A Journey Through Time: The Beauty of British Antique Furniture
(1600–1750)
The Baroque Era: Bold and Ornate
Baroque furniture is all about drama—big curves, fancy carvings, and gold finishes. Typical pieces include grand cabinets, elaborately carved armoires, and heavily decorated side tables. These pieces often featured dark woods like walnut and oak.
When painting Baroque pieces, go for deep, rich colours like Cricket Leather, a warm, earthy red, to highlight their bold features. For a regal touch, pair it with gilded accents or subtle highlights using Iron Bridge, a deep charcoal grey.
(1714–1830)
The Georgian Era: Simple Elegance
Georgian furniture embraced balance and symmetry, with delicate details and a simple, classic style. Common pieces included Chippendale chairs, elegant sideboards, and serpentine-front dressers. Mahogany was the wood of choice during this era.
Colours like Beacon Blue—a soft slate blue—are perfect for this era. They enhance the clean lines while adding a modern twist. For contrast, consider using Highland Haze, a subtle grey, on the drawer fronts or paneling.
(1837–1901)
The Victorian Era: Decorative and Detailed
Victorian furniture mixed various styles, resulting in eclectic, heavily decorated pieces. Think tufted settees, ornate display cabinets, and pedestal dining tables. Dark woods like rosewood and mahogany dominated the period.
Deep, bold shades like Bedford Bramble or Dartmoor Deep can turn these intricate pieces into stunning focal points. For a softer touch, use Suffolk Shell, a delicate blush pink, on the details to balance out the darker hues.
(1901–1910)
The Edwardian Era: Light and Airy
Edwardian furniture shifted to lighter, simpler designs with nature-inspired motifs. Popular pieces included wicker chairs, sideboards with inlays, and slim-legged tables. Oak and lighter woods became more common during this time.
Soft, fresh shades like Brighton Breeze—a pale seaside blue—work wonders on these pieces. For added warmth, pair it with Wren’s Nest, a muted beige, on the interior shelves or drawers.
(1920–1930)
The Art Deco Era: Bold and Stylish
Art Deco furniture celebrated bold geometric designs and luxurious materials. Key pieces included sleek cocktail cabinets, waterfall-front dressers, and mirrored sideboards. Lacquered finishes and exotic woods like ebony were popular.
For a modern update, go for striking colours like Hackney Carriage, a deep, classic black. Pair it with metallic highlights or Pembroke Pewter for a sleek, glamorous finish.