Relevant categories: Bookcases,Dressers and Sideboards
(Above photo - Satinwood antique Sheraton desk )
Sheraton antique furniture dates back to between 1790 and 1820. It is named after Thomas Sheraton, a famous English furniture maker. Sheraton was a contemporary of George Hepplewhite, another British furniture maker, so it is easy to confuse the works of the two. While Hepplewhite furniture was heavily embellished, Sheraton employed a more minimalistic style.
It is possible to find original furniture pieces built by Sheraton himself. Over the years, generations of furniture makers have imitated Sheraton's style. How do you identify Sheraton antique furniture? This article provides an insight into some of the things you need to look at. Keep reading for more information:
(Above photo - Set Sheraton dining chairs )
Sheraton furniture is known for its unique contrasting inlays and veneers. The furniture pieces contain different types of wood, which contrast with each other. In most cases, satinwood is the preferred material for the base. However, some furniture makers preferred beech or mahogany.
The decorative elements mainly were made from rosewood, ash, birch, and tulipwood. But that was mostly for furniture makers in England. In the Americas, artisans used locally available wood, including maple, walnut, cherry, and cedar.
(Above photo - Antique Sheraton revival cabinet )
Earlier furniture pieces from Queen Anne and Chippendale periods had cabriole legs. Sheraton made a complete shift by replacing cabriole legs with straight, sometimes tapered legs. In a few instances, the back legs are splayed.
Sheraton's legs were rounded compared to Hepplewhite, who preferred squared legs. The finishing for the legs was in the form of reeded edges, an imitation of classic building columns. Depending on the type of furniture, the legs were joined with stretchers.
Whether on a table or chair, Sheraton-style furniture had simple feet designed to complement the simple, straight legs. Examples include the tapered arrow foot, cylindrical foot, and rectangular spadefoot. However, heavier pieces like bookcases, desks, and chests had bun or bracket feet.
(Above photo - Mahogany Sheraton sideboard or server )
Besides its simple feet and straight legs, Sheraton furniture had several additional features. One of the most attractive things about Sheraton furniture is its light, elegant look, which looks more delicate than Chippendale and Queen Anne styles.
The embellishment on the furniture is in the form of painted designs or tiny, low-relief carvings. They also have intricately patterned, exact veneers and marquetry created using contrasting wood. Some furniture pieces can be japanned entirely, dyed, or painted.
Common motifs used to decorate the furniture include urns, flowers, feathers, fans, ribbons, lyres, and drapery swags. Apart from the usual decorations, the furniture pieces have the hardware, including urns, rosettes, stamped plates, and a lion's head.
(Above photo - Sheraton bow front chest of drawers )
Furniture pieces have strong, proportional geometric shapes, mostly square or rectangular. Sofa and chair arms transition cleanly and without breaks into the back. The backs mostly have a square or rectangular shape. One of the most-noticeable Sheraton pieces is the square-back sofa.
Sheraton placed gathered silk behind glass doors in his bookcases, sideboards, and cabinets. These pieces could also have secret drawers and sliding sections on desks, tables, and secretaries.
Now you know how to identify Sheraton antique furniture. Why don't you go ahead and buy one!
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