Antique furniture can add a touch of elegance and sophistication to any room. It is important to know the age and style of antique furniture before making a purchase. One of the easiest ways to date antique furniture is by examining the feet. Here, we will discuss the various styles of antique furniture feet and how they can help you date your piece.
Ball and Claw Feet
One of the most popular types of feet found on antique furniture is the ball and claw foot. This style originated in England during the early 18th century and was used on many pieces of furniture, including chairs, tables, and chests of drawers. The ball and claw foot is typically carved to resemble an eagle’s talon clutching a ball. The size and shape of the ball can vary, with some being round and others being oval or egg-shaped.
The ball and claw foot remained popular throughout the 18th century and was also used in the Chippendale, Hepplewhite, and Sheraton styles. This style continued to be used in the United States during the early 19th century and can be found on many pieces of American furniture.
Bun Feet
Another style of antique furniture feet is the bun foot. This style originated in Europe during the 17th century and was popularized by the Dutch. The bun foot is a round, bulbous foot that resembles a small bun or ball. It is typically seen on tables, chairs, and chests of drawers.
Bun feet were popular throughout the 17th and 18th centuries and can be found in the William and Mary, Queen Anne, and Georgian styles. This style of foot continued to be used in the United States during the Federal period and can be found on many American-made pieces of furniture.
Cabriole Feet
The cabriole foot is a unique style of furniture foot that originated in France during the early 18th century. It is characterized by a curved leg that terminates in a carved or scrolled foot. The cabriole foot is typically found on tables, chairs, and desks.
This style of foot was popularized by the Rococo and Louis XV styles and remained popular throughout the 18th century. It can also be found in the Chippendale and Sheraton styles and was used on many American-made pieces of furniture during the Federal period.
Bracket Feet
Bracket feet are a simple and elegant style of furniture foot that was popular during the 18th and 19th centuries. They are characterized by a simple, rectangular shape with a curved or chamfered corner. Bracket feet are typically found on case pieces, such as chests of drawers and desks.
This style of foot was popular during the Georgian and Federal periods and can be found on many pieces of American-made furniture. The simple, understated design of bracket feet makes them a popular choice for both antique and modern furniture.
Tapered Feet
Tapered feet are a classic style of furniture foot that has been popular for centuries. They are characterized by a simple, tapered shape that narrows towards the bottom. Tapered feet can be found on a variety of furniture styles, including the Queen Anne, Chippendale, and Sheraton styles.
This style of foot remained popular throughout the 18th and 19th centuries and can be found on many American-made pieces of furniture. The simplicity of tapered feet makes them a popular choice for both antique and modern furniture.
Conclusion
When it comes to dating antique furniture, the feet can provide valuable clues about the age and style of the piece. By examining the various styles of antique furniture feet, you can determine when a piece was made and what style it belongs to. Whether you are a collector or simply looking for a unique piece of
