Claw foot furniture refers to a type of upholstered furniture that originated in the late 19th century and is characterized by four legs with a “clawed” ornamental foot attached at the end. The furniture was often made from walnut, mahogany, and oak woods and decorated with carvings, upholstery and tassels.
This type of furniture enjoyed popularity during the Victorian era and some of the most famous early examples were created during the mid-1800s in England. The claw foot design was an important style at the time and this type of furniture has endured over the years due to its combination of elegance and classicism.
Today, claw foot furniture is still popular and is often used as a statement piece in a variety of rooms and styles.
How can you tell what era furniture is from?
Furniture can often be identified by its style, material, and construction. Different periods in history have distinct characteristics that are often linked to the furniture that was popular at the time.
Looking at certain characteristics of a piece of furniture can help you determine which era it was made in.
First and foremost, the best way to tell what era a piece of furniture is from is by looking at its style. Styles such as Gothic, Rococo, Louis XVI, and Yellow Pine are often associated with certain periods in history.
Additionally, examining decorative details such as trim, carvings, and motifs can also provide clues regarding the time period in which a piece was made.
In addition to style, examining the materials used to construct furniture can also help in determining its era. For instance, if a piece of furniture was made before 1870, it is likely to be constructed from wood, since the advancement of synthetic materials such as plastics, did not occur until the turn of the century.
Similarly, if a piece was made after 1970, it is likely to contain some type of plastic or synthetic material, since popular design trends began to favor synthetic materials at that time.
Finally, construction techniques also provide valuable clues regarding the era a piece of furniture was made. For instance, pieces of furniture that have hand-crafted details with nails, round dowels, and mortise-and-tenon joinery typically date back to before the 1950s when mass-produced furniture with machine-made parts became popular.
Conversely, furniture made in the past 40 years are likely to be made of manufactured parts and machine-made joinery.
By examining the style, materials, and construction of a piece of furniture, you can often identify its era of origin. This can help provide valuable information regarding a piece’s age, history, and importance.
When did ball and claw furniture come out?
The ball and claw furniture style originated in the Queen Anne-era of England in the 1700s. Much of the early examples of the ball and claw style of furniture were made by European cabinetmakers such as Thomas Chippendale and George Hepplewhite.
In English furniture, the feet of the chairs, tables, mirrors, and cabinet pieces were often carved into the shape of a paw, or “claw,” and there were typically five balls at the end of each claw.
In the United States, this type of furniture first appeared in the New England area in the mid-1700s. By the early 1800s, ball and claw furniture had become very popular in the United States. During this time, the intricate details of the furniture were simplified, making it easier for mass production of the pieces.
Today, ball and claw furniture is still popular and can be found in antique stores and at auctions. One of the most well-known modern examples of this style of furniture is the rocker chairs that were produced by the American furniture designer T. H.
Robsjohn-Gibbings.
What was the furniture style of 1900?
At the beginning of the 1900s, furniture was often very simple and functional. The chairs, tables and cabinets were primarily made of wood with a natural finish and had no decoration. Many of the furniture pieces were quite basic and even had earthy, craftsman influences.
Overall, the pieces were usually quite sturdy and solid.
The Arts and Crafts style of furniture was especially popular during this time, characterized by its clean lines and lack of ornamentation. A majority of the furniture pieces were made from oak, maple, walnut and other hardwood originated from the UK and Sweden.
Some of the furniture had inlaid wooden patterns or metal accents to lighten their visual impact.
Around the mid 1900s, the Art Nouveau style began to make its way into furniture production, often characterized by curved, floral forms and bright colors. This style of furniture was often seen within the middle-class households.
Furniture pieces made in this style often consisted of elaborate wooden carvings and curvatures, used to create a unique, ornate aesthetic.
By the end of the century, furniture pieces displayed more decoration, featuring curved and scrolled legs as well as scrolling arms on chairs. Upholstered furniture such as sofas and armchairs were also in fashion.
Natural elements such as leather, glass, marble, and metal were used to create more ornate pieces.
Overall, the furniture style of 1900 was quite simple and functional, with influence from the Arts and Crafts and Art Nouveau movements. In the late 1900s, more decorative and ornate pieces became popular.
When were claw foot tables popular?
Claw foot tables were popular during the Victorian era, typically seen during the mid-to-late 1800s and early 1900s. Claw foot tables were a status symbol, and were often made from expensive materials like mahogany, walnut, and oak.
Today, these tables have become true antiques with intricate designs, craftsmanship and carvings, and range from sedate to spectacular. The cabriole style legs and claws of the table have become a signature of an old-style decorating style, and these classic tables retain their popularity even in modern times.
What is difference between antique and vintage?
The difference between antique and vintage is a commonly asked question. Antiques are usually defined as items that are one hundred years old or older, while vintage items can be from twenty to ninety-nine years old.
Antiques tend to be of a certain style associated with a specific period, such as a Victorian-era dresser or a set of hand-woven chairs from the 18th century. In contrast, vintage items are generally more contemporary and often reflect the trends of the time period they are from, such as a 1950s dinette set or a 1970’s cabbage patch doll.
Vintage items tend to be more collectible and have some nostalgia attached to them. In addition, items that are considered vintage may be unique or one of a kind, while antiques are often mass produced.
Antique items may also be difficult to find and may require some research to accurately identify them. Ultimately, the difference between the two is largely defined by age.
What type of furniture has bun feet?
Bun feet are a type of furniture leg commonly found with antique furniture and occasionally found on modern pieces. Bun feet feature a round, circular shape similar to a bun, and can consist of either a single foot or three or four connected together.
They are often used on traditional pieces such as ottomans, chairs, sofas, and tables, but may also be used in more modern furniture designs. The classic bun foot typically features a squared footpad on the bottom, although other designs may also exist.
Bun feet vary widely in size, height, and material, ranging from small, delicate legs made of mahogany or walnut, to larger, chunkier styles made of a variety of materials, such as metal, wood, and plastic.
How much is a Duncan Phyfe table worth?
The exact value of a Duncan Phyfe table depends on several factors, including its age, style, condition, and wood species. Duncan Phyfe tables can range in value from a few hundred dollars to several thousands of dollars.
Older, higher quality tables are more expensive than newer ones. The type of wood used to construct the table also affects value, with mahogany being more expensive than pine or oak. And if the table has been professionally restored, that can drive up the price even more.
So, as you can see, the value of a Duncan Phyfe table can vary widely depending on the individual piece in question.
When was the cabriole leg invented?
The cabriole leg was invented in the late 17th century during the Baroque period in Europe, and it was traditionally made from a single piece of wood. It was a staple style for furniture crafted during this time, although it was primarily used for chairs and other seating.
Its defining feature is its outward-curving top, followed by a gradual inward-curving to a small knee and finally ending on an outward-curving leg. This signature leg is often highly decorated, with decorative carvings, which were typical of furniture crafted during this period.
While this style had origins in the late 17th century, it maintained popularity into the 18th century and was used widely then.
What are Chippendale chairs?
Chippendale chairs are a type of armchair developed in the 18th century, named after their creator, the English cabinetmaker Thomas Chippendale. Originating from England and made from mahogany, Chippendale chairs became particularly popular in the mid 1750s.
Chippendale furniture was designed to be both graceful and practical, reflecting the style of the Rococo period. They feature intricate scrollwork designs, often on the arms and legs, and are usually accompanied by a straight, upright back.
Generally, Chippendale chairs feature either a rolled back or a high, solid-wood back that is designed to provide comfort. The low seat and cabriole legs of the chair make it quite elegant, while still providing adequate support.
Today, Chippendale chairs can be found in many furniture stores, as the timeless style remains popular.
What does a dragon claw holding a ball mean?
The dragon claw holding a ball is a symbol of strength and protection. In many cultures, the dragon is seen as a powerful and wise creature, representing courage and strength. This is because dragons are often depicted as large and powerful creatures, capable of inflicting great destruction, but also capable of protecting their home.
The dragon claw holding a ball symbolizes that same power and protection, representing the dragon’s might and wisdom to hold and protect whatever it wishes. It can also refer to something more abstract, like the idea of a guardian with limitless power, embracing and protecting something precious.
Ultimately, what the dragon claw holding a ball means is up to interpretation, as it can mean different things depending on the context and culture it is seen in.