The New England colonists were inhabited by a middle class group who caused the Civil War in England based on their religious views and left their homeland after the death of queen Elizabeth. Their new built homes and furniture resembled the Gothic-Tudor tradition, excluding the decorative aspects of the style due to religious beliefs, lack of funds and materials, and possibly a lack of skill. Over all, they simplified the designs and decorations of their home countries. The furniture of the New England colonies had the characteristics of the English Jacobean. The chairs resembling the Gothic style; The cupboards and chest had a rectangular shape; and tables were the drop-leaf type with a boxed style. The materials used for furniture were those easily found and easy to work with such as: Pine, oak, maple and birch. The wood was usually used raw. The coloring and polishing was done by ‘simple friction’ and ‘natural darkening’.
The Southern colonies however, were inhabited by a wealthier group. Their style was a more refined and decorated English Jacobean compared to those of the New England colonies and in fact they imported more English furniture than the latter.
In the colonies where the Germans and the Swiss had settled, the Medieval European style furniture appears with a visible peasant skill and handiwork, with resemblance to the Germanic peasant decoration. Those closest to the coast began to advance their furniture style closer to those in Europe and wealthy houses, stored refined furniture. With the communications and exchanges in Europe, the styles began to develop rapidly based on the influence of styles such as the French version of the Italian Baroque as well as style of Holland, Spain and China.
The American Furniture style of the late 17th century is mostly identified by the use of walnut wood in furniture as well as the appearance of chests, Upholstery of chairs, highboys, etc continuing into the 18th century. The motifs of the early 18th century used in American furniture were imported from English Restoration and of continental styles. (Mi)
Cupboards
Chairs
Highboys
Images Via Colonial Furniture /Google
