Gothic Revival Furniture
The Gothic Revival movement (also called Victorian Gothic or Neo-Gothic) emerged in Britain in the 1740s, and reached its height in the late-19th century. Gothic Revival furniture's characteristics include such decorative flourishes as pointed arches, floral details, finials, heraldic motifs and linenfold carving.
The movement was rooted in religious and social conservatism. Gothic Revival's proponents, who included Charles Barry and A.W.N. Pugin, the architects of London’s Houses of Parliament (designed in 1840), believed that the art and architecture of the Middle Ages were authentically spiritual and inherently moral.
In the United States, the Gothic Revival movement shaped both public buildings and private houses. Numerous American schools were built in the early-19th century in a style now called Collegiate Gothic. Many builders and craftsmen were inspired by Andrew Jackson Downing’s widely read 1850 book Architecture for Country Houses, which posited that a family’s home should exemplify their values — and that the Gothic Revival style was particularly well-suited to scholars and clergymen. Furniture with detailing that mirrored that of Gothic Revival buildings appeared in the same period. Such pieces typically feature dark, intricately carved wood, and upholstery in velvet or leather.
Much like the castles or cathedrals that inspired them, Gothic Revival chairs, bookcases and beds make a bold design statement. And while you probably don’t have to cross a moat or raise a portcullis to get through your front door, a Gothic Revival piece will declare that your home is indeed your castle.
20th Century American Gothic Revival Furniture
Wood, Velvet
1920s Spanish Vintage Gothic Revival Furniture
Wrought Iron
Early 20th Century French Gothic Revival Furniture
Brass, Enamel, Wrought Iron
19th Century French Antique Gothic Revival Furniture
Bronze, Iron
1610s European Antique Gothic Revival Furniture
Wrought Iron
Early 20th Century English Gothic Revival Furniture
Wood
Early 20th Century Gothic Revival Furniture
Mirror, Oak
Early 20th Century Gothic Revival Furniture
Walnut
Mid-19th Century American Antique Gothic Revival Furniture
Mirror, Pine, Paint
19th Century American Antique Gothic Revival Furniture
Walnut
Mid-20th Century Belgian Gothic Revival Furniture
Leather, Oak
Early 1900s French Antique Gothic Revival Furniture
Brass
1880s French Antique Gothic Revival Furniture
Bronze
1880s French Antique Gothic Revival Furniture
Brass
Early 20th Century French Gothic Revival Furniture
Brass, Chrome
Early 20th Century European Gothic Revival Furniture
Wood, Oak
Early 19th Century English Antique Gothic Revival Furniture
Upholstery, Oak
1880s English Antique Gothic Revival Furniture
Paper
1880s French Antique Gothic Revival Furniture
Velvet, Oak
Early 20th Century French Gothic Revival Furniture
Bronze
Early 19th Century European Antique Gothic Revival Furniture
Wood, Oak
1880s English Antique Gothic Revival Furniture
Paper
1960s Dutch Vintage Gothic Revival Furniture
Oak
Early 20th Century Dutch Gothic Revival Furniture
Brass
Early 20th Century French Gothic Revival Furniture
Brass, Bronze
Late 19th Century Antique Gothic Revival Furniture
Oak
1890s French Antique Gothic Revival Furniture
Glass
Early 20th Century European Gothic Revival Furniture
Marble, Bronze
Early 20th Century French Gothic Revival Furniture
Iron
1890s French Antique Gothic Revival Furniture
Fabric, Wood, Walnut
Early 20th Century Dutch Gothic Revival Furniture
Wood, Oak
Late 19th Century Spanish Antique Gothic Revival Furniture
Walnut
Late 19th Century Antique Gothic Revival Furniture
Oak
Early 20th Century French Gothic Revival Furniture
Iron, Wrought Iron
Late 19th Century Spanish Antique Gothic Revival Furniture
Walnut
1920s French Vintage Gothic Revival Furniture
Pine
19th Century French Antique Gothic Revival Furniture
Metal
20th Century Unknown Gothic Revival Furniture
Walnut
19th Century British Antique Gothic Revival Furniture
Upholstery, Oak
1870s English Antique Gothic Revival Furniture
Sterling Silver
1880s French Antique Gothic Revival Furniture
Oak
Mid-19th Century English Antique Gothic Revival Furniture
Copper
Early 20th Century French Gothic Revival Furniture
Brass, Bronze
Mid-20th Century American Gothic Revival Furniture
Aluminum
1880s English Antique Gothic Revival Furniture
Paper
1840s British Antique Gothic Revival Furniture
Leather, Walnut
Early 20th Century Gothic Revival Furniture
Oak
Early 20th Century French Gothic Revival Furniture
Brass
Early 20th Century Belgian Gothic Revival Furniture
Bronze
20th Century American Gothic Revival Furniture
Metal, Brass
Early 20th Century Gothic Revival Furniture
Iron
19th Century English Antique Gothic Revival Furniture
Iron
Late 19th Century European Antique Gothic Revival Furniture
Brass
1880s Austrian Antique Gothic Revival Furniture
Giltwood
Early 20th Century Dutch Gothic Revival Furniture
Iron
Early 20th Century English Gothic Revival Furniture
Upholstery, Walnut, Paint
Early 20th Century French Gothic Revival Furniture
Bronze, Enamel, Brass
Mid-20th Century French Gothic Revival Furniture
Glass, Giltwood