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years before the process was mastered.

Restoration Furniture Characteristics

Restoration furniture was decorative and colourful.
Veneer and marquetry made advancements to produce detailed designs.
In addition to walnut and oak there was also used olive, white cedar, kingwood, and coromandel among others.

Previous eras saw dark, Gothic, primitive and uncomfortable furniture, The William and Mary period gave us bright insight into what was ahead for English furniture. Great numbers of French and Dutch refugee's came to England, many of them working in the furniture industry. They brought with them many new techniques that continued to increase the standards of English furniture.

William and Mary Furniture Characteristics

Oak, declined as Walnut was used widely, Mahogany made its first appearance.
There was also use of kingwood and amboyna for inlay work and ebony
A lot of Dutch and French influences.
Standards improve as we see a greater number of these antiques today.

By now, English craftsmen have mastered foreign techniques and adapted them to their own. English furniture is now developing a distinct style and can be compared at par with Italian and French furniture styles.

Queen Anne Furniture Characteristics

Working class people are now more able to own furniture.
Walnut now the wood of choice.
A small amount of Queen Anne furniture was painted white and gilded.
Furniture design is more thought out as the pieces become lighter.

A big change began in this era, the introduction of Mahogany. It would later replace Walnut as the wood of choice. 'Geargian' furniture consisted of a wide variety of styles including Adam, Chippendale, Hepplewhite, and Sheraton.

Georgian Furniture Characteristics

The beginning of Mahogany and Architectural influence
Consisted of a wide variety of styles

Finally, the long awaited mastering of the technique to apply Shellac to wood, 'French polishing.' Now furniture is coated with smooth surfaces and intricate veneers are laid. A striking vibrant display of colours are introduced as knowledge of a variety of wood increases.

Regency Furniture Characteristics

Plain, slender, elegant lines
Mahogany is continued to be used along with Rosewood and Zebrawood
Elaborate inlaid marquetry

The straight and smooth lines of the Regency period were opposed with a more oval and circular style. Mass produced furniture had taken a new level and the Victorian style was rapidly welcomed into the homes of many. Later in the period the demands of mass market would have a negative effect on the quality of the furniture being produced.

Victorian Furniture Characteristics

Oak makes a nationalist comeback for its Englishness.
Mahogany and Rosewood mostly used.
Japanese design shows influence in ebony finishes.

Edwardian furniture designers came to the realization that reproductions would outsell anything new or innovative. During this era the Antique trade was launched and quickly grew as people started buying second hand furniture.

Edwardian Furniture Characteristics

Art Nouveau is given a English interpretation.
Reproduction furniture is produced.

Learn more about this author, Perry Toone.
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