Colonial Style Furniture: A Blend of European and American Influences

Classic and elegant style to add a sense of history and charm

Article by Sarah Morris

Sarah Morris

    

Sarah Morris is an avid writer specializing in home decor and product reviews. She covers furniture products and more for Chosen Furniture.

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| Updated on January 3, 2025

What Is Colonial Style Furniture?

Colonial style furniture refers to furnishings standard in American households from the early 1600s through the mid-1800s, at the peak of the colonial period. The sophistication of this layout comes from its seamless durability. Colonial furnishings are constructed from durable hardwoods like oak, maple, or cherry and are functional and aesthetically pleasing.

This classic and elegant style can add a sense of history and charm to any home. In this article, I will discuss the history and characteristics of colonial furniture, the pros and cons of incorporating it into your home décor, where to get the most incredible pieces, and more

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Characteristics of Colonial Furniture

The colonial period was a time of simplicity and practicality, which is reflected in the furniture of the time. One of the defining characteristics of colonial furniture is its simplicity. The furnishings of this period was designed to be functional and durable, with clean lines and simple shapes.

Hardwoods, including oak, cherry, and walnut, were often used to construct these heirloom-quality pieces. The furniture was also designed to be comfortable, with chairs and sofas featuring upholstered seats and backs.

Another defining feature of colonial furniture is its emphasis on craftsmanship. Skilled artisans spent hours painstakingly carving intricate designs and patterns into the wood, creating beautiful and functional pieces. These craftsmen had an elevated position in their societies and often handed their knowledge down through the generations.

Colonial-style furniture was also highly influenced by the natural world. Natural materials were prevalent, with woven seats, rush, and wicker being popular for chairs and other seating options. The pieces were often adorned with decorative elements such as turned legs, ball and claw feet, and ornate carvings depicting animals, flowers, and other natural motifs.

In terms of color, the style favored natural wood tones, with darker stains being the most common. Pieces were often left unpainted to showcase the beauty of the wood grain or painted in muted colors such as cream, beige, or light green. Brightly colored furniture was not typically used in colonial homes.

Finally, colonial-style furniture was often designed with a specific purpose. For example, a tall chest of drawers was meant to provide ample storage space, while a low-side table was used for serving food or drinks. Each piece was carefully crafted to fulfill a specific need in the home and was often used for many years.

Today, colonial furniture remains popular for those who appreciate this design aesthetic’s timeless elegance and simplicity. Its clean lines, natural materials, and emphasis on craftsmanship continue to inspire modern furniture makers and homeowners alike.

Pros of Colonial Furniture

• A timeless style that works with any interior design theme.
• High-quality construction using durable materials such as hardwoods.
• It is handcrafted by skilled artisans, creating unique and beautiful pieces.
• Functional and practical, each piece is designed for a specific purpose.
• Historical significance and cultural value reflect the colonial period.

Cons of Colonial Furniture

• It can be expensive due to the high-quality materials and skilled labor involved.
• It may not suit all tastes or home decor styles.
• Large and bulky, taking up more space than modern furniture.
• Heavy and difficult to move, making rearranging furniture challenging.
• Limited availability of antique pieces, with reproductions often lacking the same level of craftsmanship.

Where to Buy Colonial Style Furniture

A few options are available in-store and online to buy colonial furniture styles. Antique shops often have a wide selection of colonial furniture, including authentic pieces from the colonial period and reproductions. Many furniture stores offer colonial-style furniture, ranging from traditional reproductions to modern interpretations of colonial design.

Online marketplaces like Amazon, Etsy, and Wayfair offer various colonial furniture options at different prices. Specialty stores like DutchCrafters, 1stdibs, Colonial House Decor, and Restoration Hardware, focusED on vintage or historical furniture, may also have a selection of colonial pieces.

Researching and shopping for the best quality and prices for colonial furniture is essential. Additionally, read reviews and check the return policy before purchasing to ensure you are satisfied with your new colonial-style furniture.

What Materials Are Used to Create Colonial Furniture?

Colonial furniture was primarily crafted from hardwoods like oak, maple, cherry, and walnut. These woods were known for their durability and strength, making them ideal for furniture construction.

Besides hardwoods, colonial furniture incorporated other natural materials such as woven seats, rush, and wicker. Woven seats were often used on chairs and stools made from materials such as cane or rush. Wicker was also a popular material for furniture construction and was often used to create chairs and other seating options.

Iron was another material commonly used to construct colonial furniture. Iron was used for hinges, handles, and other hardware and was an essential component in many pieces, such as chests and cabinets.

The glass was also used to construct colonial furniture, particularly in glass-fronted cabinets and display cases. These pieces showcased fine china, silverware, and other decorative items.

Textiles such as wool, cotton, and linen were also used in colonial furniture. Furniture like couches, chairs, stools, and window treatments like draperies and curtains were often upholstered in these materials.

Overall, colonial furniture was crafted from a variety of natural materials, with a focus on durability, functionality, and aesthetic beauty. Because of their longevity and versatility, these materials were perfect for creating heirloom-quality works of art.

Iconic Pieces of Colonial Style Furniture

Many colonial furniture pieces range from chairs and tables to chests and cabinets. The Windsor chair, with its curved back and legs joined to the seat using a system of spindles, was a common type of chair in England in the early 18th century. Another popular furniture piece was the tavern table, a simple, sturdy table with a rectangular top and four legs joined by stretchers.

The Chippendale chest, named after the English cabinet maker Thomas Chippendale, was a type of drawer that featured a carved and molded top, typically with four or five drawers. The four-poster bed was a type of bed that featured four tall posts that supported a canopy. It was often made from hardwoods such as mahogany or cherry, symbolizing wealth and status.

The corner cupboard was a type of cabinet designed to fit into a corner of a room. It typically had a glass-fronted top section for displaying dishes and a lower section with solid doors for storing other items. The settle, a type of bench with a high back and sides, was often used in colonial homes. It was typically made from hardwoods and was designed to provide a comfortable place to sit and relax.

The drop-leaf table was a type of table that had hinged leaves on either side that could be folded down when not in use. It was used in small spaces where a larger table would not fit. The pie safe was a cabinet used to store baked goods such as pies and bread. It typically had pierced tin panels on the doors to allow air to circulate and keep the food fresh.

The wing chair was upholstered with high sides and a high back. It was often used in formal living rooms and was designed to provide a comfortable place to sit and read or converse. Each piece of colonial furniture was carefully crafted to be functional, beautiful, and durable.

How to Incorporate Colonial Style Furniture into Your Decor

When incorporating colonial-style furniture into your decor, starting with the basics is essential. Focus on larger pieces such as sofas, armchairs, and dining tables. Look for pieces with classic, simple lines, and avoid overly ornate or flashy designs.

Use warm, natural colors; colonial furniture is typically crafted from raw materials such as wood and pairs well with warm, natural colors. Consider incorporating beige, brown, and cream shades into your color scheme to complement your colonial furniture pieces.

Don’t be afraid to mix and match styles when incorporating colonial furniture into your decor. Pair a classic colonial sofa with modern accent chairs, or add industrial lighting to your dining room table for a unique twist.

Regarding accessorizing with colonial-style furniture, less is often more. Choose a few statement pieces, such as a classic colonial clock or a set of vintage candlesticks, and use them to accentuate your furniture.

The colonial furniture style is known for its functionality and durability. Use this to your advantage by selecting pieces that serve multiple purposes. For example, a colonial trunk can double as a coffee table or storage space, while a colonial-style bookcase can also serve as a space divider.

Add some textiles such as cushions, throws, or curtains to soften the look of your colonial furniture pieces. Stick to natural materials such as cotton or linen, and choose colors and patterns that complement your furniture pieces.

When done tastefully, including colonial furniture in your design is an excellent option to give your home a sense of timeless beauty. You can create a cohesive and inviting atmosphere that celebrates traditional design by selecting pieces thoughtfully and pairing them with the right colors, textures, and accessories.

What Are the Alternatives to Colonial Furniture Style?

• Farmhouse: a style characterized by a warm and inviting aesthetic incorporating natural materials such as wood, metal, and stone. It features distressed finishes, vintage-inspired details, and cozy textiles such as wool or linen.
• Country: inspired by the traditional styles of rural homes, it is known for its warm, cozy feel. It incorporates natural materials such as wood and leather and features ornate detailing such as carved accents or floral motifs.
• Rustic: it is known for its rugged, raw aesthetic. Made of reclaimed wood, wrought iron, and stone, and features simple, functional designs.
• Craftsman: known for its high-quality work and attention to detail. It often features natural materials such as wood and leather, combining clean lines and simple designs.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the colonial furniture style?

Colonial furniture refers to designs popular during the colonial period. Natural materials like wood and leather are often used, emphasizing clean, functional design.

How to identify colonial furniture?

Its simple, functional designs and high-quality craftsmanship identify colonial furniture. Look for clean lines, natural materials such as wood or leather, and minimal decorative elements. Colonial furniture may incorporate decorative touches such as turned legs, carved details, or brass hardware.

When was colonial furniture popular?

The colonial era, from the 1600s through the 1800s, saw an increase in the popularity of colonial furniture. During this time, colonial furniture was typically handmade by skilled craftsmen and was designed to be functional and durable.

Where can I find colonial furniture?

You may buy colonial furniture from several places, including online retailers, furniture stores, and antique stores. You may also find reproduction pieces that mimic the style of colonial furniture.

Conclusion

Incorporating colonial-style furniture into your home can add a sense of history and charm to any space. Whether you choose a traditional or more modern interpretation of this style, colonial furniture will surely be a timeless addition to your home decor. Following the tips in this guide, you can choose the right pieces and decorate your rooms warmly and invitingly.

Sarah Morris

Sarah Morris is a passionate home décor expert, a how-to reviewer of furniture products, and a fact checker for Chosen Furniture. She is passionate about all types of design and prefers traditional, rustic, and modern. She has over ten years of writing and editing experience, covering the kitchen, living room, outdoor decor choices, and more.