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American Empire Furniture Style (1800-1840)
The American Empire style had a parallel in England in the Regency style. In this style, American furniture makers broke with English influence and became inspired by the Neoclassical, Grecian style of the French in the French Empire period. It was less graceful than French Empire, but heavier. It also lacked much of the beauty and elegance of Directoire style. It was, however, a period of transition.
Period:
Regency
furniture (in England). Also Rectilinear. Neoclassical, Grecian style of French Designers.
Noted for:
Moderate in proportion with classical ornamentation, coarse carving, and a dark finish.
Influence:
France.
Appearance:
Graceful and refined.
Chair Arms:
Slightly curved.
Chair Back Material:
Upholstered.
Wood.
Chair Back Shape:
Crosspiece - single flat vertical slat.
Fiddleback (fiddle-shaped central splat).
Rectangular or Square - solid or with central splat.
Chair Leg:
Cabriole leg with straight shape.
Splayed.
Straight.
Tapered.
Chair Seat Material:
Cane.
Rush.
Upholstered.
Wood.
Chair Seat Shape:
Square.
Drawer Pull:
Oval back plate with conforming handle of stamped brass.
Mushroom-shaped brass knob.
Mushroom-shaped glass knob.
Mushroom-shaped wooden knob.
Lion's head with pull ring attached through mouth, usually in brass.
Loop bail handle without a back plate.
Rectangular back plate of solid stamped brass, often with canted corners and an oval bail handle.
Rosette.
Fabric:
Brocade.
Damask.
Velvet.
Finish:
Oil varnish.
Paint.
Foot:
Continuation of leg.
Paw or claw.
Scroll.
Hardware Material:
Brass.
Glass.
Wood.
Joint:
Dovetail.
Line:
Straight lines.
Motif:
Acanthus Leaf.
Cornucopia.
Eagle.
Pineapple.
Scroll.
Star.
Urn.
Ornamentation:
Carving.
Columns.
Fluting.
Gilding.
Reeding.
Stenciling.
Proportion:
Moderate.
Resembles:
Duncan Phyfe.
Federal
.
Victorian
.
Underbracing:
Moderate.
Upholstery:
Upholstery on many seating pieces and chair arms and backs.
Wood:
Black walnut.
Cherry.
Mahogany.
Maple.
Rosewood.
To go to any style.
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