Furniture styles

This page is dedicated to giving some history on Victorian furniture and the different styles of furniture there was during the Victorian time period 1837-1901

The first style of Victorian Furniture we will discuss is Gothic Revival.

Gothic furniture creations saw a revival between 1840 and 1860. This is also called the era of Gothic Revival. Wooden fixtures belonging to this period are grouped under New Gothic Furniture or modern Gothic.

Gothic Revival 1840-1860- Gothic Revival was not the most lovable architecture and furniture style in Europe and United States in the 19th century. It was deemed uncomfortable, ornate and pretentious. Its chairs look like thrones, and its tables and sideboards have a massive presence that can at best be called dignified. Known for high backs, triangular peaks, quatrefoils, Trefoils, Griffins and Gargoyles.

The woods preferred by makers of this period were walnut and oak, with some use of mahogany and rosewood.  Below are some examples of furniture of the period

Some prominant Gothic furniture makers

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Alexander Roux-

Alexander Roux was a French-trained ébéniste, or cabinetmaker, who emigrated to the United States in the 1830s. He opened a shop in New York City in 1837. The business grew quickly: by the 1850s he employed 120 craftsmen in his shop and introduced then-new industrial technologies, such as steam-powered saws.

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William Burns-

From Scotland 1805-1867

New York New York Specialized in Gothic Furniture from 1842-1866

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Daniels and Hutchins-

Troy New York. Cabinet maker 1836-1870

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Joseph Meeks- (September 4, 1771 – July 21, 1868)[1] was a furniture maker in New York City who founded what would become a large firm that produced good quality furniture from 1797 to 1869.

Specialized in Gothic revival furniture and late Rococo revival furniture

The next style of Victorian Furniture we will discuss is Rococo Revival.

Rococo Revival 1840-1870's-It was Medium to large scale, Tufted upholstery with interior springs, Symmetrical scrolls and curves, C and S curves, Lavish, high-relief carvings of nature motifs, Curved cabriole legs on casters, Marble tabletops, Mahogany, rosewood and walnut. Feminine, resulting in furniture mostly for the parlor and bedrooms

Examples of Rococo style

John Henry Belter, a well-known Rococo Revival furniture maker, used laminated rosewood with deep carving and pierce work, and thick, upholstered, tufted seats and backs. Even the fabric was elaborate with floral designs. Below are some examples of Rococo Revival Furniture

 

 

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Notable Cabinet and Furniture makers of the Victorian era

  • John Henry Belter- Rococo revival

  • Herter Brothers- Renaissance revival, Eastlake, Aesthetic movement, Egyptian Revival

  • Pottier and Symus- Renaissance revival, Eastlake, Aesthetic movement, Egyptian Revival

  • Thomas Brooks- Renaissance Revival

  • Berkey and Gay- Gothic Revival, Rococo Revival and Renaissance Revival

  • Michael Allison

  • Francois Seignouret

  • Brazilia Deming & Eratus Bulkley

  • Lieutenant Samuel Dunlap

  • Major John Dunlap

  • RJ Horner

  • Killian Brothers- Renaissance Revival, Eastlake and Aesthetic Movement

  • Leon Marcotte-Renaissance Revival, Eastlake and Aesthetic Movement

  • John Seymkour

  • Thomas Seymour

  • Alden Spooner

  • Alexander Roux- Gothic Revival and Rococo Revival

  • John Fitts

  • John Shaw

  • Elija Galusha

  • Henry Heitman

  • Joseph Conrad

  • M & H Shrenkeisen-Renaissance Revival and Eastlake

  • George Huntzinger-

Renaissance Revival- 1860-1885