19th Century Antique Furniture Leg Styles

mnccertified

You need 3 min read

·

Post on Jan 19, 2025

41 visitor like this post

Share

19th Century Antique Furniture Leg Styles: A Collector's Guide

The 19th century witnessed a whirlwind of stylistic shifts in furniture design, resulting in a rich tapestry of leg styles that continue to fascinate collectors and enthusiasts today. Identifying these leg styles is key to accurately dating and appreciating antique furniture. This guide delves into the prominent leg styles of the 19th century, providing you with the knowledge to navigate the world of antique furniture with confidence.

Key Periods and Their Defining Leg Styles

The 19th century encompasses several distinct periods, each with its characteristic leg designs:

Regency (1810-1830): Elegant Curves and Tapering

Regency furniture is characterized by its elegant simplicity and graceful lines. Legs often feature:

• Saber Legs: These gracefully curved legs, reminiscent of a scimitar, are a hallmark of Regency style. They typically taper towards the foot, creating a sense of delicate movement.
• Reeded Legs: Vertical grooves, or reeds, adorn the legs, adding a touch of classical refinement. These were often incorporated into saber legs for added visual interest.
• Turned Legs: While turned legs existed in earlier periods, Regency examples often showcase a more slender and refined profile, maintaining the overall elegance of the style.

Victorian (1837-1901): Opulence and Ornamentation

The Victorian era saw an explosion of decorative styles, and this is clearly reflected in furniture leg design. Expect to find:

• Turned Legs: Victorian turned legs are often more heavily ornamented than their Regency counterparts, with intricate patterns and multiple sections. Scrollwork and bulbous forms are common.
• Cabriole Legs: These outward-curving legs, popular in earlier periods, experienced a revival in the Victorian era, often featuring ornate carving and embellishments. They frequently ended in claw-and-ball feet.
• Bracket Feet: These simple, often unadorned, feet provided a sturdy base and were particularly prevalent in heavier, more substantial Victorian pieces.
• Spoon Legs: Characterized by a subtle curve resembling a spoon, these legs provided a less dramatic alternative to cabriole legs, often found on simpler, less ornate Victorian pieces.

Eastlake (1870s-1880s): A Reaction to Ornamentation

As a reaction against the excessive ornamentation of the earlier Victorian period, the Eastlake style emphasized honest construction and geometric forms. Leg styles often featured:

• Square or Rectangular Legs: Straight, unadorned legs with a strong, geometric emphasis.
• Turned Legs with Simple Decoration: While turned legs were still used, the ornamentation was significantly toned down, favoring simpler patterns and a focus on clean lines.

Aesthetic Movement (1870s-1890s): Artistic Influence

The Aesthetic Movement embraced natural forms and Japanese influences. Furniture legs in this style often show:

• Tapered Legs with Simple Turnings: Similar to Eastlake, the Aesthetic Movement valued clean lines and subtle ornamentation. Legs were often tapered and featured minimal turnings, if any.
• Naturalistic Forms: Some pieces might feature legs subtly evoking natural forms, though this was less common than the emphasis on clean lines.

Identifying 19th Century Furniture Leg Styles: Tips for Collectors

Successfully identifying 19th-century furniture leg styles requires careful observation. Here are some useful tips:

• Examine the Profile: Pay close attention to the shape of the leg: is it straight, curved, tapered, or turned?
• Note the Ornamentation: Look for carvings, turnings, reeds, or other decorative elements. The type and amount of ornamentation can be a strong indicator of the style.
• Consider the Foot: The foot is an important part of the leg assembly. Claw-and-ball feet, bracket feet, and bun feet are all clues to the style.
• Assess the Overall Style: Consider the overall design of the piece. Is it ornate and highly decorated, or simpler and more restrained? This will help you place the piece within its proper stylistic context.

By understanding the nuances of these various leg styles, you'll not only deepen your appreciation for 19th-century furniture but also enhance your ability to identify and date antique pieces accurately. Remember to consult reputable resources and experienced appraisers for definitive identification of valuable pieces. Happy hunting!