interiordezine.com - providing free interior design and decorating education to the world

English Period Furniture

Regency Furniture (Mahogany, Rosewood and Ebony 1800-1830)

Regency followed a style in France after the coronation of Napoleon as Emperor (Empire Style).

Prince George became Regent from 1811-1820 - this was a period of classical furniture. It was then the fashion to copy actual furniture of the classical Roman and Greek times. If they were not identically copied, they were made as close as possible to the classical decoration forms. Winged Griffins, lions heads, animal legs, Roman Gods: anything that was popular in ancient Rome, Egypt or Greece. Furniture had moved from natural evolution to return to Classical form. The settee returned to a couch with scrolled ends supported by sphinx heads on lions legs.

Test your Interior Decorating Skills then send in your score to be in the draw for 10 Mystery prizes, it's easy and fun. Start your Quiz here

Grecian Couch c 1805

Grecian Couch c 1805

Designers who distinguished themselves in this period were Thomas Hope, George Smith, and Henry Holland. George IV had a large influence over the craftsmen of the time. The pinnacled, mosque like Pavilion at Brighton, England reflects some of the final madness of this period.

Regency Bookcase on a stand c 1810, the front has a metal grill.

Regency Bookcase on a stand c 1810, the front has a metal grill.

Features of Regency Furniture

The addition of brass to wood. Brass inlays were longer lasting than marquetry and this lead to the revival of French Boulle decorations.
Sofa Table
Sabre Leg
Cable Twist
Metal Grille
Commode was replaced by the chiffionier - straight front low cupboard
Cheaper pieces sometimes painted with black lacquer -revival of japanning
The current fashion was for decorating walls with paintings which led to lower pieces. Tallboys disappeared and bookcases and cabinets became smaller.
Wide use of metal mounts, lion paw feet, fretted brass grilles cover glass doors, pierced galleries, supports for shelves. Ormolu - imitation gold.

Regency Library Table c 1825

Regency Library Table c 1825

Chest with front pilasters of classic forms, sphinx head on animal legs or caryatid - female figure
Scrolled end couches. Wooden frame often gilded.
Circular tables, some with marble tops, stood on plinth base with animal feet
Sabre shape legs decorated with reeding or brass inlay. Brass boss used at junction of leg and rail.

Trafalgar chair used in mourning, death of Nelson. Cable twist, sabre legs.
Novelties - Canterbury to carry music or plates
Whatnot to display small pieces - Davenport small writing desk.
Twin quadrople tables
Sofa Tables - long narrow table with a drop leaf aty each end and two drawers.
Sideboard in the Adam style with solid pedestals and urns grew quite massive.
Lyre shape used for table ends
Quadruple support.

Categories:	Interior Design Articles \| Color \| Construction \| Craft Projects \| Designer Profiles \| Free Downloads \| Interior Design Tips \| Furniture History \| 20th Century Furniture History \| Interior Design Finishes \| Interior Design Fittings and Fixtures \| Interior Design Soft Furnishings \| Lighting \| Makeovers \| Styles and Periods
Tools:	Interior Design Tools \| Downloads \| Your Questions Answered \| Newsletter \| Tutorials \| ebooks \| Free ebook \| Glossary \| Interior Design Forum \| Free Interior Design Tips \| Interior Design Blog \| Interior Designer's Blog \| Shopping \| Squidoo
E-courses:	Free Curtain Design ecourse \| Free Interior Decorating ecourse \| Free Color ecourse
Directories:	Design Directory \| Interior Design Resources \| Interior Design Products & Designers Pictures
Network Sites:	Bathrooms \| Bedrooms \| Color \| Curtains \| Education \| Kitchens \| Modern Furniture Designers \| Stairs \| Interior Design Styles & Periods \| Interior Design Videos
Corporate:	Company Profile \| Contact Us \| Terms of Use \| Privacy Policy \| Donate \| Advertise with Interiordezine.com
Media Kit:	YouTube is Closing the Curtains on Interiors \| Free On-line Interior Decoration Course
Site Structure:	Glossary \| Site Information \| Site Map \| Website Alphabetical Content A-C \| Website Alphabetical Content D-F \| Website Alphabetical Content G-K \| Website Alphabetical Content L-Q \| Website Alphabetical Content R-Z
All Rights Reserved. Users of this site agree to be bound by the terms of the Interiordezine.com Web Site Rules and Regulations. Copyright © 2009 Dezine Holdings Ltd. All Rights Reserved.