of furniture, product design and architecture that followed World War II. The style features clean lines and organic forms using materials such as plastic, wood and metal. The style flourished in Europe and Scandinavian designers were particularly influential during this period.
- Mission
- United States, 1900-16A generic term used to refer to American design styles of American Craftsman and Prairie School. Mission style was inspired by the Arts and Crafts movement in England at the turn of the century. Like Arts and Crafts, it featured a simplicity of designs and materials. The work of Gustav Stickley embodies this style.
N
- Napoleon III
- France, 1848-70Also known as Second Empire, this style of furniture borrows elements from preceding styles. Dark woods were favored and also new materials such as papier-maché, cast iron, mother-of-pearl, faux bamboo and gilt bronze.
- National Park Style
- United States, 1915-40Also known as the Cascadian or Oregon Rustic Style; this architectural and decorative arts style uses heavy stone and timber construction in conjunction with other craftsmen arts such as ironwork, weaving or wood working. Furniture is hand crafted, rustic and favors log or bent-twig forms.
O
- Oregon Rustic Style
- United States, 1915-40See National Park Style.
P
- Prairie School
- United States, late 19th-early 20th centuryAn architectural style originating in the Midwest that embraced the ideals of the Arts and Crafts movement. The Prairie School term was coined by a historian who observed that the architecture design was marked by horizontal lines that mimicked the flat prairie landscape. Frank Lloyd Wright was a well known exponent of this style.
Q
- Queen Anne
- England, 1702-14This style of furniture arose in England during the reign of Queen Anne (1665-1714) in a break from French style influences. Walnut veneering was popular, and gentle, subtle curves added grace. This period marked the development serpentine arms, soft, rounded frames and cabriole legs.
R
- Régence
- France, 1715-23The transitional period into the Rococo style was known as Régence and featured restrained design in reaction to the excesses of the Baroque period.
- Regency
- England, 1811-20Defines the style period when King George III was deemed unfit to rule and his son was installed as Prince Regent. It was considered a transitional period between the Georgian and Victorian eras. Characterized by elegant and slender lines, saber legs, reeding and lion paw feet were common forms of ornamentation. French polishing became popular and mahogany was the wood of choice with rosewood and calamander veneers.
- Restauration
- France, 1815-30Defines the style periods under Louis XVIII (1815-24) and Charles X (1824-30). Marked by the rise of the middle class, there was a resurgance of comfort in furniture with simple lines, rounded forms and fine ornamentation. Light woods such as elm, ash and bird's eye maple were contrasted as inlay against dark woods. Decorative motifs include swans, cornucopia, lyres and gadrooning.
- Rococo
- France, 18th centuryA style of art and interior design. The word derives from the combination of the French word rocaille which refers to arranging stones in a garden to resemble natural forms such as shells and the Italian word barocco referring to the Baroque style. Furniture and decorations were elegant, playful and ornate and the style was harmonious with the excesses of the reign of Louis XV.
S
- Sheraton
- England, c. 1785-1800A neoclassical style of furniture named for designer Thomas Sheraton (1751-1806). It employed satinwood, mahogany, tulipwood and rosewood inlays and motifs such as swags, husks, festoons and ram's heads. This style influenced the Federal period in the United States.
T U
- Third Republic
- France, 1870-1940Period describing the governing body of a republican parliamentary democracy, following the rule of Napoleon III. Furniture styles are based on the interpretation of 18th century styles or modifying existing furniture to suit the current fashion.
V
- Victorian
- England, 1837-1901During the lengthy reign of Queen Victoria (1819-1901), no singular style emerged. Instead, a great variety of styles emerged based on the revival and reinterpretation of a variety of earlier furniture styles including Gothic, Renaissance, Neoclassical and Rococo.
W X Y Z
- William and Mary
- England, 1689-94Their short reign produced a transitional style of furniture between the rectangular Renaissance furniture and curvilinear Rococo and Baroque forms. It was lighter and more comfortable than previous forms. Walnut was used primarily and also oak in some cases. Many Dutch and French craftsmen arrived in Britain during this period bringing techniques and styles of their homeland. Common motifs include the Flemish scroll, Spanish foot, trumpet turned legs and ogee aprons. Marquetry was favored over carved decoration.
- William IV
- Britain, 1830-37This style corresponded to the rule of William IV (1765-1837) following the death of George IV (1762-1830). This was a transitional period between the Regency and Victorian eras. The Regency style was still popular but the romanticism that dominated the Victorian era had begun to take hold.
