The term reproduction furniture refers to furniture made from modern day wood (like Yew and Mahogany) that replicates classical English furniture styles like Chippendale, Hepplewhite, and Sheraton. Reproduction furniture has become increasingly popular with people that like the look and feel of classical furniture, but do not want to spend thousands of pounds for antique furniture. To better understand reproduction furniture it is important to understand some of the major furniture styles that reproduction furniture is available in.
Chippendale reproduction furniture
Chippendale furniture is named after Thomas Chippendale an English cabinet maker and furniture designer. Initially, Chippendale designed furniture in the mid-Georgian, English Rococo, and Neoclassical styles but eventually started designing his furniture in neoclassical style. Chippendale is best known for chairs that sported elaborate "Gothic" tracery splat backs, and book cases and other furniture pieces with elaborate tracery.
Chippendale furniture was so popular that imitation furniture styles like Chinese Chippendale came into existence. Although reproduction furniture is available in various Chippendale styles, only English Chippendale is considered authentic Chippendale furniture.
Hepplewhite reproduction furniture
George Hepplewhite’s furniture style is unique for it’s distinctively ‘shield shaped’ backs and elegance. In fact, the elegance and timelessness of Hepplewhite furniture is the reason why Hepplewhite reproduction furniture is immensely popular. Although shield shaped backs are not always a feature of Hepplewhite chairs, narrow splats and shield shaped backs are a hallmark of most Hepplewhite reproduction furniture like settees and chairs.
Sheraton reproduction furniture
Thomas Sheraton shared his fame with fellow furniture makers Chippendale and Hepplewhite, and is considered the greatest furniture maker ever. Sheraton’s furniture making was inspired by neoclassical styles and Sheraton furniture can easily be identified for its round tapered legs, fluting and the distinctive contrasting veneer inlays. Sheraton style furniture is available in lightweight rectilinear forms, using various woods like satinwood and mahogany have also been used in constructing Sheraton furniture. Like Chippendale and Hepplewhite, the hallmark of Sheraton furniture is the tapering legs and distinctive inlays.
Duncan Phyfe
Duncan Phyfe was a Scottish born furniture maker who made his mark after immigrating to the US. Unlike the ‘great three’ of English furniture making (Sheraton, Chippendale and Hepplewhite), Phyfe’s furniture style was simplistic and was designed to compete with the massive influx of imported French furniture to the US. Most modern day furniture has been directly or indirectly influenced by Phyfe’s furniture making style, such is the impact of Phyfe’s furniture making style. Phyfe reproduction furniture is usually made from Mahogany and can be recognised by its simplistic design and ‘reclining’ feel.
Which reproduction furniture is best?
Although all 4 furniture makers mentioned above have their distinctive furniture making style, when it comes to desks and book cases Hepplewhite furniture is usually the preferred option. Sheraton furniture is ideally suited for chairs and settees. In fact, Sheraton settees are the most popular reproduction furniture sold and are popular for being comfortable while making a classy statement. What is equally true is that an individual’s preference also plays an important role.
For Chippendale, Hepplewhite, and Sheraton reproduction furniture visit:
www.montague-gower.com
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