STYLES OF FURNITURE

Consider the following scenario: You’ve put together the ideal Pinterest board with all of the furniture designs you adore, but you’re stumped as to what to label them. We’re here to assist you in identifying the many furniture types, particularly your favorites, so you may surround yourself with even more of what you enjoy.

Furniture Styles There are a variety of furniture styles to choose from.

This furniture style guide provides two lists of furniture styles, including classic, contemporary, and modern furniture designs.

First, we’ll look at historical furniture types that date back hundreds of years and are influenced by even earlier classical furniture patterns. Our second furniture styles list, which includes many of the more contemporary furniture forms we find today, is built on these classic furniture styles.

What Are Some Traditional and Timeless Furniture Styles to Look at?

From the Jacobean era of the 1600s to the Scandinavian modern design of the 1900s, furniture has been a symbol of wealth and luxury for ages. Here’s a rundown of historical furniture styles and significant features of these traditional furniture forms, many of which were influenced by classical furniture styles.

The English Early Renaissance gave birth to the Jacobean style, which lasted from 1600 until 1690. Straight lines, rich carvings, and a dark finish distinguish Jacobean furniture.

William and Mary (1690–1735): Known for its Dutch and Chinese inspirations, trumpet turned legs, Spanish ball feet, and Oriental lacquer work, William and Mary style furniture was popular in the late 17th and early 18th centuries.

Queen Anne (1700–1755): During the reign of William III of England, Queen Anne-style furniture arose. Hallmarks are:

• Cabriole legs.
• Pad or drake’s feet.
• Fiddle-backed chairs.
• Bat-wing-shaped drawer knobs.

Pennsylvania Dutch (1720–1830): Pennsylvania Dutch is a Germanic-influenced American furniture design. It is distinguished by its practical simplicity and colorful folk art.

Louis XVI (1760–1789): Inspired by Neoclassical design, this style was created for Marie Antionette during the French Revolution. Greco-Roman influence, clean lines, classical themes like fluting, and finely carved details are all hallmarks of Louis XVI furniture.

Chippendale (1750–1790): This style was invented by Thomas Chippendale, a cabinetmaker in London. Gothic, French, and Chinese influences and the Queen Anne style may all be found. Cabriole legs, ball and claw feet, and broken pediment scroll top on tall cases are all hallmarks of Chippendale furniture.

Hepplewhite (1765-1800): Hepplewhite furniture was popular in the early United States and named London designer George Hepplewhite. The Neoclassical influence, delicate look, slender legs, and contrasting veneers and inlay distinguish Hepplewhite furniture.

Styles of Contemporary Furniture

While antique furniture types may be found at specialist stores, today’s models are much different. Furniture fashion has evolved throughout the years, moving away from opulent, traditional aesthetics and toward contemporary furniture forms that blur the borders between beauty and efficiency.

While most people use the phrases “modern” and “contemporary” to describe today’s furniture, these two terms refer to two distinct design approaches. As you can see from the list of furniture designs below, “modern” and “contemporary” are two separate design categories.