Jacobean Style Antique Furniture

ean is a term used to cover all English style furnitureChairs would often have split spindles, bulbous Spanish
from the reign of King James I to King James II.carved feet, and rush seats. Chests, large cupboards,
However, throughout this span of time Jacobeanand trestle tables were embellished with Flemish
furniture showed markedly different influences. Thescrolls, ornately carved panels, and ornamental twists.
earliest Jacobean furniture was influenced mainly byThese design elements made the massive Jacobean
Elizabethan (1603 -1688) styled furniture.pieces appear very formal and stately.
Commonwealth Style (1649-1660) marks the middle ofAs a rule, Jacobean furniture construction was simple.
the Jacobean Period, when the furniture was ofIt was assembled with mortise and tenon joints, held
simpler design and undecorated. The late Jacobeantogether with pegs. The majority of lines are square
Period is that of the Carolean period, named for Kingand rectangular, most with flat-fronted surfaces. The
Charles II. In this period the furniture was influenced byart of inlay and veneering added a wonderful ornate
Flemish Baroque design.look, especially in cupboards and cabinets. Many pieces
Early English Jacobean furniture was widely copied bywere painted, which further added to the style of the
the colonial Americans, although the furniture waspiece.
more primitive, due to the fact that there were fewerUpholstering materials used for Jacobean chairs and
skilled furniture makers living in America at the time. Insettees were of very fine quality and ornate. Materials
true patriotic form, American colonists renamed theirsuch as silk, tapestries, crewelwork, linen, velvet, and
Jacobean reproductions to that of “Earlyeven leather were used on various types of chairs.
American” furniture.Jacobean period furniture can mainly be found in the
Jacobean furniture was very sturdy, massive in size,auction houses of England. Being built to last, many
notoriously uncomfortable, and made to last. Thepieces have not only survived, but are still in good
furniture pieces that were produced consisted mainlycondition. Although centuries old, Jacobean furniture is
of chests, cupboards, trestle tables, wainscot chairs,still well sought after, and continues to provide an
and gate legged circular tables. Brewster and Carverelegant option in home decor. There are many furniture
chairs (made with numerous spindles filling their straightmakers today that have copied and reproduced fine
frames) were also produced, their names taken fromquality Jacobean styled furniture, and made it
two distinguished American Colonists of the period.affordable to own.
Oak and pine were the most popular woods of choice.