The Major English Periods and Designers

English antique furniture is often referred to in general terms as "Georgian," after the three King Georges who ruled the British Isles for more than a century. This era breaks down into the following periods. (Dates are approximate.)

William and Mary --- Last decade of the 17th century
Characterized by the use of walnut and oak, spiral turned and "S"
scroll legs, bun feet, and elaborate veneers--with the introduction to
England of Dutch marquetry.

Queen Anne --- 1700 to 1720
Age of Walnut; characterized by simpler lines, chairs with
solid shaped back splats, cabriolet legs, pad or ball-and-claw feet,
and graceful curves.

Chippendale --- 1735 to 1765
Characterized by the predominant use of mahogany, with elaborate
carving, rococo, Gothic and Chinese elements, ball-and-claw feet, and
impressive proportions.

Hepplewhite --- 1765 to 1790
Characterized by elegant, refined lines and neoclassical elements
--such as carved swags of drapery, oval medallions, shield backs
to chairs, square tapering legs and spade feet.

Sheraton --- 1780 to 1800
Characterized by the wide use of satinwood for inlay and for whole
pieces of furniture; chairs with straight lines; the full development of
the sideboard; and the square, turned, or reeded leg.

Regency --- 1800 to 1820
Characterized by the use of classical and Egyptian elements,
brass inlay, use of rosewood, gilding, saber legs, and smaller
proportions.

William IV -- also known as English Empire --- 1825 to 1840
Characterized by heavier treatment to turned legs; substantial bases for
tables; and beading, and reeding for decoration--leading the way to the
Victorian design, which dominated the balance of the 19th century.

American furniture followed much the same course of development, though lagging a decade or more behind England. In both countries, during the last quarter of the 19th century, there was a revival of the furniture styles of the 18th century. These "Centennial" reproductions were made in great numbers and are often passed off as "Period" pieces. Some of them may be technically antiques now, since they are over 100 years old, but there is a vast difference in value between such a piece and the genuine article.