Question 1

How do you identify 1800s furniture?

Accepted Answer

To identify 1800s furniture, first check to see if your piece bears any maker's marks. Should you locate any, researching them using trusted online resources can help you determine the maker and age of your furniture. To determine if unmarked pieces date back to the 19th century, look for tool marks and variations in their carvings and ornamentation. Since 19th-century furniture was handmade, you should expect to find these signs of hand craftsmanship. A piece that shows no marks or inconsistencies in details is likely a contemporary machine-made reproduction. Familiarizing yourself with the characteristics of Rococo, Chippendale, Gothic Revival, neoclassical and other 19th-century styles can also be helpful. If you struggle to make an identification, consider consulting a certified appraiser or knowledgeable antique dealer. On 1stDibs, find a range of 19th-century furniture.

Question 2

What are miniatures from the 1800s?

Accepted Answer

In the 1800s, miniatures were small portraits. People commissioned them to give as gifts to their loved ones to carry with them. In this way, miniatures were similar to modern wallet photographs. On 1stDibs, find a range of miniature portraits.

Question 3

Were there safes in the 1800s?

Accepted Answer

Yes, there were safes in the 1800s. Historical records indicate that by 1820, some companies used safes to protect goods from fire. Following market campaigns in the 1840s, more companies and individuals began to purchase safes as an anti-theft measure. Shop a variety of safes on 1stDibs.

Question 4

What jewelry was popular in the 1800s?

Accepted Answer

During the 1800s, necklaces, earrings, brooches and hair accessories were popular jewelry pieces in styles ranging from Georgian with enamel details to Victorian with floral flourishes. The commonly used gemstones of the 19th century included diamonds, emeralds, rubies, sapphires, garnets and amethysts. Gold was the dominant metal for jewelry, but silver became sought-after during the 1880s and 1890s. Explore an assortment of antique jewelry on 1stDibs.

Question 5

What were safes made from in the 1800s?

Accepted Answer

In the 1800s, safes were usually made of metal like tin plating or sheet iron. Fireproofing the safes proved difficult, and during the 1820s, specific mixtures of materials such as mica, potash lye and alum were used to line a safe’s interior in order to prevent its contents from succumbing to fire damage. Shop a collection of safes on 1stDibs.

Question 6

What were nightstands called in the 1800s?

Accepted Answer

In the 1800s, nightstands were often called commodes. Prior to the advent of indoor plumbing, early nightstands contained a porcelain chamber pot in a cabinet that provided a convenient and private alternative to visiting the outhouse. Today, antique, new and vintage nightstands, which are pieces of bedroom furniture that are often called bedside tables, are typically low-profile tables that are positioned alongside one’s bed or elsewhere in a bedroom. Shop a selection of nightstands on 1stDibs.

Question 7

Did they have pocket watches in the 1800s?

Accepted Answer

Yes, pocket watches peaked in popularity in the 1800s. The first pocket watch was created in Germany in 1510, but was originally too large for a pocket. In the 1600s, the design began to get more compact, but for a long time pocket watches were a rarity and a symbol of wealth. Shop an array of antique pocket watches on 1stDibs.

Question 8

What is 1800s art called?

Accepted Answer

What 1800s art is called depends on its age and style, as the century saw multiple movements. Most art historians refer to art that broke from traditional norms, produced in the 1860s and later, as modern art, and everything that preceded it as pre-modern art. Some of the art styles that were popular during the 19th century include Impressionism, Realism, Romanticism, Neoclassicism, Expressionism and Fauvism. Shop a wide range of 19th-century art on 1stDibs.

Question 9

How do I identify early American furniture?

Accepted Answer

To identify early American furniture, you can evaluate your piece on your own or seek the opinion of a certified appraiser or experienced antique dealer. Although many pieces from the Colonial era are unmarked, double-checking your furniture for signatures, stamps and labels is still a good first step. Using trusted online resources, you can research any markings to determine if the maker was active in America during the 16th and early 17th centuries. When identifying unmarked furniture, it's generally necessary to consider the style and details of the piece. Due to its handcrafted origins, early American furniture tends to have visible tool marks and irregularities in its carvings. Early American furnishings tended to be simple in style but often had one or two refined details, such as cabriole legs. Looking at images of authentic early American furniture can be helpful when making an identification. On 1stDibs, find a collection of 18th-century American furniture.

Question 10

What did wedding rings look like in the 1800s?

Accepted Answer

What wedding rings looked like in the 1800s was similar to other Victorian jewelry. The Victorian era spanned from 1837 to 1901, coinciding with the reign of Queen Victoria in the United Kingdom. At the beginning of this period, rings were made of gold and affordable only to the wealthy. Designs for Victorian-era rings often featured repoussé work and chasing, in which patterns are hammered into the metal. Some featured stones secured by collets, settings similar to bezels, with prongs and a closed back. On 1stDibs, find a selection of Victorian wedding rings.

Question 11

What is the early American furniture style called?

Accepted Answer

The early American furniture style is often called the Colonial style. During the 17th century, American craftsmen drew inspiration from medieval and Renaissance furniture. By the 18th century, the William and Mary style that had emerged in England began to heavily influence the American Colonial style. Characteristics of Colonial-style furniture include turned legs, ornamental carvings and richly finished cherry, walnut and mahogany wood. On 1stDibs, shop a selection of Colonial-style furniture.

Question 12

Is American of Martinsville furniture still in business?

Accepted Answer

American of Martinsville, which was founded in 1906, is still in business. The company now manufactures furniture for hotel and healthcare industries.

Question 13

What is ’70s furniture called?

Accepted Answer

What ’70s furniture is called depends on its style. Generally, pieces from this decade can be called vintage furniture. However, pieces with certain stylistic characteristics have other names. For example, some 1970s furniture is mid-century modern. The style, which emerged primarily in the years following World War II, was developed in an energetic, optimistic spirit by creators who believed that good design was an essential part of good living. On 1stDibs, shop a variety of 1970s furniture.

Question 14

What is 1970s furniture called?

Accepted Answer

What 1970s furniture is called varies. Generally, you may see pieces produced during the decade classified as "vintage" or "retro" furniture. During the 1970s, some makers continued to produce furniture that boasted the characteristics of mid-century modern works. The disco era yielded furnishings with organic, often rounded shapes, unadorned silhouettes, clean lines and a mix of materials. The showy leather furniture of the 1970s, which was both sexy and comfortable, is seeing a resurgence in today’s homes. Shop a wide variety of vintage 1970s furniture on 1stDibs.

Question 15

What is 1950s furniture called?

Accepted Answer

1950s furniture is called vintage furniture. Some pieces produced during this period may be considered mid-century modern based on their characteristics. Mid-century modern design refers to the variety of modernism that rose to prominence in the 1940s and ’50s. It displays many of the characteristics of the earlier versions of modernism, including simple forms and a focus on functionality. Other traits common in mid-century modern furniture include unadorned silhouettes, clean lines and mixed materials, emphasizing wood, wool, steel and plastic. On 1stDibs, explore a large collection of 1950s furniture.

Question 16

What do you call furniture from the 1960s?

Accepted Answer

Furniture from the 1960s is often called mid-century modern. This style emphasizes the importance of good design that looks attractive and performs its function well. Notable mid-century modern designers include Eero Saarinen, George Nelson, Florence Knoll and Charles and Ray Eames. On 1stDibs, shop a selection of mid-century modern furniture.

Question 17

What is 1920s furniture called?

Accepted Answer

What 1920s furniture is called depends on its style. However, the most prominent design style of the decade was Art Deco. The term alone conjures visions of the Roaring Twenties, Machine Age metropolises, vast ocean liners, sleek typography and Prohibition-era hedonism. The iconic movement made an indelible mark on all fields of design throughout the 1920s and ’30s, celebrating society’s growing industrialization with refined elegance and stunning craftsmanship. Art Deco furniture often featured bold geometric lines, floral forms, shimmering mirrored finishes, sleek metal accents, and the use of expensive materials such as shagreen or marble as well as exotic woods such as mahogany, ebony and zebra wood. On 1stDibs, find a diverse assortment of Art Deco furniture.

Question 18

How do you identify 1930s furniture?

Accepted Answer

To identify 1930s furniture, first see if you can spot a maker's mark in hidden areas, such as the back, base, inside of drawers or under tabletops and seats. Trusted online resources can help you determine who produced your furniture based on these markings, and from there, you can research more to get a rough idea of how old your item is. A piece's characteristics can also be helpful when dating furniture. Many items made during the 1930s are examples of Art Deco furniture. Art Deco furniture is characterized by geometric patterns and luxurious materials, such as shagreen, marble, mother of pearl, mirrored glass, exotic animal hides and rare woods like mahogany, ebony and zebra wood. A certified appraiser or experienced antique dealer can provide an expert opinion on when your piece was likely made. On 1stDibs, explore a range of 1930s furniture.

Question 19

What is 1960s-style furniture called?

Accepted Answer

Generally, 1960s-style furniture is called mid-century modern. The style, which emerged primarily in the years following World War II, is characterized by pieces that were conceived and made in an energetic, optimistic spirit by creators who believed that good design was an essential part of good living. Some of the most notable furniture designers of the time include Charles and Ray Eames, Arne Jacobsen, Eero Saarinen and Hans J. Wegner. On 1stDibs, shop a variety of mid-century modern furniture.

Question 20

What is the 1950s furniture style called?

Accepted Answer

The best-known 1950s furniture style is called mid-century modern. Organically shaped, clean-lined and elegantly simple are three phrases that describe vintage mid-century modern furniture. The style emerged primarily in the years following World War II through creators who believed that good design was an essential part of good living. Mid-century modern designers combined natural and human-made materials, such as teak, rosewood and oak woods as well as steel, fiberglass and molded plywood. Some well-known mid-century modern designers include Charles and Ray Eames, Eero Saarinen, Milo Baughman, Florence Knoll, Harry Bertoia, Isamu Noguchi and George Nelson. On 1stDibs, shop a large selection of mid-century modern furniture.

1800s American Furniture

Antique Mid-19th Century Federal Side Tables

1800's American Federal Period 2 Drawer Side Table

Antique 19th Century American Armchairs

Distressed American firehouse armchair, 1800's

Antique Early 18th Century American Folk Art Tapestries

American framed needle work sampler by Seraphina Learned, 1800's

Antique Mid-19th Century American Federal Tables

American 1800’s Federal Style Two Drawer Drop-leaf Side Table

Antique Mid-19th Century American American Classical Table Lamps

Antique American Student Converted Twin Oil Lamp By Bradley & Hubbard 1800's

Antique Late 19th Century American Card Tables and Tea Tables

American tole tea tray with pierced handle grips, 1800’s

Antique 1860s North American Country Blanket Chests

Primitive American- Pennsylvania Antique Blanket Chest Bench circa 1800's W Till

Antique Late 18th Century American Federal Side Tables

American Federal Mahogany Single Drawer Two-Tier Side Table, C. 1800s

Antique Early 19th Century American Federal Desks

1800s American Federal Mahogany Butler's Secretary Desk

Antique 1840s American American Empire Wall Mirrors

Mahogany Mirror. Restored. Mid 1800s

Antique Early 19th Century Unknown American Craftsman Desks and Writing ...

Antique Secretary Desk, Hutch, Early American, Walnut, C. 1800s, Office, Living

Mid-20th Century American American Colonial Desks and Writing Tables

1800s New England Pine Writing Desk

Antique 19th Century Victorian Paintings

American 19th c. Oil Portrait of a Gentleman, c.1800s

Antique 19th Century American American Colonial Decorative Boxes

1800s Distressed Antique Box Leather and Red Silk

Antique Early 19th Century North American American Colonial Trunks and L...

1800s Carved Cedar Chest Blanket Trunk

Mid-20th Century American American Classical Desks and Writing Tables

1800s Hancrafted Tall Slant Top Secretary Desk

Antique Early 19th Century American Federal Desks

American Federal Swirl Mahogany Butler's Desk New York, Circa 1800s

Antique Late 19th Century American American Classical Decorative Boxes

Late 1800s Antique Firewood Coal Wood Repousse Box Brass Panels

Antique Mid-19th Century North American American Craftsman Cabinets

1800s Entry Table with Marble Top by F. Danby's of Leeds

2010s British American Colonial Prints

Peacock framed Print British Natural History illustration of early 1800's, New

Early 20th Century American Quilts

Hand Stitched American Silk Quilt in “Raising Barn” Pattern Circa the Late 1800s

Antique Early 19th Century North American Mantel Clocks

Victorian Ansonia Company Antique 1800s Walnut Brass Mantel Pendulum Clock

Antique Late 19th Century American American Classical Ceramics

19th Century English Spongeware Blue and Cream Crock with Lid - 1800s

Antique Early 19th Century American Empire Drop-leaf and Pembroke Tables

Early 1800s Antique Drop Leaf Table

Mid-20th Century American American Colonial Industrial and Work Tables

1800s Work Table Sewing Table or Vanity

Antique Late 19th Century North American Victorian Console Tables

1800s Two-Tier Solid Pine Occasional Console Table

Antique 1890s North American Folk Art Coat Racks and Stands

1800s Clothing Store Carousel Coat Brown Wood Rack

Antique Early 19th Century American American Colonial Armchairs

Early 1800s Antique Windsor Armchair Saddle Seat Loop Bow Back Dimes

Antique 1850s American American Colonial Chairs

Antique Fan Back Side Chair Saddle Seat 1800s Loop Bow Back Dimes

Antique 19th Century American Maps

Large Late 1800's Raised Relief Map Of South America

Antique Early 18th Century South American Console Tables

Early 1800's Trunk Console

Antique Late 19th Century American Industrial More Furniture and Collect...

1800s American Decorative Grocery Store Scale

Antique 19th Century American American Classical Trumeau Mirrors

Giltwood Trumeau Mirror with Glass Reverse Painted Landscape, American 1800s

Antique 1880s American Folk Art Signs

Spectacular Late 1800s American Hand-Carved Wood Meat Trade Sign

Antique 19th Century Victorian Fireplace Tools and Chimney Pots

1800s Figural Pair of Gilt Iron Andirons 'American Lady Liberty'

Antique Late 19th Century American American Craftsman Signs

Sign Used for Advertising, Late 1800s, Giltwood on Metal, BROWN

Antique Early 19th Century American Andirons

Hessian Andirons with Rare Blue Painted Coats, Early 1800s

Antique 19th Century American Shaker Decorative Boxes

Antique American Table Top Shaker Spice Box circa 1800’s

Antique 19th Century American Desks and Writing Tables

American Pine Schoolmaster’s Desk, '1800s'

Antique Late 18th Century North American Sterling Silver