Relevant categories: Desks,Cabinets and Chests,Seating and Chairs,Bookcases
The Sheraton style furniture came to the fore between 1790 and 1820. During that time, a teacher and furniture designer named Thomas Sheraton lived in London. He made furniture in a unique style which you find today in the form of Sheraton revival furniture. If you are looking for this type of furniture, just how do you know if you are dealing with the genuine pieces and not some counterfeit furniture? The following are some of the features that define this furniture style:
1. Style of Legs
( Tapered legs on this Sheraton revival dresser )
If you are familiar with the earlier furniture styles like Queen Anne and Chippendale, you will find Sheraton revival furniture to be straight, tapered, and slightly splayed back legs. Instead of being square like Hepplewhite legs, these were often round. They were made of reeded edges to imitate the classical columns. In most cases, the legs were joined using stretchers.
2. The Feet
To complete the straight, slim legs of furniture pieces including tables and chairs, the feet were very simple. It is common to find tapered arrowroot, cylindrical or spade feet. Where the heavier furniture pieces are involved, bun or furniture feet would be used. That includes bookcases, desks, and chests. Don’t expect the details that were featured in previous furniture styles.
3. The Wood
In addition to the other features, Sheraton revival furniture is composed of contrasting inlays and veneers. At that time, the furniture was made using different types of wood. Mostly, satinwood was used for the base. In other cases, beech and mahogany were used. In short, craftsmen used any of the locally available wood. So check for furniture made of maple, walnut, cherry, and cedar.
4. Motifs
( Above photo: Classic urn motif on this piece of Sheraton Revival furniture )
Some of the things to look out for on Sheraton revival furniture are the motifs. You are likely to notice flowers, urns, feathers, fans, ribbons, lyres, and drapery swags. On some pieces, you will see rosettes, stamped plates, and lion’s heads. Don’t be surprised if some pieces have proportional, strong geometric shapes. For example, Sheraton revival sofas featured square backs which seemed not to have noticeable breaks. On bookcases, sideboards, and cabinets, Sheraton revival furniture had silk which was visible through the glass doors. Desks, tables, and secretaries would have secret drawers and sliding mechanisms.
5. Other Features
There are additional features to look at when buying Sheraton revival furniture. For once, the furniture is mostly elegant, light, and delicate compared to earlier styles such as Chippendale and Queen Anne. In terms of embellishment, the furniture feature painted design or tiny low-relief carvings. You will also notice veneers and marquetry with intricate details and patterns. As stated earlier, the furniture would mostly be made of different types of wood. Some of the furniture pieces are completely dyed, painted or japanned.
(Above photo - Sheraton Revival Mahogany Bookcase Circa 1880 )
If you are looking for genuine Sheraton revival furniture, talk to us today. We have authentic furniture pieces as approved by our teams of appraisal experts. If in doubt, ask for an appraisal from independent experts. You will never be disappointed with our services!
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