The reigns of the four monarchs – George I, George II, George III, and George IV are known as the Georgian and Regency periods of furniture. This period saw the growth of important designers, and cabinet makers, such as Thomas Chippendale, Robert and James Adam, George Hepplewhite and Thomas Sheraton. Walnut slowly faded, and gave way to Mahogany; legs started to lose their pad feet and became ball and claw. Chairs were smaller, delicate and with narrow and elegant carvings denoting shells and fish scales. Marble tops began to grace the side tables, and intricate marquetry and inlay was applied to display cabinets and bureaus. Wardrobes, book cases, secretaires, sideboards, clocks, tables, desks and seating were made with high quality craftsmanship. England’s furniture scene was changing, and this would become known as “The Golden Age of Furniture”
William IV period furniture (1830-1837)
The reign of William IV was a short one, but it made way for some important changes in furniture styling. It would be a heavier and coarser look. Pieces of furniture would have square feet know as Marlborough feet, table legs would have brass or bronze fittings with lion’s paw feet. Sofa tables, drum tables and game tables would have, torches, crowns and laurel leaves carved into them. These designs were reminiscent of the Chippendale era previous. The furniture would also have bronze or brass decorative hardware in a gothic and/or rococo revival style. More exotic woods were used such as rosewood and zebrawood, and furniture makers like Robert Jupe were introducing innovative designs for expanding tables.
Victorian period furniture (1837–1901)
Victoria’s reign of furniture making saw the commencement of the industrial revolution, with the introduction of machinery and process. Furniture was now mass produced, identifying marks were slowly disappearing. The personal touch had gone, furniture was now being made in various facilities and individualism was diminishing. The furniture styles were typically heavy, bulky and dark brown it had influences of rococo, gothic and Louis XV styles about it. Demand was high and owning furniture during this era was viewed as a status symbol. Upholstery using springs was introduced, and deep cushioned chairs, settees and chaise lounges with decorative fabrics were all the rage. Big bookcases, drop-front desks, linen presses, chests of drawers, desks, tables and beds were all being made using mahogany, walnut, cherry, pine, chestnut and oak.
Edward VII period furniture (1901-1910)
Known as the Edwardian era, you can easily tell Edwardian style by looking at the clean sweeping simple lines and straight edges, it would contain a lot of floral designs, lighter woods, inlays and marquetry. All this was heavily inspired from the styles of the past. This was a revival period which in turn saw a concentration of reproduction furniture which become very popular during this period. Craftsmen starting replicating furniture from the Tudor, Renaissance and Georgian eras. This time in history also saw the industrialization of the British Isles causing some remarkable changes such as the beginning of electricity, which in turn caused the birth of the table lamp. Colors and fabrics were not so vibrant, but softer, lighter, pastel shades were pronominally used. Wicker and bamboo were introduced, and antique collecting was starting to become popular.
