A Complete Guide to Furniture Styles
Although the function of your furniture is essential, its aesthetic is also important, especially to the overall look and feel of your home. Although once an indication of wealth and luxury, furniture has evolved to also show your personality. With such an incredible number of different styles of furniture available, there are lots of ways that you can introduce some character into your space.
The following guide briefly goes over some of the many furniture styles to give you an idea of what’s available. We’ve split these furniture styles into two categories: historical ones that date back hundreds of years and more modern ones that have emerged over the past century.
Traditional & Timeless Furniture Styles
Traditional and timeless furniture styles refer to historical furniture that dates back hundreds of years leading up to the beginning of the 20th century. With that in mind, the following traditional furniture styles are characterized by their timeless beauty:
- Jacobean (1600–1690): Refers to the style of furniture popular during the early English Renaissance. Furniture from this era was often heavy and ornate with dark, rich colouring.
- William and Mary (1690–1735): Features a delicate and eclectic style that combines the elements of Dutch, Chinese, and Spanish furniture styles. William and Mary style furniture is often finished with Oriental lacquer work.
- Queen Anne (1700–1755): Originating in the United Kingdom, the use of walnut and mahogany characterizes this period. The furniture was often ornate with intricate details and decorations, such as cabriole legs and bat-wing-shaped drawer pulls.
- Pennsylvania Dutch (1720–1830): Characterized by its distinct craftsmanship, Pennsylvania Dutch furniture is an American style with German influences. It’s built with function in mind and is usually painted in bright colours.
- Louis XVI (1760–1789): Mainly influenced by the neoclassical style, French furniture from this period is characterized by its luxury and elegance. Furniture was usually crafted with intricate carvings and classically-influenced ornamentation.
- Chippendale (1750–1790): This furniture style is characterized by its delicate curves and intricate details with heavy influence from French, Chinese, Gothic, and Queen Anne styles.
- Hepplewhite (1765-1800): This furniture style is influenced by Neoclassical design and is characterized by graceful curves and delicate details. Tapered legs and contrasting veneers are common features.
- Sheraton (1780–1820): Sheraton furniture is characterized by its elegant simplicity, with straight lines and tapered legs a common feature. The use of light woods such as mahogany and cherry dominated this period.
- Federal (1780–1820): This furniture style is characterized by its balanced proportions and soft lines. It’s like a combination of Sheraton and Hepplewhite styles.
- American Empire (1800–1840): This furniture style is heavily influenced by French design and is characterized by its solid and heavy lines, classical ornamentation, and dark finish.
- Victorian (1840–1910): Victorian furniture is characterized by ornate and intricate designs, heavy proportions, and a dark finish.
- Arts and Craft (1880–1910): The arts and craft furniture style is characterized by its simple lines, which often feature handcrafted woodwork. The style developed out of a focus on creating a utilitarian design.
- Art Deco (1910–1939): Art Deco furniture is characterized by its use of bold colours and geometric shapes. Furniture from this era often features chrome and lacquered finishes.
Modern Furniture Styles at a Furniture Store
Modern furniture styles refer to the different furniture designs over the past century. These are the types of furniture you’ll typically find at furniture stores, and they include the following:
- Antique: Antique furniture is typically from the 19th and early 20th centuries. It often features delicate carvings, ornate details, and has a classic, timeless appeal.
- American Colonial: American Colonial furniture is heavily influenced by French and British styles. It incorporates simple lines, slatted panels, and sturdy construction.
- Traditional: Traditional furniture takes elements from classic European and British styles. It is often ornate and features carved details, dark woods, and dark colours.
- Vintage: Vintage furniture is a broad term that includes several different types of furniture. Unique, one-of-a-kind pieces with intricate details often characterize it.
- Rustic: Rustic furniture features natural, organic materials like wood and metal. This style often has a weathered look and is perfect for creating an outdoorsy feel.
- American Design: American design incorporates traditional furniture silhouettes and adds modern features, like bold colours and geometric shapes.
- Retro: Retro furniture is inspired by the 1950s and 1960s. It often features bright colours, mid-century modern lines, and quirky details.
- Modern: Modern furniture is typically characterized by its clean lines, minimalistic approach, and sleek design. This style is perfect for creating a modern, stylish look.
- Minimalism: Minimalist furniture emphasizes function and simplicity, often with a focus on sleek lines and neutral colours.
- Relaxed Modern: Relaxed modern furniture takes elements from traditional and mid-century modern designs and adds a casual, comfortable feel. It often incorporates natural materials like wood, rattan, and linen.
- Contemporary: Contemporary furniture is typically defined as furniture from the last few decades. It often features clean lines, organic shapes, and muted colours.
- Shabby Chic: Shabby chic furniture is often characterized by its distressed, vintage look and incorporates elements of both traditional and contemporary styles.
- Casual Luxe: Casual Luxe furniture is all about combining comfort and luxury. It often incorporates soft, plush fabrics and delicate details to create an inviting atmosphere.
- Urban Collective: Urban Collective furniture is intended to bring elements of modern city life into your home. It’s often multifunctional and inspired by industrial design.
Find Your Furniture Style at Carrocel
There are many styles of furniture to choose from, whether you’re looking to furnish an entire space or simply want a few statement or accent pieces to help tie a room together. At Carrocel, we boast an enormous selection of furniture from a wide range of styles, from art deco to contemporary and more, available at our furniture store in Toronto. Be sure to check out our furniture store or contact us for more information about our furniture selection.
Louis XVI Style High Gloss Black Lacquered Writing Desk
- Solid wood with original brass ornament details
- Side pullout trays with leather top detail with gold embossing
- Louis XVI Style High Gloss Black Lacquered Writing Desk
Modern Cerused Oak Sideboard Buffet in Natural Wash Finish
- Natural whitewash ceruse finish
- Height adjustable shelves and hideaway center drawer
- Modern Cerused Oak Sideboard Buffet in Natural Wash Finish
Mid-Century Modern Curved Sectional Sofa
- Restored with new foam and upholstery material
- Charcoal textured linen fabric
- Mid-Century Modern Curved Sectional Sofa