Styles of Furniture
1. Traditional
Traditional styles of furniture encompass a range of design aesthetics that draw
inspiration from historical periods, cultural influences, and craftsmanship traditions.
Here are some key traditional furniture styles:
1. Victorian: Victorian furniture is characterized by ornate detailing, rich materials, and
elaborate carvings. Common features include curved lines, tufted upholstery, and dark wood
finishes. Victorian furniture often reflects the opulence and elegance of the Victorian era
(1837-1901).
2. Baroque: Baroque furniture originated in 17th century Europe and is known for its
grandeur, symmetry, and dramatic ornamentation. Baroque pieces feature intricate carvings,
gilding, and curved forms, often embellished with motifs like scrolls, acanthus leaves, and
cherubs.
3. Rococo: Rococo furniture emerged in the early 18th century as a more playful and
flamboyant interpretation of the Baroque style. Rococo pieces are characterized by
asymmetrical designs, delicate curves, and intricate floral motifs. Pastel colours and gilded
accents are also common in Rococo furniture.
4. Chippendale: Named after the English cabinetmaker Thomas Chippendale, Chippendale
furniture became popular in the 18th century. It blends elements of Gothic, Rococo, and
Chinese design, featuring intricate woodwork, cabriole legs, and ornate fretwork.
5. Queen Anne: Queen Anne furniture, prevalent in the early 18th century, is known for its
graceful curves, cabriole legs, and restrained ornamentation. It often incorporates shell
motifs, pad feet, and curved lines inspired by natural forms.
6. Colonial: Colonial furniture reflects the styles prevalent in early American settlements,
blending influences from Europe, Asia, and indigenous crafts. It is characterized by simple,
sturdy designs, often crafted from local woods like oak, pine, and maple. Turned legs, ladder
backs, and understated detailing are common features of colonial furniture.
7. Arts and Crafts: The Arts and Crafts movement emerged in the late 19th century as a
reaction against mass production and industrialization. Arts and Crafts furniture emphasizes
craftsmanship, natural materials, and simple, functional designs inspired by traditional
craftsmanship.
8. Shaker: The Shaker style originated with the Shaker religious community in 18th century
America. Shaker furniture is known for its simplicity, utility, and craftsmanship. It features
clean lines, tapered legs, and minimal ornamentation, reflecting the Shakers' emphasis on
austerity and practicality.
2. Contemporary
Contemporary furniture represents a fresh approach to the use of space, and feature clear-cut
lines, functional and easily maintained surfaces. Characteristic of contemporary is built –in-
furniture with separate units that may be grouped or stacked to appear built-in. These styles
depend on line, form, grain of wood, and texture of fabric more than upon carving or other
embellishment. Contemporary furniture styles are low and lines are only moderately curved.
Metals, glass, wood, marble, caning, bamboo and plastics may be used singly or in
combination.
3. Modern design
Modern furniture refers to furniture produced from late 20th century through the present that
is influenced by modernism. The modern furniture have straight lines, geometric forms,
smooth light weight materials, polished metals, and sometimes with informal shapes with
unusual curves. They do not have additional decoration or ornaments. They have flat surface
fabric material with no pattern. They use technically innovative materials such as many forms
of glass, metal, chrome, stainless steel, aluminium ,molded plastics and engineering wood.
Neutral colour tones were mostly used. The furniture is generally sleek, elegant and simple.
They are generally manufactured in large scales in factories. Hand carved ornamentation is
replaced by machine carving. The furniture plays a dual role of being functional as well as
decorative piece or serves more than one purpose. Functionality is one of the important
characteristics of modern furniture. Use of different materials-at least two materials is
common. Standard dimensions are used for specific furniture. Universal design is becoming
popular. The modern furniture is more visually interesting sometimes are more like a piece of
art rather than an object that fills a space. They are compact and give a home a more open and
airy atmosphere.
