Relevant categories: Dressers and Sideboards
(Above photo - antique Georgian sideboard )
One of the pieces of antique furniture that continue to fascinate collectors around the world is the Georgian sideboard. It usually comes in the form of a long, slender table, complete with cellaret cupboards and several cutlery drawers. Given its features, the sideboard was mainly used in the dining room as a serving table. On average, it was five feet long.
History of the Georgian Sideboard
(Above photo - Georgiain Sideboard Server Mahogany Serpentine ) The Georgian sideboard is thought to have been designed and created by Thomas Chippendale towards the end of the reign of King George I. Chippendale borrowed more from the prevailing French rococo period than the previous Dutch elements that had defined English furniture.
Other individuals that played a key role in redefining furniture at that time include James Adam and his brother Robert. Robert had made a trip to Italy, after which he began to incorporate Italian and roman classic art in his designs. Towards the end of his life, Chippendale seemed to have lost his sense of style. On their part, the Adam brothers concentrated on fine proportions, elegance, and delicacy.
(Above photo - Georgian Mahogany Sideboard Buffet Server 1790 ) You cannot fully talk about the Georgian period without mentioning designer and furniture maker George Hepplewhite. Even though he operated for only 10 years from 1765, he is credited with having refined the sideboard. Then we have Thomas Sheraton, who borrowed a lot from the work pioneered by the Adam brothers. He specialized in using specific types of wood for specific rooms in the house.
Characteristics of the Georgian Sideboard
(Above photo - Georgian Sideboard Mahogany 19th Century Server Buffet ) The Georgian period includes the reign of King George I, the Regency period, and extends to the time when George II was king. Like other pieces of furniture created at this particular time, the Georgian sideboard had unique characteristics. The following are some of the most notable.
1. Materials
(Above photo - Georgian Sideboard Bow Front Mahogany Antique 1890 ) During the Georgian period, the most common types of wood were mahogany and oak. Even though both are hardwoods, mahogany stands out for being reddish-brown when new. However, the wood tends to darken as you continue using it. When it comes to color, oak can be either white or red. In both cases, the wood comes with appealing grains.
2. Design
As we have already seen, different designers played different roles in creating furniture during the Georgian period. The sideboards, therefore, tended to have different design characteristics. For example, there were breakfront, curved, and straight fronted sideboards. The sideboard would have arched semicircular lunettes. It had turned legs or tapered ones. Overall, the legs were six in number with one at each of the corners and two to the center front and back.
3. Style
(Above photo - Georgian Sideboard Mahogany Server Buffet Antique ) The influence of different designers meant that Georgian sideboards would appear in different styles. While Thomas Chippendale focused more on the gothic, rococo, and oriental styles, Thomas Sheraton was more of a neoclassic designer. If you are looking for Chippendale style sideboards, check out for lion’s paw, claws, and balls in the legs. Other styles tend to be plainer.
If you are looking for a Georgian sideboard, don’t hesitate to reach out to us. We have some of the best antique sideboards anywhere in the world.
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