Regency style furniture has always been popular for its elegance and simplicity. Regency style furniture is essentially a more streamlined version of the neoclassical furniture popular in the European courts of the 18th century. Many of the design details and aesthetic traits of modern-day minimalist furniture can be traced back to the style of the time.
The Regency style furniture enjoyed a resurgence in popularity during the Victorian era, when it was frequently made by artisans who lived in London’s Arts and Crafts neighbourhoods. The style soon trickled down to become common furniture for many middle-class households, who appreciated the simple lines and sophisticated feel of the pieces.
Regency style furniture offers buyers a distinctly European look with a very English flair. Following the Napoleonic War, there was a revival in all things French, and many antique furniture pieces made in the Regency style came out of France and were inspired by French furniture design.
The Regency period of furniture design was a time of great transition in style, which began with the end of King George III’s reign in 1820 and lasted until the middle of the reign of his son King George IV. Victoria was born in 1819, so the early Victorian years saw great change in design. The Regency period was a shorter era than the two previous periods (Neoclassical and Rococo) and it brought with it a more intimate and relaxed approach to design. Gone was the overdone, complex style of earlier eras. Furniture moved from being very large and heavy to being smaller and lighter, often with curvy, feminine lines.
History
Regency furniture was developed during the early nineteenth century and is considered a period of change in terms of interior design.
The early years of The Regency Period had been dominated by the imposing classical style of furniture, however by 1815, the Empire style became more popular. This ‘Empire’ style is characterised by dramatic lines, curves and excessive use of gilding. The Regency period was a reaction to the excesses of the previous style, with furniture becoming more elegant and feminine.
The Regency Period saw the emergence of a class of wealthy society known as the nouveau riche, and they had no desire to follow strict French guidelines of etiquette. They enjoyed ostentatious furniture – with more decoration and less classical restraint.
During the latter part of the 18th century, society was changing along with the architecture and interior design. The American Revolution (1776) was a point in history when the colonists finally broke away from English colonial rule. This inspired a sense of self-determination and freedom for all Americans, which also extended to interior design.
S.S. Simmons & Company was a highly successful 19th century furniture manufacturer from Grand Rapids Michigan that specialized in making Regency style and Federalist chairs. Their original products became very popular in the Midwest and beyond. Regency Style furniture from S.S. Simmons & Co., is very similar to other Regency furniture by companies like Sherrill Furniture and John Dekker & Sons, which are both from New York City.
The term “Regency Style” refers to the period between the years 1811 and 1820, during the reign of King George III’s son, Prince George. Prince George became Prince Regent in 1811 after King George suffered a series of strokes that left him incapacitated and unable to govern without assistance. He remained as Prince Regent until his death in 1827 and was succeeded by his son, George IV, who became King immediately after his father died. (Wikipedia: History of Regency Style Furniture).
Regency Style Furniture was used during the reign of King George IV in England. The furniture was introduced as a style influenced by Greek and Roman culture. The furniture was part of the Carolean Revival that was also seen in art, architecture and interior design.
The furniture during the Regency period was designed to be light in color, with a wide variety of shapes. The furniture that was made during this period tended to be less ornate than previous styles, relying on clean lines and decoration with less detail. The furniture had straight legs and large top surfaces that were usually made of polished woods or pastes. The furniture also had a neoclassical look that included elements of Greco-Roman culture.
The Regency Period also brought about a change in the overall design aesthetic, changing society’s opinion on what good furniture design was. This new perception is reflected in the pieces of furniture made during the period that are now considered some of the most beautiful examples of wooden furniture ever made.
Regency style furniture has always been popular for its elegance and simplicity. Regency style furniture is essentially a more streamlined version of the neoclassical furniture popular in the European courts of the 18th century. Many of the design details and aesthetic traits of mid century modern furniture can be traced back to the style of the time.
The Regency style furniture enjoyed a resurgence in popularity during the Victorian era, when it was frequently made by artisans who lived in London’s Arts and Crafts neighborhoods. The style soon trickled down to become common furniture for many middle-class households, who appreciated the simple lines and sophisticated feel of the pieces.
Regency style furniture offers buyers a distinctly European look with a very English flair. Following the Napoleonic War, there was a revival in all things French, and many antique furniture pieces made in the Regency style came out of France and were inspired by French furniture design.
The Regency period of furniture design was a time of great transition in style, which began with the end of King George III’s reign in 1820 and lasted until the middle of the reign of his son King George IV. Victoria was born in 1819, so the early Victorian years saw great change in design. The Regency period was a shorter era than the two previous periods (Neoclassical and Rococco) and it brought with it a more intimate and relaxed approach to design. Gone was the overdone, complex style of earlier eras. Furniture moved from being very large and heavy to being smaller and lighter, often with curvy, feminine lines.
