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Victorian Furniture

Ornate, fussy, cluttered…all familiar words used to describe Victorian furnishings. So, what caused such a movement to come about?

In the early part of the era, things were simpler. The upper class favored the dark woods and heavier pieces associated with the Gothic revival movement. By the 1850’s a transformation came about that would spurn a style that was anything but simple. The second half of the 19 th century is considered the first industrial revolution. Advances in mechanization meant that elaborate furniture could be produced on a mass scale at an affordable price. The industry boom increased overall prosperity and created a new wealthy class. Leisure time was available in abundance and led to consideration and appreciation of the aesthetic. All of these factors coincided with an architectural philosophy that discarded the limitations of period styles and instead chose to freely mix architectural elements of different styles. The results were unique, overdone, and occasionally wretched. Yet it remains the favorite of antique furniture collectors worldwide.

Perhaps the most available style of the period is Rococo Revival. Furniture of this period was most influenced by French rocaille, or shell, and Italian baroque styles. Pieces were light and rift with curves inspired by nature. Intricate carvings of fruit, leaves, and flowers were common.

As time progressed, furniture began to reflect a style called Renaissance Revival. This style was an interpretation of the classical styles popular in the 1600-1700’s, or the Renaissance. This style is most recognized by finishes in gold, bronze, or black. The natural carvings of the previous period were replaced by carvings of heads or plaques.

Contributing to the cluttered feeling of Victorian interiors was the abundant use of patterned fabric and paper. All upholstery from drapes to dust ruffle would be the exact pattern of the wallpaper. This was a time of rapid industrialization. In urban areas, this meant a multitude of belching smokestacks fueling progress. Drapery was heavy, ornate, and usually drawn to block out unpleasant views, noise, and general filth.

As the Victorian error drew to a close, furnishings began to echo the return to quality and craftsmanship of architecture, and the emerging simplicity of clothing. Pretentious Rosewood and Walnut were replaced by the honesty of Oak. Ornate details and high finishes gave way to elongated lines and deliberately under-finished pieces exuding a sense of strength and ruggedness. This turn-of-the-century alliance is better known as the Arts and Crafts movement.