| Gothic is often recognized as the earliest official | | | | were created with mahogany. |
| furniture style, beginning in the 17th Century. Most gothic | | | | By the time the 19th Century approached, the |
| pieces were constructed of oak and featured simple, | | | | Regency style began to surface. Mahogany remained |
| yet heavy, designs. It was directly inspired by the | | | | the dominant wood, but bold curves were added, along |
| architecture at the time, rarely containing curved lines | | | | with colour. In the United States, the Federal era was |
| and focusing more on right angles. Some of the most | | | | taking over, featuring interpretations of popular English |
| admired gothic pieces originated in France and | | | | designs. Throughout the one hundred years that |
| became known for their foliage detailing, such as vines. | | | | followed, walnut and rosewood increased in popularity. |
| For the duration of the century, baroque and rococo | | | | Detailing switched from simple designs to heavier, dark |
| prevailed, among other styles. | | | | products. Known as the Victorian era, this style has |
| Most of the renowned furniture styles originated in | | | | surpassed the test of time, with modern rooms still |
| England. As gothic admirers began to decline, the Early | | | | being influenced in this regard. |
| and Late Colonial styles were introduced. Primarily | | | | In addition to the Victorian style, Pennsylvania Dutch |
| using pine, these pieces contained square lines with | | | | and shaker styles also existed. Pennsylvania Dutch |
| heavy decoration. The Windsor chair is a standard, | | | | displayed a mix of plain design and colourful |
| well-know piece from this time. | | | | decorations, while the shaker style contained very little |
| In the early 18th Century, Queen Anne designs were | | | | detailing and, instead, the focus was placed on function. |
| also dominating, featuring graceful lines, curves and | | | | Regardless of the style, condition remains a factor. It is |
| simple detailing. These pieces were commonly | | | | important to determine whether or not chairs and other |
| constructed of walnut, cherry, mahogany, maple and | | | | seating pieces have had their original fabric replaced. |
| oak. | | | | Very old furniture contains handmade screws, so the |
| Towards the end of the century, four types of | | | | threads are not even in width and placement. |
| Georgian styles became famous. The Georgian | | | | Sometimes removing one screw can help to |
| Chippendale style added to the intricacy of | | | | determine the value of a piece. For furniture that |
| already-established designs, through the use of | | | | features mirrored glass, a flaking back is indicative of |
| ornately carvings. Georgian Adam featured straight | | | | an older piece. While the bonnet-top highboy is often |
| lines, Georgian Hepplewhite displayed straight, tapered | | | | considered one of the most valuable types of furniture, |
| legs that reflected the clean design of Adam, and | | | | any piece that contains highly-detailed hand carvings is |
| Georgian Sheraton contributed even more of a | | | | worth saving. |
| straighter detailing. Almost all of the Georgian designs | | | | |