Georgian, Regency and Victorian furniture stands the test of time as some of the finest English furniture produced. Known for its quality, timbers and craftsmanship we take a look at how to incorporate this antique furniture in to your interior design and look at the defining characteristics of Georgian, Regency and Victorian styles.
The Georgian era spanned from the reign of George I (1714) to George IV (1837). The Georgian era was characterised by the use of mahogany and oak, and furniture was defined by its straighter lines.
Famous Georgian era furniture makers and designers were Thomas Chippendale, George Hepplewhite and Thomas Sheraton.
Left - A George III mahogany chest of drawers with brass oval handles
Middle - A late George III mahogany carver chair, one of a set of 8 dining chairs attributed to Gillows of Lancaster & London
Right - George III mahogany chest of drawers in the style of Thomas Sheraton with beautiful figuring to the drawers, stood on vase shaped feet
Above - Chippendale period mahogany chest on chest
The Regency era overlaps the Georgian era and spanned from 1811 - 1820. The Regency era is known for its style, refinement, use of ancient architectural design and motifs within its furniture and decorative embellishments like brass inlay. Notable furniture makers of this era were Thomas Hope and George Smith.
Above - A fine quality Regency figured mahogany sofa table with ebony scroll inlay and anthemion bronze gilt mount.
In 1837 when Queen Victoria ascended to the thrown, furniture design shifted to more curved and decorative, and there was more emphasis on carving. The favoured timbers of this era were mahogany, rosewood and walnut.
As the British Empire grew so did the ability to import exotic, high quality timbers by sea.
Gillows of Lancaster & London were one of the most renowned furniture makers on the 19th century and had direct access to these timbers.
Left - Early Victorian rosewood x frame stool with tulip carving
Middle - An early Victorian rosewood side table with out swept legs and scroll leaf carving.
Right - Late Victorian writing table by Donald Ross, with satinwood and purpleheart crossbanding and ebony parquetry inlays. Donald Ross' furniture can be seen in the V&A Museum
Interior Ideas - How to incorporate Georgian, Regency and Victorian Furniture in to your home
A Georgian chest of drawers is versatile and can easily be placed in any home and still serve a practical purpose. The richness of the wood, paired with a neutral colour palette will showcase the patina and beauty of the wood. Similarly, a Victorian card table can now be used today as a side table, and your favourite accessories can be placed on the surface like a table lamp, clock or sculpture.
Left - Regency mahogany tray top side table
Middle - Regency birds eye maple centre table
Right - George III mahogany serpentine fronted chest of drawers
Comments