Hepplewhite Sideboards - Antique Buying Guide

To View Our Range Of Dressers and Sideboards Please Click Here

(Above photo - Hepplewhite sideboards )

Are you looking for Hepplewhite sideboards? Chances are you already know about George Hepplewhite, who began the style in the book: The Cabinet Maker and Upholsterer’s Guide, published in 1788 posthumously by his wife. Despite having died in 1768, Hepplewhite continued to influence furniture styles between 1780 and 1810. He was one of the foremost proponents of the neoclassic style, which had emerged in the 1770s.

Even though a contemporary of Thomas Sheraton, another designer to have released a guide in 1791, Hepplewhite sideboards are a bit different. Their more ornate design features actual carvings, curvilinear shapes, and extra embellishments compared to Sheraton. Here are some of the things to look for in Hepplewhite sideboards:

1. Legs and Feet

(Above photo - Clean design lines of Hepplewhite sideboards makes them great for modern interiors )

Hepplewhite sought a break from the cabriole legs that had defined Queen Anne, Early Georgian, and Chippendale styles. Thus, he utilizes more straight legs, either tapered or square, with fluted or reeded edges. The legs imitated the classical Greek and Roman building columns with simper feet. For example, the feet may come in bracket feet to hold the heavyweight of the sideboard. They are also commonly used on bookcases, desks, and chests.

2. The Wood

One of the most common characteristics of Hepplewhite sideboards is the contrasting inlays and veneers depicting bellflowers and seashells. There is a sense of contrast created by using more than one wood type, usually a mahogany base and maple or satinwood embellishment. Of course, some furniture makers used rosewood, birch, tulipwood, and sycamore to create ornate veneers.

3. Other Features of Hepplewhite Sideboards

(Above photo - Hepplewhite sideboard in mahogany )

Apart from the wood and bracket feet, Hepplewhite sideboards may have additional features, including the following:

A graceful, delicate appearance that makes it lighter than the preceding Queen Anne and Chippendale styles. That’s because Hepplewhite sought the more straightforward way of doing things.
The use of embellishment with small carvings or paintings, including intricate veneers and inlaid patterns, the wood contrasting with the base material creates a unique spectacle.
Several decoration motifs, including feathers, curling ribbons, graceful swags, trees, and classical urns, were borrowed from the popular neoclassical style prevailing.
The use of simple geometric shapes that were either circular or curved to transcend many of the different types of furniture produced using the Hepplewhite style.
The application of bow-shaped or serpentine fronts on Hepplewhite sideboards and chests of drawers making the wardrobe popular both in England and America.

Conclusion

(Above photo - Hepplewhite buffet, server and sideboard )

As you can see, Hepplewhite furniture is easy to identify. Apart from the wood, mahogany with light embellishments, the legs and feet can tell you if you are dealing with a Hepplewhite sideboard. The furniture from that era is also lighter and more delicate than Queen Anne or Chippendale style furniture. Take time to look at the decorations used at that time to know whether or not you are being duped. If you have to idea what to look for, talk to our experts to help you choose the best antique sibeboard from the Hepplewhite era.