Characteristics of Chippendale Furniture

The Chippendale style is named for Thomas Chippendale, a furniture maker in London in the mid-18th century. In 1754 he published an influential design book called "The Gentleman and Cabinet-Maker's Director." Ironically, Chippendale was not the greatest furniture maker of his time. But as historians began studying furniture of the era, his name became synonymous with the style because of his book. Does this Spark an idea?

Time Frame

The Chippendale style dates from about 1750 to 1780. It was popular in the American colonies, which continued to follow the latest trends in London. The period before Chippendale is known as Queen Anne (1725-1750). Chippendale is sometimes thought of as a more decorated version of traditional Queen Anne design. The period after is known as the Classical or Federal period (1790-1840), which emphasized simpler lines and styling in a reaction against the ostentatious aesthetic of the Chippendale period.

Characteristics

Chippendale style is sometimes referred to as rococo. It is inspired by Gothic, Chinese and French design. In the simplest terms, the Chippendale style could be considered "busy." Intricately carved patterns, the curved cabriole leg and the ball-and-claw foot are found on many pieces of Chippendale furniture. The hairy paw or scroll foot were also popular. Sometimes, the leg is completely straight without ornamentation, with a clear, angular, Chinese influence. The acanthus leaf is a repeating theme among furniture examples from the Chippendale era. Corinthian capitals are typically designed with this kind of leaf.

Chests

In the William and Mary period (1690-1725), the chest of drawers was immensely popular. But it disappeared in the Queen Anne period. It was revived in the Chippendale style, often with a curved front in an oxbow or serpentine fashion. The high chest fell out of favor in the Chippendale period. Those that were made, however, featured more elaborate decoration like other pieces of this era.

Desks

A Chippendale desk was often modeled after a chest of drawers with a drop-down writing surface. Typical details could include dentils, pilasters with Corinthian capitals, fluted corners and other complex, decorative elements.

Tables

There are a great variety of shapes and sizes of Chippendale tables. The most significant change from the Queen Anne period are more complex leg designs. Queen Anne cabriole legs would be transformed into Chippendale style with the addition of a claw-and-ball foot and perhaps acanthus leaf carvings at the "knee." The "pie crust" table first appeared in the Chippendale period. The scalloped molding around the table's edge was fluted, resembling a pie crust. The side table, which was the predecessor of the larger sideboard, appeared in the Queen Anne era. The Chippendale version of the side table was, of course, more elaborately carved.

Chairs

Chippendale chairs tend to have more intricate backs, often in the "Cupid's bow" shape across the top. The carved back could feature any number of patterns, suggested in Chippendale's book, from a variety of influences. The focus was more whimsical than precise. The chair seat is usually straight on the sides rather than the curved design from earlier periods.