Whatever your individual style or taste, it is important to 
know how to identify each style. If your best friend brags 
about the “To-die-for Louis XV side chair, “dah-ling”,” would 
you know what the heck she was talking about? Well, here is a 
primer on furniture types that will help you appear to be an 
expert whatever your neighbor buys next!


1. English Traditional

   William and Mary – A simple and comfortable style with lots 
   of upholstery, arched cabinetry and turned legs. Elaborately 
   carved walnut was the wood of choice

   Queen Anne – This style is hallmarked by graceful and lovely 
   S-shaped cabriole legs. This style usually has limited 
   ornamentation, but what is there is elegant – such as the 
   scalloped shell motif.

   Chippendale – Influenced by the Chinese, this style includes 
   a ball and claw foot and richly carved legs.

   Victorian – Overstuffed chairs and elaborate and ornate woods 
   are elements of this style. Dark woods and elegant fabrics 
   are also indicators of this style.


2. French Traditional 

   Louis XIV – Very ornate and massive furniture is the hallmark 
   of this style. But while the pieces are enormous, their lines 
   are straight and often rectangular.  

   Louis XV – This style features smaller scaled furniture, 
   although it continues to be extravagant and ornate. Curves 
   appear instead of the straight lines of Louis XIV. This style 
   inspired a much-used fad of the 50s and 60s called French 
   Provincial (remember white furniture with gilt trim?). 

   Louis XVI – This style is more subdued or subtle that earlier 
   French styles, It has classic, almost Grecian lines that lack 
   decoration and carving. 

   Empire – This style inspired other designs around the world 
   such as Duncan Phyfe, Sheraton and Biedermeier. The furniture 
   was massive, but symmetrical, with gentlly bowed fronts or 
   legs. 


3. American Traditional

   American Traditional was influenced by English and French 
   styles and eventually evolved into a uniquely American style.

   Contemporary Modern – With its roots traced to the Bauhaus 
   school of art in Germany, this style was simple, clean and 
   geometric. The hallmark of this style is the idea that “form 
   follows function.”

   Country – This casual style is and expression of our American 
   social, ethnic and religious culture. It includes styles such 
   as the clean and simple lines of Shaker furniture, the 
   massive simplicity of Mission, and similar styles from 
   artisans in the Southwest and all corners of the country. 

   These are the traditional styles on which most décor is 
   based, but I know of at least two others that I have used 
   extensively in the past – Early Thrift Shop or Late Graduate 
   Student. Those styles feature eclectic furniture and fabric 
   choices and a budget of, say...ten bucks! Just love those 
   cinder block bookcases, don’t you? 

Pamela Cole Harris has been a writer for over 35 years (Yikes! 
Has it been that long?) Her fun, tongue-in-cheek approach to 
decorating has made http://www.homeandgardenmakeover.com one of 
the most popular décor sites on the net. She brings the same 
spirit of fun and practical advice to her newest site at
http://www.diy-homedecor.com.