History of Interior Design Furniture – Antique Furniture and Reproductions
When you are in the midst of getting interior design furniture for the office or home, there is a long list of decisions you need to consider. The overall look, the color of the room, the size and the overall comfort level of the pieces you want. A basic knowledge of the history of interior design furniture will introduce you to both antiques and reproductions of furniture styles throughout different time periods. With historic interior design furniture you find names reflecting the powers that be at the time the furniture style was introduces. Styles which came about later were aptly named after the famous designers that created the furniture.
The Eras of Interior Design Furniture
Of one of the oldest styles of interior design furniture, you have Tudor Gothic style. Oak was readily available and is the main component of older style furniture. Mahogany was in fashion later down the road. Tudor Gothic is both functional and simple. There were not too many pieces together. One example of function over form would be a plank chest with seating built in so you could sit on the chest. Or, you could use it as a table if needed. An oak credence is another Tudor Gothic piece. If used for communion it would be covered. This duality was typical of Tudor Gothic style.
As styles of furniture took to its own evolution, Elizabethan furniture made interior design furniture history. It is often described as overbearing and quite massive with a bulk feel to it. Four post beds were the norm, as were large dining tables with thick and heavy components. Both the post and legs of furniture from this ear often had many carvings in them. A foot lathe opened up the possibly of rounding wood so it could be more delicately and ornately carved. This was more elaborate than the Tudor Gothic historical interior design furniture.
The Queen Anne era is yet another vital branch in the lines of historical interior design furniture. Dainty and refined best describes the style of Queen Anne furniture, exactly opposite of the enormous pieces known to Elizabethan era furniture. The tables were thinly carved and the chairs were small. Walnut was preferred over oak. There was a need for this less than gigantic make up of furniture. Small gaming tables and sets for serving tea needed to be available. Comfortable chairs for enjoying this down time were also in demand. This way of life created a demand for this kind of furniture. This was a significant move away from the previous eras of historic interior design furniture.
Caring for your Antique Garden Furniture
Antique garden furniture can make a wonderful focal point to a backyard landscape, as well as a place for relaxing and entertaining. The problem with using antique garden furniture in the outdoors lies in preserving your precious heirlooms by helping them to withstand the elements. It is always a bit distressing to leave something so valuable outdoors, and antique garden furniture can indeed come with a hefty price tag.
The good news is that there are some fairly simple steps that you can take to prevent damage to your pieces, and keep them looking as good as possible for as long as possible. With a little bit of TLC and the proper maintenance process, your antique garden furniture will be something to enjoy for many years to come.
Keeping Garden Urns and Statues Intact
One of the most popular types of antique garden furniture is the stone pieces that you see as urns or statues. These ornately carved figures and fountains need special care to prevent cracking and crumbling as they age. The worst element that can come in contact with your stone is ice. The process of winter freezing and spring thaws can cause almost any kind of stone to crack. The first step in caring for these pieces of antique garden furniture is to get them off the wet ground . Place them on a brick or cement platform, where they will be protected from the moisture. If you have a piece that holds water, like an urn or birdbath, turn it over or bring it indoors during the winter months. You can also cover your pieces with burlap stuffed with hay, sheet metal or a wooden structure that will keep out moisture and prevent freezing.
Caring for Iron Furniture
Another popular type of antique garden furniture is the iron pieces that are often tables, chairs and benches that sport attractive leaf patterns in their backs and arms. This type of antique garden furniture can rust, and the most common culprit for damage in this case is water. If you have a piece of iron furniture that requires restoration, don’t worry about having to put on another coat of paint. Few of these pieces of antique garden furniture will still sport the original paint, and some will even have numerous layers. To strip the piece, it is often a good idea to seek professional service so that you know the job is done right. You can then repaint, or in some cases apply a wax that will withstand the elements better. Another product that you can use on your iron antique garden furniture is a paint that has a powder coat finish. This type of finish will stand up better against sun and rain than any other paint product can.
Antique garden furniture is an attractive accent to many gardens and backyard landscapes. It can provide a quaint outdoor retreat and a focal point for your landscape plan. With the proper care and maintenance, your antique garden furniture will be around for your pleasure for many years.