Victorian furniture is probably the most popular type of antique furniture that is in existence today. There are many
Victorian Cherry Corner Curio with Glass Shelves
distinct characteristics that make this furniture style easily identifiable, and you don’t really need an expert to tell you which furniture pieces are Victorian.
One of the most prominent features of Victorian furniture is the elaborate carving. Machine carving was introduced during the Victorian era, and many furniture manufacturers made use of this new technology to create very detailed carvings on their products. Many Victorian furnishings feature elaborate floral carvings. The materials that were commonly used to make Victorian wood furniture include mahogany, rosewood, and walnut, and items such as tables and dresses often feature marble tops. The wood was mostly finished in rich and dark colors, and this is one of the characteristics that can help you differentiate authentic Victorian furniture from reproductions. Reproductions of Victorian furniture usually have light-colored finishes, and they resemble country style furniture.
Another way to identify Victorian furniture is to look at the curves. Victorian tables and chairs have exaggerated curves, and they are mostly elliptical in shape. The upholstery of Victorian furniture is rich and puffy, and horsehair was often used as stuffing. It features fabrics with bold colors and patterns, as well as elaborate trimmings and fringe. All these features gave Victorian furniture the ornate and luxurious appearance that set it apart from other furniture styles.
