Traditional Style Basics:
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:
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
Campaign and Plantation Style:
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
Early American Style:
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
