Edwardian Furniture: bureau, sideboard & washstands

Edwardian Furniture

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.