Origins of Queen Anne Style
Queen Anne furniture got its name from Queen Anne of Britain, who reigned from 1702 to 1714. However, the peak of this style happened a bit later than her actual reign. This furniture style was influenced by earlier styles like William and Mary furniture. Designers took ideas from the William and Mary style and added their own twists to create the elegant Anne style of furniture design.
The Queen Anne period in England saw some big changes in furniture design. Before Queen Anne furniture, the popular style was heavy and ornate. But during the early 18th century, people wanted something lighter and more graceful. That’s how the Queen Anne style was born!
Key Features of Queen Anne Style
There are some key features that make Queen Anne furniture stand out. Here are some of the most important characteristics you might find in Queen Anne pieces.
Curvy Lines and Cabriole Legs
Queen Anne furniture is famous for its curvy lines and elegant shapes. One of the most well-known features is the cabriole leg. These legs are curved and often end in a claw and ball foot, which looks like an animal’s paw gripping a ball. Sometimes, instead of a claw and ball foot, you’ll see pad feet, which are simple and round, like on this beautiful jewelry armoire.
Yoke-Shaped Top Rail and Vase-Shaped Splat
On Queen Anne chairs, you’ll notice a yoke-shaped top rail at the top of the chair back. This is a unique feature that sets them apart from other styles. Also, the chair backs often have a vase-shaped splat, which is a fancy term for the wooden piece in the middle of the chair back.
Lighter and More Elegant Than Before
Compared to the heavy and bulky William and Mary style, Queen Anne furniture is lighter and more elegant. The designs are less complicated, and the focus is on the shape and form of the furniture.
Queen Anne Furniture Across the Pond
Queen Anne style didn’t just stay in England – it made its way to the United States too! In the 1700s, American furniture makers started creating their own versions of Queen Anne pieces. They used local woods like cherry and maple, and the designs were simpler than their English counterparts. But they still had that same graceful elegance that made Queen Anne furniture so popular.
Types of Queen Anne Furniture
There are lots of different types of Queen Anne furniture, from chairs to dressing tables. Here are some examples of what you might come across:
Chairs
Queen Anne chairs are probably the most famous type of Queen Anne furniture. They have those iconic cabriole legs, yoke-shaped top rails, and vase-shaped splats that we mentioned earlier.
Tables
Queen Anne tables come in all shapes and sizes. Some of the most common types are dining tables (like this elegant set), side tables, and dressing tables. They usually have cabriole legs and sometimes feature a scalloped or piecrust edge on the tabletop.
Cabinets and Chests
You can also find Queen Anne cabinets, chests, and other case goods. These pieces often have a mix of straight and cabriole legs, with elegant details like carved shells or flowers. Queen Anne-style jewelry chests make a regal addition to bedrooms and dressing closets.
How the Queen Anne Style Evolved
Over time, the Queen Anne style started to change and blend with other styles. It eventually evolved into the Georgian and Chippendale styles, which were also popular in the
18th century. Chippendale styles took some elements from Queen Anne designs, like the cabriole legs, and added more intricate carvings and ornamentation.
Even though the original Queen Anne period ended, the style experienced a revival in the 19th and 20th centuries. People fell in love with the elegance of Queen Anne furniture all over again, and reproductions started to appear in homes across the United States and Europe.
With graceful lines, elegant shapes, and unique features, Queen Anne furniture is a beloved style among collectors and decorators. Whether you’re admiring an original piece from the Queen Anne period or a high-quality reproduction, you can appreciate the craftsmanship and design that went into creating these stunning works of art.
Looking for Quality, Handmade Furniture?
Weaver has furniture for every room in your home, and you can explore the incredible collections by visiting Weaver Furniture Sales’ online store. Or, check out Weaver Furniture in person by visiting their ‘brick and mortar’ store in Shipshewana, Indiana. Here you can see their lineup of solid hardwood furniture for yourself.
