Top Antique Furniture

Antique furniture is more than just functional décor—it represents a piece of history and often a valuable investment. For collectors and enthusiasts, understanding the styles and key makers associated with various periods is essential for making informed decisions at auction. I've put together this guide to help you navigate the top antique furniture styles you might encounter at auction.

1. Chippendale (1750-1780)

Named after the renowned English cabinetmaker Thomas Chippendale, this style is synonymous with high-end craftsmanship of the Georgian era. Chippendale's designs incorporated Gothic, Rococo, and Chinese influences, blending these styles into ornate and elegant pieces.

Key Features:

• Elaborate carvings, particularly in natural motifs (e.g., shells, acanthus leaves).
• Cabriole legs and claw-and-ball feet.
• Mahogany, walnut, and rosewood were commonly used.

Key Makers:

• Thomas Chippendale himself is the most recognized, but his influence extended to numerous workshops across Britain and America.
• William Vile and John Cobb, leading furniture makers in 18th-century London, also produced high-quality Chippendale-style pieces.

Popular Items at Auction:

• Pierced-back chairs, ornate desks, and highboys, all with intricate carvings. Chippendale pieces often attract competitive bidding due to their historical significance and masterful craftsmanship.

2. Georgian (1714-1830)

Georgian furniture is celebrated for its timeless, symmetrical designs. The period covered the reigns of several British monarchs, including George I through George IV, leading to variations in style across its century-long span.

Key Features:

• Symmetrical, simple forms with minimal decoration.
• High-quality woods such as oak, walnut, and mahogany.
• Brass fittings and finely turned legs.

Key Makers:

• Thomas Sheraton, known for his refined, classical designs that dominated the later Georgian period.
• George Hepplewhite, famous for his lightweight, elegant chairs and cabinets.
• John Linnell, a leading figure in 18th-century British furniture, often associated with neoclassical design.

Popular Items at Auction:

• Elegant bookcases, refined sideboards, and wingback chairs. Buyers appreciate Georgian pieces for their understated beauty and durable craftsmanship.

3. Regency (1811-1820)

The Regency period brought neoclassicism to the forefront, with furniture that echoed the grandeur of ancient Greece and Rome. This style, popular during the reign of George IV as Prince Regent, is known for its restrained elegance.

Key Features:

• Clean, crisp lines with minimal ornamentation.
• Use of exotic materials, including rosewood, ebony, and brass inlays.
• Fluted legs and sabre-shaped chair legs are hallmarks of the period.

Key Makers:

• Thomas Hope, a leading designer during the Regency era, influenced the classical revival with his bold, neoclassical designs.
• George Bullock, known for his use of exotic woods and highly decorative inlays.

Popular Items at Auction:

• Sofas with scroll arms, console tables, and fine dining chairs. Regency furniture is prized for its neoclassical elegance, and well-preserved pieces often command high prices at auction.

4. Victorian (1837-1901)

Under Queen Victoria’s reign, furniture design embraced opulence, eclecticism, and mass production. Victorian furniture is often ornate, reflecting the romantic and Gothic revival trends of the time.

Key Features:

• Dark woods such as rosewood, mahogany, and walnut.
• Heavy, decorative carvings, often incorporating floral motifs or scrolls.
• Plush, upholstered furniture with button-tufted fabrics and fringe details.

Key Makers:

• Gillow & Co., a British firm known for producing high-quality Victorian furniture, often with intricate detailing.
• Howard & Sons, a premier maker of upholstered furniture, famous for their deeply comfortable, buttoned-back sofas and armchairs.
• John Henry Belter, an American cabinetmaker renowned for his intricately carved Rococo Revival furniture.

Popular Items at Auction:

• Balloon-back chairs, ornately carved sideboards, and overstuffed sofas. Victorian pieces are particularly sought after for their craftsmanship and ability to make a grand statement in any home.

5. Arts and Crafts (1880-1920)

The Arts and Crafts movement rebelled against industrialization, emphasizing handmade craftsmanship and simple forms. This style celebrated the natural beauty of materials and was a direct response to the excesses of the Victorian era.

Key Features:

• Simple, sturdy designs with exposed joinery.
• Use of natural woods like oak, often with minimal finishing to showcase the grain.
• Limited ornamentation, focusing on craftsmanship and function.

Key Makers:

• William Morris, the father of the Arts and Crafts movement, whose designs rejected mass production and emphasized craftsmanship.
• Gustav Stickley, an American proponent of the movement, known for his mission-style furniture that emphasized simplicity and durability.
• Charles Voysey, a British architect and designer, whose pieces exemplified the clean lines and natural materials of the movement.

Popular Items at Auction:

• Oak armchairs, sideboards, and cabinets with visible joinery. Arts and Crafts pieces attract buyers who appreciate handcrafted quality and functional design.

6. Edwardian (1901-1910)

The Edwardian period ushered in a lighter, more practical aesthetic, moving away from the heavy ornamentation of the Victorian era. Furniture from this time is characterized by its elegance and simplicity, often incorporating influences from earlier Georgian and Regency designs.

Key Features:

• Lighter woods such as oak, beech, and sometimes painted surfaces.
• Simple, refined decoration, including marquetry and gilding.
• Functional designs with graceful curves and lighter construction.

Key Makers:

• Maple & Co., one of Britain’s leading furniture makers during the Edwardian period, specializing in high-quality, yet simple and functional pieces.
• Waring & Gillow, a well-known firm that produced furniture with an emphasis on craftsmanship and refinement.
• Liberty & Co., whose Arts and Crafts-inspired furniture was highly popular during the Edwardian era.

Popular Items at Auction:

• Display cabinets, occasional tables, and wicker furniture. Edwardian pieces offer a more casual elegance and are favored for their light, airy designs that fit comfortably in modern homes.

Expert Tips for Bidding on Antique Furniture at Auction

• Know the Maker: A piece from a recognized cabinetmaker can significantly increase its value. Researching key makers from each period will help you identify treasures that may otherwise go unnoticed.
• Condition is Crucial: Check for any repairs, damage, or restorations. While repairs aren’t necessarily a bad thing, original condition generally adds to the piece’s value.
• Beware of Reproductions: Many antique styles, particularly Victorian and Chippendale, have been reproduced over the years. Familiarize yourself with signs of authenticity, such as the type of wood, joinery techniques, and patina.

Antique furniture auctions offer a unique opportunity to acquire beautiful, historically significant pieces. By understanding the key styles and makers, you can make informed bids and add valuable items to your collection. For upcoming auctions and more insights, visit us and register to receive alerts on featured pieces.