Antiques Timeline
Antique furniture timelines are an essential aspect of identifying and understanding the value of vintage furniture. An antique furniture timeline typically begins from the 16th century to the early 20th century. The date of an antique furniture piece is determined by its construction, style, and material used.
The furniture of the 16th century was decorated with intricate carvings and featured heavy and sturdy designs. The 17th century saw the emergence of Baroque and Rococo styles with elaborate decorations, while the 18th century was marked by the emergence of neoclassical designs. The 19th century saw a mix of revival styles, including Gothic, Renaissance, and Empire designs. The early 20th century marked the onset of Art Deco and Modernist styles.
Therefore, studying antique furniture timelines is crucial for understanding the historical significance of the furniture and its value in the present day. Below you’ll find a chart showing the most common categorised furniture periods, with the dates and styles with which they are associated.
| Dates | British Monarch | UK Period | French Period | Style |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1649-1660 | Commonwealth | Cromwellian | Louis XIV (1643-1715) | Baroque |
| 1660-1685 | Charles II | Restoration / Stuart | ||
| 1685-1689 | James II | Restoration / Stuart | ||
| 1689-1694 | William & Mary | William & Mary / Stuart | Rococo (1695-1760) | |
| 1694-1702 | William III | William III / Stuart | ||
| 1702-1714 | Anne | Queen Anne / Stuart | ||
| 1714-1727 | George I | Early Georgian | Regence (1715-1723) | |
| 1727-1760 | George II | Early Georgian | Louis XV (1723-1774) | |
| 1760-1811 | George III | Late Georgian | Louis XVI (1774-1793); Directoire (1993-1799); Empire (1799-1815) | Neoclassical (c1755-1805) |
| 1812-1820 | George III | Regency | Restauration (1815-1830) | Regency (c1812-1830) |
| 1820-1830 | George IV | Regency | ||
| 1830-1837 | William IV | William IV | Louis Philippe (1830-1848); 2nd Republic (1848-1852); 2nd Empire (1852-1870) | Arts & Crafts (1880-1900) |
| 1837-1901 | Victoria | Victorian | ||
| 1901-1910 | Edward VII | Edwardian | Art Nouveau (c1900-1920) | |
| 1920-1930 | Art Deco (1920–1930) |