How to Collect Nineteenth Century Furniture

Nineteenth century furniture is synonymous in many people's minds with Victorian furniture. However, American nineteenth century furniture styles reflect the changes the country went through during that entire period and include other styles as well. Here are tips for collecting these antique treasures.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. Look for American Empire furniture. Popular in the first part the nineteenth century, it was the American interpretation of the Egyptian belief that every inanimate object has a personality. Pineapple finials, animal paw feet, lion's heads and heavy cornices characterize this style.

2. Identify Gothic revival furniture, popular from 1825 to 1865. It's characterized by ornate details, like pointed arches and vine ornamentation. Animal and human figures often decorate Gothic furniture. Look for hunt motifs and mythical beasts on furniture or in art pieces.

3. Seek out Rococo pieces, the most popular furniture style in the nineteenth century. Elaborate ornate detail characterizes Rococo furniture. Chairs often have a round back.

4. Search for Colonial Revival furniture, still popular today. Colonial Revival furniture includes wingback chairs, tea trolleys, Windsor chairs, grandfather clocks and fall-front desks. Gateleg and butterfly tables, ladder-back chairs and pedestal tables are also characteristic of the Colonial Revival period.

Tips & Warnings

• Other nineteenth century furniture styles include the Eastlake from 1880 to 1900 and the Renaissance Revival from 1860 to 1885.
• Mahogany was the wood of choice during that period due to its durability.

Resources

• Find antiques online.
• Victorian furniture