Question 1

Should a mantle be longer than the fireplace?

Accepted Answer

Yes, generally, a mantel should be longer than the fireplace below it to create a balanced look. A good rule of thumb is to have the mantel extend 3 to 6 inches on each side, so look for mantels that are 6 to 12 inches longer than the width of your fireplace. On 1stDibs, shop a range of mantels.

Question 2

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 3

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 4

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 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 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 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 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 9

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 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

Why would the artist George Catlin’s paintings from the 1800s be considered a form of artistic documentation?

Accepted Answer

The artist George Catlin's paintings from the 1800s are considered a form of artistic documentation because he depicted what he saw during his travels across North America. Catlin produced many images of Native Americans living their daily lives. In so doing, he provided a glimpse of what life was like for Indigenous people before the rapid westward expansion of settlers forcibly disrupted their traditions and culture. On 1stDibs, shop a variety of George Catlin art.

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