Victorian Antique Furniture

Curios and Dining Rooms

Victorian Antiques

Victorian antique furnishings form an extensive range of tables and chairs and other types of furniture, which were crafted and used back in the Victorian Period (1837 � 1901). This era was considered one of the most prosperous eras of Britain, with vast improvements in many fields such as industries and education. The number of middle class homes rose, causing a large increase in architectural improvements, such as houses and furniture.

Victorian furniture was based on previous eras such as the Tudor and Elizabethan Periods, the William & Mary and Queen Anne Periods and the Georgian and Regency Periods. However, in contrast to earlier periods, Victorian furniture is heavier in design. Victorian furnishings were made from quality materials, and were often considered as works of art with their floral designs, beautiful mouldings and engraved finishes.

The furniture used in the Victorian age was typically made of wood, some were made with iron, and the rest were made with a mixture of both. The main woods used were mahogany, rosewood, oak and satinwood. Chairs and sofas are made from wood and different types of cloth, the latter of which include brocades, velvets and tapestries with different patterns and colours. Iron was mostly used in Victorian bedroom furniture for support. Victorian furniture was more curved, shiny and upholstery was a main factor in design. Turned knobs, scrolled backs and usually plain mouldings with a small amount of carved decoration were used.

Early Victorian furniture was mainly constructed by hand, but towards the latter end of the period, machines were used more regularly for carved decoration. The well known cabinet designers � Holland and Sons, Gillows and others used excellent materials to produce furniture of the highest quality.

Victorian furniture is considered an epitome of luxury and was used widely to enhance Victorian dressing. Ultimately, furniture from this era is some of the finest ever produced. Nowadays, Victorian antique furniture is not just limited to the confines of a museum or for decorating an expensive hotel, but is very well suited for a living room, study room or bed room of any household that will respect their furniture. Victorian antiques are very much in demand and fashion, and add class and elegance to any home.

- Paul Hanson

A Glimpse of All Things Victorian

The Age of Victorian Furniture

Fueled by the wealth of its industrialization and new manufacturing industries, the influence of Victorian Britain reached far around the world to the furthest corners of the empire. This was a new world and with it came a new order to challenge the old accepted power structures. A new class of wealthy industrialists whose money gave them power and influence became the Victorian rich and their choices and values were to be a major influence in Victorian life. Their money, founded in the production from the new factories bought them fine new homes, large and important. These great new houses borrowed from the styles of the upper classes with many rooms which needed filling. The rise of the middle classes meant more homes with more money to spend and the need for more furniture.

Along with the new modern Victorian world came an inevitable change in style of the Victorian home and the history of Victorian furniture is one of variety. Furniture styles that reflected a fascination with the past were also a showcase of what was now possible in design and production. This age saw the beginning of mass production of furniture in a manufacturing industry whose new industrial techniques could rapidly reproduce the styles and designs which before now has been expensively carved by craftsmen.

The history of Victorian furniture is one of variety. Out of favour went the grace and fine lines of the Regency style furniture which were replaced by the more robust heavy furniture of the prosperous Victorian home - ornate decoration and dark shining woods of mahogany and rosewood veneer and elaborate machined turned legs. However no one style was dominant in the Victorian home as designers, encouraged by the fast output of the new furniture manufacturing industries gave their imaginations free run. It was now possible to mass produce styles from other historical periods and the reproduction of earlier styles from the Tudor, Elizabethan, and Neo Classical periods became popular. However the one style that perhaps recalls this period most is the Gothic revival style. Large heavy furniture pieces in Gothic design were made in solid oak to reflect Englishness. The Victorians embraced the Gothic style with enthusiasm as can be seen in architecture and art as well as in the design of these furniture pieces. The history of Victorian furniture reflects the history of the Victorian age where a society underwent huge changes yet also huge uncertainties. This made them look forward with pride and confidence while still looking back to a fictional age of order, glory and chivalry.

If you are out to shop for a new set of furniture, you will soon realize that there are hundreds of furniture outlets to choose from. Therefore, finding a good furniture outlet may seem confusing especially when there are tons of options available. But with the convenience of the internet and the presence of various local furniture stores, that piece of furniture you want is often within your reach.

- Blake Chavez

Victorian Furniture Company: Living Room Showcase

Antiques Mean Something Different To Everyone

Many people, myself included love the look of old things. We love to furnish our homes with old furniture and different knick knacks that have come from a different era. Many of these things are antiques while many are just old looking. It has become very popular these days to decorate your house with older looking furniture. Many manufacturers make modern furniture that look like antiques but in fact are not.

This is a cheaper way for people to have the look without the expense. Of course they also miss out on the history that goes with the original piece. But for many people including myself it is an option that we welcome. Many of my original antiques are things that have been handed down through the generations of my family. These things I really treasure. Then the rest are copies that blend in very well with the look that I like.

I could not tell you if any of my antiques are very valuable or not but I must say that I love them because of the way they look, their craftsmanship and of course for their sentimental value. It is such a shame to think that so many antiques have been thrown out or destroyed over time because they were old and not fashionable any more.

If you are someone who really loves the original product whether it be furniture, cars, glass wear, dolls and so on and you want to purchase some then you should know a little bit about antiques. If you don't, then ask someone who does to help you. There are so many people out there ready to rip you off so you should be well armed. Just because something looks old and you love it does not mean it is worthy of an expensive antique price tag.

Of course, in the end if you've got the money and that is what you want then price doesn't really matter but generally for the average person you should only pay what the product is truly worth. Especially if you want this product as an investment as many collectors do.

You need to learn about things such as certain markings or numbers to look for on some antiques. It is a way of knowing that they are original. It's sad to think that there are also many remakes that are being sold as the originals when they are really just excellent copies. That is why it is important to learn a few things.

Ask around to find an antique dealer that has a good reputation. Then go and talk to him or her about what you are interested in. They can be a great source of information. There are also many good books that will be very helpful and educational. Once you arm yourself with this knowledge then you can start shopping with confidence.

- Susan