Find American Antique Furniture

There are two major time periods of American antique furniture the Colonial Period and the Federal Period. America has been home to master craftsmen since it was colonized by Columbus. Though American antique furniture from that time period is extremely rare, there are quite a few pieces from later on in the history of the country that are not so rare at all.

There are many styles from the different time periods to choose your favorite from and many antique dealers out there today to bargain and wheedle down to the price you are willing to pay. American antique furniture is in high demand though so don't expect too much of a bargain, but these pieces are so unique and well crafted that they are well worth the added expense they may be.

The Colonial period spans the seventeenth and eighteenth century, from about 1620 to 1780. The official Colonial and Jacobean period lasted from 1620 to 1720, wherein furniture was very heavy, constructed most often of oak wood, and furniture makers focused on the functionality of the piece. The Queen Anne period which followed this saw a revolution in American antique furniture craft, from 1720-1750 furniture became much lighter, made primarily from walnut, cherry and maple.

The lines of the American antique furniture pieces became more curvilinear, the functionality of the piece was now wedded with comfort. A hallmark of this period is the shell, usually carved into the knee of the legs of a chair or table, or the top splat of the chair or bedhead. The shell symbolized the new curvilinear motif in design, sometimes a sunburst or fan was carved instead. Closing out the period was Chippendale furniture from 1750-1780 usually made from mahogany wood. The Chippendale period inspired the construction of the four poster bed, saw the first gold-leafing and much more elaborate carvings into the wood.

The Federal Period which followed spanned from 1780 to 1820 including the Hepplewhite period spanning 1780-1800. American antique furniture was known for its dovetail joints, birch, cherry or rosewood and its inlay and fluting. The Sheraton period overlaps with this from 1790-1810 identified by its contrasting veneers and delicate carvings. Its most well known symbol was the star or the eagle.

Finally the classical period, which precedes the contemporary period we are experiencing right now, was named for its return to classical stylings, American antique furniture inspired by Greek and Roman designs and is arguably the most beautiful period of craftsmanship. Whatever period you?re looking for, be sure to ask your dealer for a certificate of authenticity before bragging to your friends about the great piece of american antique furniture you found.

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