Chairs of Character: A pictoral guide to stylish seating vol I. The British Invasion

Vol I. The British Invasion

I love auctions and nothing gets my adrenaline pumping like bidding and obtaining antiques at auction; especially when I'm getting a good deal on a quality piece of furniture. Not everything sold at auction is an antique but it's usually the antiques that get the biggest buzz when placed before the gavel. Not only are most antiques of better quality and construction, they are often less expensive than their contemporary counterparts. And what better way to help the environment then buying previously owned furniture.

Obviously, antiques work in certain design styles and not in others. If you have a traditional, transitional, colonial, Georgian, neo-classical or an eclectic style, American made antiques and reproductions can help define and refine your home or property for sale.

Whether you're buying the real deal or a reproduction it's not always easy to recognize one style from another. Below I have created a pictorial catalog describing design styles from the pinnacle of British furniture making during the 18th and early 19th centuries. All of these design styles were widely reproduced in America and furniture makers continue to reproduce these styles today. From a practical stand point these chairs would be used for dining or occasional uses and can be stained, painted and upholstered to taste.

Queen Anne-style is based on design trends during the reign of Queen Anne 1702-1714. Chairs in this style are recognizable by the curvilinear crest rail, urn-shape splats, (center back support) and cabriolet legs(an S shaped leg).

Windsor-style is an English style that originated in the Windsor area of Great Briton in the early part of the 18th century and is characterized by turned stick legs and a spindled back rest attached to the seat. Variations include bow, comb, and sack back (shown here) .

Chippendale-style is based on the designs and works of Thomas Chippendale. He was one of three English Designers known as 'the big three'. His works command hefty price tags today at auction and are exquisite examples of English furniture. The chairs are noted for elaborate splats, and may also include cabriolet legs and ball-and-claw feet. His most famous works are his padded wing back chairs

Original Chippendale Illustrations

Hepplewhite-style is based on and adapted from the published designs and illustrated work of George Hepplewhite a contemporary of Chippendale. No known works of his exist today as his popularity as a designer was posthumous. Hepplewhite designs are most recognizable of all the English design styles by it's iconic shield back, tapered fluted legs and spaded feet.

Sheraton-style is based on an 18th-century British design originating from the published illustrated works of Thomas Sheraton and the design is noted for it's square backs, classical inspiration, and motifs. Like Hepplewhite no known pieces of his work exist today but his neo-classical style is often reproduced.

Regency or Empire-style is also known as Duncan Phyfe. This early 19th-century style features a scroll back, squared top, and saber legs. The lyre back is an example of a classical motif. This chair style was widely reproduced in the 20th century and is very popular today.

The Red Room of the White House designed in the Empire Style

Please visit our site: www.RealEstateDesignOnLine.com