The 18th century was one of the biggest times for a movement in styles of furniture. In fact, some of the most beautiful and refined furniture dates back to the 18th century, and with carpenters displaying a high level of artistic and technical ability throughout the era, there are still plenty of opportunities to furnish your home with different styles of furniture from the 18th century to date.

While some designs are still available if you’re looking for office furniture in Essex, you will find that most of these antique styles are incorporated into a more modern design. We take a look back at some of the different styles of furniture that you would find throughout the 18th century. 

French Furniture 

The 18th century was a period where a collaborative effort from a number of French artists and craftsmen led to some of the most beautiful furniture designs which were used in residences across Europe. 

One of the biggest furniture influences of this time was the Corporation des Menuisiers, who worked under strictly enforced regulations. They were established during the Middle Ages, and with a Parisian guild being influenced by education of the furniture makers, the technical ability was outstanding. An apprentice would have to work as an apprentice for at least three years within a master furniture maker’s workshop, and then spend at least the same number of years as a journeyman. After this, the journeyman had to prove himself as a master of the art by creating a chef-d’oeuvre, and when this was successfully completed, he could open his own workshop – but only if there was one available. Antique French furniture is still available, with carefully carved, and expertly designed furniture that was once designed for royalty. 

Baroque Across Britain in the 18th century, fashions such as Baroque and Rococo had a huge influence on the luxurious and opulent designs of the furniture. However, while many furniture makers were looking to these new, stylish designs, some artists were actually looking to the medieval times and classical world, as well as new trade partners in East Asia allowing them to have some influence and inspiration over the furniture. 

Queen Anne Style 

This style was not actually applied to the furniture until nearly a century later, but the style features ornate designs that see a flash of the earlier century Rococo styles. Swooping S-Curves, scallop and shell details, cabriole legs and embroidered cushions are all hallmarks of the style and designs that many furniture makers implemented into their furniture. While there is certainly inspiration drawn from earlier Louis XV styles also, this new style really did take hold, and antique designs are still available to be placed as a unique, eye-catching feature in a home or office. This originated in Great Britain and was quickly adopted in the United States also. 

The wood that perfected the style saw furniture being made mainly from walnut, maple, and cherry wood. Shaker Style This was a style that was adopted in the late 1700s in North-eastern America, and with materials including pine, maple and cherry wood, this simplistic and self-sufficient design can be seen in a number of properties today. 

The history of the Shaker Style comes from the idea that the ‘Shakers’ were a devout religious sect, and where they constructed their own furniture and buildings, the focus on the style was clean lines and utility, rather than fancy designs. The colors were also simple, and under strict sect, rules called the Millennial Laws, this included blues, greens, reds, and yellows. This rich legacy of design still has a mainstream influence on furnishings today.