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Furniture
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Furniture built from hardwoods such as Walnut and later from Mahogany would of been fashionablein the Georgian period. Some plaster decorations painted and gilted would of also be found. Softwood such as pine and fir would of been a cheaper material used in kitchens and servant quarters. Key furniture pieces in enteraining areas would of been sideboards, console table with marble tops, drinks cabinets, card tables and glass fronted built in bookcases. In the bedrooms and dressing rooms; wooden four poster beds with heavy drapes to keep out the draughts, wash stands and chaise-longues. Decorations on furniture would of been carved swags, fruit, flowers and leaves. Claw and ball feet could be found on chair and table legs. Thomas Chippendale(1718 - 1779) was a cabinet maker and interior designer. He was commissioned to design furniture for many large houses and collaborated with Robert Adams. Chippendale published his furniture designs in The Gentleman and Cabinet Maker's Director. George Hepplewhite(1727- 1786) was a cabinet and chair maker. His wife published his original designs in The Cabinet Maker and Upholsterers Guide in 1788. The neoclassical Hepplewhite style is most recognised by his shield back chair, made of delicate contrasting veneers, a slender balanced design with uncarved tapered legs. Regency Regency period was influenced by the French empire and Egyptian temple. Hieroglyphics, animal heads and eagles were commonly used as decorations. The oval gilt plaster framed mirror with gilt balls could often be found in on Regency walls. Victorian The Victorians desired elaborately decorated furniture. Styles ranged from delicate inlay to ornate carved pieces. The Victorians loved nature and crammed every space with carved birds, animals, flowers and leaf motifs. Popular furniture found in a Victorian room such as the dining, drawing, morning or parlour room were mahogany dining tables, open bookcases and writing tables. Entertaining was important to the Victorian house owner, a drinks cabinet, a piano, games and card tables would of been found. Collecting and displaying ornaments was a popular hobby and sideboards with open shelves to display the crockery and glass fronted corner cabinets to display their treasures. In the bedroom the
four poster was still popular in the early Victorian period but later
fashion turned towards the half tester beds and from the 1850's brass
beds were a popular choice. A wash stand, set of drawers and a two door
wardrobe with drawers below would have been found in the bedroom. The boudoir comes from the french word bouder which means ' to sulk'. The boudoir was an ajoining room to the bedroom that the victorian lady could sew or read. Edwardian Heavy, cluttered, dark interiors were replaced with clean light simple spaces. A need for cleanliness and more hygienic homes meant that decorative detail became simpler. Hardwoods were still popular and if on a budget softwood with a dark stain were used. A Japanese influence introduced black lacquer and satin finishes. Traditional homes still looked back at the past to Georgian and Regency styles in furniture and wood panelling was fashionable. Popular furniture found in an Edwardian home would have been built in bookcases, sideboards, bureau's and display cabinets. In the bedrooms half testers and metal beds were still popular from the late Victorian period. The wardrobe may have been fitted or if based on the Arts and Crafts style it would have been freestanding. A dressing table, a wash stand and a chair would have completed the bedroom.
Georgian 1. Mahogany Sideboard 2. Card table
Victorian 1. Mahogany Sideboard 2. Walnut Sideboard
Edwardian 1. Georgian revival oak sideboard
Useful Links to Articles Lighting in the Victorian Home: Building Conservation
Lighting Products
Forum Debates
Useful Research Websites English Architecture: Britain Express Looking at Buildings: Pevsner Architectural Guides
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