💜 A Lesson in Edwardian Furniture 💜

furn cover.jpg

You know me by now. I love history, design and antiques. I've just bought the most stunning Edwardian dressing table for my shop, and it inspired me to give a lesson in Edwardian furniture.

"The Edwardian era was a leisurely time when women wore picture hats and did not vote, when the rich were not ashamed to live conspicuously, and the sun really never set on the British flag'"

^{Samuel Hynes (author)}

💜 INSPIRATION & INFLUENCES💜

The Edwardian period was a very short time in history, but had a lasting impact. It really is one of my favourite design eras. I am in love with the simple lines and beautiful finishes.

The Edwardian era dates from 1901 - 1910, and is so called as King Edward had just ascended the throne in England. People were looking for something different from the heavy, dark feeling of the Victorian era.

Looking back after the wars, this brief period when King Edward was at the throne was seen as light hearted, "golden era". This is reflected in the style of furniture, clothing and lifestyle. Ladies clothes were made from lighter fabric to allow for their more active lifestyles, women were becoming more politicized (this is the time of the Suffragette) and at the time London was the financial centre of the world, and things were gooood.

^source

The furniture and design of the time pulled influence from the Georgian and Tudor eras

💜 MAIN CHARACTERISTICS💜

Edwardian furniture is easily recognized by it's simple, beautiful leg, and understated gable (the curved bit at the top)

This is perfectly illustrated by this desk that I have recently purchased for my shop.

Often made from mahogany and walnut, and sporting some craftsmanship of note - another characteristic of Edwardian furniture (but not limited to only Edwardian) is the inlay or marquetry of a lighter or darker wood in a pattern.