Identifying Antique Table Leg Styles

Turrets pointed arches and quatrefoils designs found in 12th through 16th centuries that were adapted to this mid century furniture style.

Identifying antique table leg styles.

But a leg can tell you when a style was first introduced and that is one important step in identifying an antique s age and period. Queen anne style furniture emerged during the reign of william iii of england. It s shapely curves identify it as a cabriole pronounced cab ree ole leg and that type of leg was first introduced in the 18th century. Determining the age of antique furniture is not an exact science but there are certain indicators of age evident in furniture.

Often called chair tables the tops flip up and lock so that the tabletop is the seat back and the base is the seat the base often has a drawer for storage thus the reference to hutch in its name. Early georgian furniture is based on queen anne. How a piece is constructed is a common measure of age. William and mary style furniture was popular in the late 17th and early 18th century and is characterized by dutch and chinese influences trumpet turned legs spanish ball feet and oriental lacquer work.

The leg is usually a good indicator of type. This is relatively easy to identify for collectors. The condition and quality of materials are used to gauge the age of a. Look at this leg.

The back tilts in a slightly reclined shape and the straight legs splay outwards from one another. William and mary 1690 1735. Leg styles are key not only to the appearance and functionality of pieces but they can also be used to successfully identify many types of antique furniture furniture legs can provide clues to when a piece was manufactured especially when considering how they are used in conjunction with foot styles. 2006 publications international chair and table legs exhibit many of the features that distinguish furniture styles.

Pair of gueridon tables from louis xvi style second empire. More antique chair styles. 15 british furniture styles. Leg shapes help define the style and period to which the chair belongs.

One of the best ways to identify an antique style is by observing the piece s legs and feet. Leg and foot styles. How to identify antique chairs. It is one of the few styles that celebrates elements found in the corresponding architectural themes.

The gothic revival 1840 1860. Chippendale and queen anne chairs typically have an s curved cabriole leg with a knee and in curved ankle. Early 17th century furniture typically featured bun or ball style feet. A major telling feature of antique chairs starts from the floor and goes up.

De agostini picture library getty images. Later styles show classic influence.