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American Classic Bench from Aileen Minor American AntiquesThere are three recognized Pre-Federal periods: the Colonial, 1620 to 1720; the Queen Anne, 1720 to 1750; and Chippendale, 1750 to 1780. The Federal period had its own styles: Hepplewhite, 1780 to 1800; Sheraton, 1790 to 1810; and Classical, 1810 to 1820. The Victorian period lasted from 1850 to just before World War I. -
Victorian Settee from http://www.museumfurniture.com/Colonial style furniture was plain and functional. The colonists needed furnishings fast and needed to make them themselves. They did not have the luxury of having furniture makers. Queen Anne was much more graceful, with curved and carved legs. Chippendale is even more exquisite, with signature ball feet on the legs. Hepplewhite is delicate and simple and identified by its wood inlays. Sheraton has round tapered legs, inlays and brass finishings. Classical, or Empire, style is identified by its geometric shapes and stenciling and gilded decorations. Victorian style is heavy, dark and very formal. - Fine quality antiques fit in anywhere. Their styles are timeless and make for conversation pieces. If you have a period home, furnishing it with furniture from the same period means you are using furniture that fits not only the style of the house but fits the dimensions as well, neither too big or too small. American antique furniture was built to last.
- Beyond the satisfaction of owning a fine handmade antique, the furniture has the potential of greatly increasing in value, making fine American antiques excellent investment opportunities and treasured pieces that will become family heirlooms.
- Know what you are buying and who you are buying it from. Focus on one period and learn how they were made. For instance, how were the joints assembled? What kinds of nails were used? If you see a piece that is supposed to be antique and it is put together with modern nails, it is a fake. Different styles used different types of joints as well. Be careful how you take care of your antiques. Many of today's wood cleaners are too harsh for the old wood.
