If you like furniture that is intricate and formal and finishes that are dark and rich, and then you should furnish your home in a traditional style.
Generally, traditional furniture takes its inspiration from furniture produced for the European royalty and aristocracy from the 17th to the 19th century. The idea is to create a look of luxurious magnificence through carved ornamentation, rich finishes and a grander scale. The over all look is more intricate and busier than in other styles.
Take a look at some traditional styles to find out your own preferences.
Old world style is inspired by traditional English and French furniture. It is based on furniture that was meant to impress, and is characterized by:
- Medium to dark finishes sometimes used with marble
- Woods such as mahogany, cherry, walnut, and dark oaks
- Carved details and ornaments such as acanthus leaves and shells
- Legs that are curved or fluted, ball and claw feet
- Gilding, lacquer, inlays or other ornamentation
This style is related to British Colonialism and evolved from wartime and colonial expeditions. It is characterized by "knock-down" or collapsible furniture which was designed to be carried from one place to another.
- Legs can usually be folded or removed entirely
- Pieces may have hidden compartments
- Fewer details, cleaner lines
- Indigenous touches from the colonies such as shutter details on armoires, or use of rattan and leather insets.
- Animal prints, rich textures
This style had its roots in the traditional European styles, but it was then simplified to suit American tastes. It is characterized by
- Medium to dark finishes
- Painted finishes, inlays
- Spindles and finials
- Lyre back chairs, lyre sofas and column pedestal tables
