You may have heard of the term Jacobean style antique furniture but not had a good understanding of what this style of furniture actually is, or the design and styling influences. Basically, the term Jacobean is used to describe all furniture that was manufactured during the reigns if King James I through to King James II. Obviously the time period is a fairly lengthy period, and the style of furniture exhibited some changes throughout the overall period. Throughout the period, the furniture showed different influences and style changes, and one can notice these different influences and the effects the influences had on the styling of the furniture throughout distinct periods of the particular Kings’ reigns. During the early part of the 16th century, the Elizabethan period had a major influence on the early Jacobean furniture. From about the middle part of the 16th century, around about 1650 or the so-called middle mark of the Jacobean period, the Commonwealth Style which was plainer in style had more of an influence on the furniture styling. In this period, designs were simpler and were usually undecorated. The late mark of Jacobean design coincided with the reign of King Charles II, and a distinctly Flemish Baroque design influence is evident
The colonial Americans were very fond of copying the Jacobean style of furniture, particularly the early English styles, but since there were not that many master craftsman and other skilled furniture makers in America at the time, the furniture was more primitive than the English variety. Make sure that when you are looking at Jacobean antique furniture, that research is undertaken to determine the origin of manufacture. Both types of furniture may be considered Jacobean antique style furniture, but the English variety will usually be more sought after. Also, the naming conventions may differ, as the American would usually have renamed the furniture of this era as Early American furniture, although based on Jacobean design and styling.
The characteristics of Jacobean furniture was that the furniture was usually large in sizing, was made to be sturdy and was certainly made to last a long time. However these practical aspects to furniture design had one major drawback, in that the furniture was notoriously uncomfortable. Most of the Jacobean furniture pieces consisted of trestle tables, some chairs, chests and other cupboards, and some three legged circular tables as well. Jacobean furniture was usually constructed from two distinct types of wood, namely oak and pine, although other woods were used. Oak and pine were the most popular wood choices during this period. The latter period of Jacobean design had more embellishments on the furniture, with most tables being adorned with carved panels and other ornamental twists. Some even had extremely ornate Flemish scrolls which made the furniture seem stately in a sense.
The colonial Americans were very fond of copying the Jacobean style of furniture, particularly the early English styles, but since there were not that many master craftsman and other skilled furniture makers in America at the time, the furniture was more primitive than the English variety. Make sure that when you are looking at Jacobean antique furniture, that research is undertaken to determine the origin of manufacture. Both types of furniture may be considered Jacobean antique style furniture, but the English variety will usually be more sought after. Also, the naming conventions may differ, as the American would usually have renamed the furniture of this era as Early American furniture, although based on Jacobean design and styling.
The characteristics of Jacobean furniture was that the furniture was usually large in sizing, was made to be sturdy and was certainly made to last a long time. However these practical aspects to furniture design had one major drawback, in that the furniture was notoriously uncomfortable. Most of the Jacobean furniture pieces consisted of trestle tables, some chairs, chests and other cupboards, and some three legged circular tables as well. Jacobean furniture was usually constructed from two distinct types of wood, namely oak and pine, although other woods were used. Oak and pine were the most popular wood choices during this period. The latter period of Jacobean design had more embellishments on the furniture, with most tables being adorned with carved panels and other ornamental twists. Some even had extremely ornate Flemish scrolls which made the furniture seem stately in a sense.
Jacobean furniture construction was simple in its manufacture and assembly, and was usually assembled with mortise joints which were subsequently held together with pegs. Some of the more ornate pieces also had lovely inlay and veneering which added to the stately nature of the furniture. This inlay was often found in the cupboards and the cabinets of the English manufactured pieces. Often, the furniture would be painted which may have added to the design aesthetic of each of the pieces of furniture. When upholstering the chairs, very fine and detailed textured material would be used particularly silk and other velvets to give the chairs and settees an extremely fine quality. Sometimes leather was also used, but more so the fine textured materials.
If you are looking for Jacobean period furniture, you would be able to locate it in many of the finer English auction houses, and some would have been transported across to the States. Obviously when shopping around in the States, you would need to differentiate furniture manufactured in England and that manufactured in America. Obviously, some pieces may not be in such a good state as they were manufactured over a few centuries ago, but nonetheless, Jacobean furniture is still well sought after. If you are looking for ornate and well manufactured antique furniture, Jacobean antique pieces could provide an elegant option for your home decor. Couple the furniture with a lovely antique mailbox out the front of your home for an overall aesthetically designed look. A number of East Asian countries have now copied and reproduced fine quality Jacobean styled furniture, and it is very affordable as well. Watch out for the shipping charges though, as the furniture is sturdy and may cost quite some money to transport from origin.
If you are looking for Jacobean period furniture, you would be able to locate it in many of the finer English auction houses, and some would have been transported across to the States. Obviously when shopping around in the States, you would need to differentiate furniture manufactured in England and that manufactured in America. Obviously, some pieces may not be in such a good state as they were manufactured over a few centuries ago, but nonetheless, Jacobean furniture is still well sought after. If you are looking for ornate and well manufactured antique furniture, Jacobean antique pieces could provide an elegant option for your home decor. Couple the furniture with a lovely antique mailbox out the front of your home for an overall aesthetically designed look. A number of East Asian countries have now copied and reproduced fine quality Jacobean styled furniture, and it is very affordable as well. Watch out for the shipping charges though, as the furniture is sturdy and may cost quite some money to transport from origin.