Design milestones - A journey through iconic furniture styles
Open a gateway to the past that will guide you through the fascinating world of antique furniture. If you're looking for a unique piece with history, we'll give you an engaging look at the most popular styles from Gothic and Rococo to modern eras like Bauhaus and Mid-Century Modern. Our design guide will help you decide on the right period that appeals to your aesthetic sense. Discover how the appearance of furniture has changed from the ornate details of the Gothic to the austere elegance of the Bauhaus. Your journey to exclusive antique furniture starts right here!
Gothic style (12th - 16th centuries)
The Gothic style is characterized by tall and slender shapes, various decorative techniques and complex ornaments. These include ornamental carving with motifs such as oak or vine leaves, semi-plastic carving including plant, geometric and figural motifs, and painting with images of saints on sacred furniture. Common elements included upholstering furniture with luxurious materials, dyeing ornaments and decorating fabrics. Metal bands, both ornate and solid, were a characteristic feature, and upholstery, characterized by loose cushions that were placed on the backs of chairs and armchairs, added comfort and aesthetics. Typical furniture of this period were chests, wardrobes, sofas, beds and tables, each of these pieces of furniture having its own specific function and decoration. The beds were a statement feature with four posters and detailed curtains. Gothic furniture was often decorated with colors, shades of red, blue and green were popular. The woodwork was thorough, including a fermage finish and the use of shellac. This period also brought the first staining and color treatments of oak, which created different shades and effects.
rococo (18th century)
This style originated in the 18th century and is characterized by rich ornamentation, curves and asymmetry. Rococo furniture stands out for its elegant and light construction, which emphasizes the curves and harmony of forms. Materials such as rosewood, rosewood and mahogany contribute to its luxurious appearance. The design is subtle and precise, with minimal pin joint dimensions, which required increased manual labor. The furniture is mobile thanks to the first wheels, which reduce the strain on the joints during movement.
Upholstered furniture perfects baroque techniques with a flat base with a load band and coarse suspension. Embroidery and tapestry designs add a new element, while wheeled mobility is a distinct innovation. The aesthetic of the furniture is characterized by the asymmetry of tendril and floral motifs, and real floral elements appear. The construction is elegant, with the curves of the high legs and a smooth transition between the different parts.
Decorative techniques such as gesso, marquetry, lacquer and painting add another layer of elegance and richness to the furniture. Gilding, often used together with carving and stucco, dominates the decoration of castle interiors. The overall appearance of Rococo furniture is light, yet rich in details, with an emphasis on aesthetics and harmony of forms.
historicism (19th century)
Historicism was a design movement that flourished in the 19th century, drawing inspiration from and referencing various historical styles and periods. This style was characterized by a combination of elements from different eras and aimed to evoke the atmosphere of the past.
Historicism borrowed elements from styles such as Gothic, Renaissance, Baroque and Rococo. The furniture was often modeled after originals from previous centuries. It was richly decorated in historicism. It often contained detailed carvings, sculptural elements and ornaments that referred to a given historical style.
The predominant material was solid wood, especially oak, mahogany and walnut. The furniture was robust and could have massive figures. Historicism brought a return to luxury elements. The furniture was often decorated with gold, silver or covered with expensive materials. Rooms were often decorated with wallpaper with rich patterns and textures that complemented the design of the furniture.
Historicism was also influenced by the art and culture of the time. Motifs from literature, history and mythology appeared on the furniture.
Victorian era (1837–1901)
The Victorian era, which lasted from approximately 1837 to 1901, was a period of distinctive and varied design. Furniture from this period was influenced by a variety of styles, including Gothic, Renaissance, and exotic motifs inspired by colonial discoveries. It was often made from rich woods such as mahogany, walnut and oak and decorated with marquetry and carved details. It was also usually large, heavy and sturdy. Strong legs and massive construction were common, as were carved details and decoration with floral motifs, images of nature and often animal motifs.
The fabrics used on Victorian furniture were often decorated with rich designs such as flowers, vines and other decorative elements. The furniture could have a rounded shape and curved lines that gave the pieces an elegant and decorative look. Comfort was a key element of Victorian furniture, so seats and backs were usually wide and full, offering comfortable seating.
Victorian furniture combined elements of various styles and periods, including Gothic, Renaissance, Chinese or Indian design. It was often supplemented with metal details such as fittings, handles and decorative elements with ornamental patterns. Wallpaper with rich patterns that matched the textiles and the overall design of the room were common.
Art Nouveau (at the turn of the 19th and 20th centuries)
Art Nouveau, often called the modern style, was popular at the turn of the 19th and 20th centuries. He was known for his organic and curvilinear design that sought to break traditional norms. Furniture designs imitated natural shapes such as plants, waves and curved shapes. The basic element was organic and natural motifs – flowers, leaves, branches or clouds. These elements were decorated with carved details and patterns.
Art Nouveau furniture often used glass and metal as the main materials. Metal elements tend to be elegantly curved, often imitating natural shapes.
Designers often created abstract and artistic ornaments stylized into natural motifs. These ornaments were incorporated into the furniture in the form of carved or relief details. The colors used were also very often inspired by nature. Darker tones were mainly used to draw contrasts.
Art Nouveau often departed from the symmetrical designs of previous periods in favor of asymmetry. Some pieces of furniture may have had irregular shapes and different sizes on each side. The furniture was created with an emphasis on high quality craftsmanship. Key elements were handwork, precise carving and attention to detail.
Art Nouveau was revolutionary in that it brought a new and bold take on design that stood out against previous historical styles. This style emphasized individuality, creativity and harmony with nature.
Art Deco (1920s and 1930s)
The peak of the popularity of art deco was in the period between the First and Second World Wars, i.e. in the 20s and 30s of the 20th century. He was known for his precise and geometric shapes. Elements such as squares, rectangles, cones and circles were popular and were used to create patterns and design details. Art Deco emphasized luxury and wealth, so materials such as high gloss wood, chrome, glass, leather and even exotic woods were often used.
Vertical lines were often emphasized in furniture design. Tall cabinets, columns and furniture legs tended to be longer and gave off an impression of elegance and grandeur. Art Deco used a wide range of colors, including vivid and contrasting hues. Common choices were combinations of black, white, gold, silver, red, blue and green. Repetitive geometric patterns such as arrows, triangles, and diagonal stripes were common decorative elements on furniture. These designs gave the furniture a dynamic and modern look.
Art Deco furniture was influenced by exotic cultures, especially Egyptian and African art. Motifs such as sphinxes, palm leaves and giraffes were used. Glass and mirrors were often integrated into the furniture design, creating an impression of luxury and space. The glass layers were often decorated with etched or engraved designs.
Art Deco brought modern, bold and luxurious elements to furniture design that were in keeping with the spirit of the interwar period. This style symbolized elegance, decadence and a desire for innovation in design.
Bauhaus (1920s)
Originating in Germany in the 1920s, it emphasizes simple, functional and modern design elements, clean lines and minimalism. Functionalism was a key element of design at the Bauhaus. Bauhaus style furniture was characterized by clean lines and simple geometry. Sharp edges, straight lines and geometric shapes were common. It was designed with an emphasis on its practical use and functionality. Form followed function.
A minimalist approach was key to Bauhaus design. The furniture was to be simple, without unnecessary ornaments and decorative elements. Less was considered more. The materials used in the furniture were often of industrial origin, such as steel, glass and laminate. These materials have been used to achieve a modern and efficient look.
The furniture was designed with modularity and flexibility in mind. Individual parts could be combined and adapted as needed. Furniture often emphasized open design. Cabinets and shelves often had visible shelves, which contributed to the impression of lightness and transparency.
Neutral tones such as white, black and gray were often used as colors. Sometimes bright primary colors were also incorporated into the design. The Bauhaus emphasized experimentation with new materials and technologies. This led to the use of new industrial materials such as fiberglass.
Although the Bauhaus emphasized functionalism and minimalism, comfort was not neglected. The furniture was designed to be not only functional but also comfortable.
The Bauhaus style influenced modern design and architecture, and its emphasis on functionality and simplicity is still evident in contemporary design.
Mid-Century Modern (1950s and 1960s)
This style saw huge popularity in the 1950s and 1960s, especially in the US. It is characterized by a simple and functional design, clean lines and natural materials.
The mid-century style is rightfully one of the most creative in the world of modern design, thanks to the fresh combination of elements from different decades across the 20th century. In the interior, a simple modern chest of drawers and a vintage chair from grandma can stand side by side.
Typical materials are leather and solid wood, which will give the interior even more authenticity if they already have something used. On the other hand, modern materials such as chrome or plastic also come into play.
MCM emphasizes minimalism and simplicity. Furniture often does not have unnecessary decorations and unnecessary details.
Retro period (50s and 60s of the 20th century
Retro style refers to design elements and trends from the 50s and 60s of the last century. It is a revival and reinterpretation of aesthetics and design from previous eras. Retro furniture often uses bold and rich colors. Combinations such as orange and brown, avocado green, or strong shades of blue prevail.
Furniture in retro style is often emphasized by rounded shapes and curved lines. It can be seen especially with chairs, tables and seating furniture. Wood and plastic are often used as materials, tables and chairs can have laminate surfaces and plastic details.
Retro furniture is often built on legs, which gives it a light and airy feel. These legs can be ornate, but more often they have a simple modern design. Patterns on fabrics and wallpapers are a frequent element of retro design. Floral patterns, geometric shapes and abstract motifs are common here.
Functionality was a key element of retro design. The furniture was designed with practicality and comfort in mind.
Retro lighting is distinctive and striking. Chandeliers with distinctive shapes and colors, lamps with plastic shades or globe-shaped lamps are common.
Some retro furniture may include pop culture elements such as logos, lettering or iconic symbols from that era.
