Antique Queen Anne Style display cabinet

Queen Anne style furniture refers to a distinct design aesthetic that emerged during the reign of Queen Anne of Great Britain (1702-1714). This period falls within the broader Baroque era, and Queen Anne style is characterized by a departure from the heavy, ornate styles that preceded it. The Queen Anne style is known for its elegance, simplicity, and graceful curves.

Queen Anne furniture is distinguished by its graceful curves, including cabriole legs with a distinctive S-curve, shaped chair backs, and serpentine or scalloped shapes on case pieces. Perhaps the most iconic feature of Queen Anne furniture is the more... cabriole leg. This leg style is curved and terminates in a pad, hoof, or slipper foot. It is a departure from the straight, heavy legs of earlier styles. Queen Anne chairs often feature a splat back, which is a central, often vase-shaped, pierced or solid panel between the upper and lower parts of the chair back. This design element adds elegance and interest to the chair. Carved shell motifs are common in Queen Anne furniture, appearing on chair knees, cabinet fronts, and other surfaces. Scroll and foliage motifs are also prevalent, adding a decorative touch.

Queen Anne furniture is often crafted from walnut or cherry wood, and sometimes maple. These woods were favored for their rich, warm tones. Some Queen Anne pieces feature delicate inlay or marquetry, adding decorative patterns to the surfaces. This craftsmanship reflects the emphasis on refined and detailed ornamentation. Upholstered pieces, such as chairs and settees, often feature cushioned seats and backs. These upholstery elements contribute to the comfort and inviting nature of the furniture.

Queen Anne style furniture remains popular and influential, and many modern reproductions are inspired by this classic design. less...

The late 17th century passion for collecting Chinese porcelain and the later European porcelain, (a passion that has not abated), led to the design of various forms of cabinets for displaying the collection. There are various forms, and collectors can find pieces in the Sheraton, Queen Anne and Rococo revival manner dating from the Edwardian and later Victorian periods. Glazed china cabinets or bookcases were frequently made in the Art Nouveau and Art Deco style. The half-round lead lighted china cabinets popular in the 1920s and 1930s, are not all as common as they used to be. Collectors should more... be careful of 'china cabinets' that have made up by a conversion from a bookcase, armoire or wardrobe. less...