How do I identify early American furniture?

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.

What is the early American furniture style called?

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.

Early American Nightstands

Conant Ball Midcentury

Colonial Nightstand

Primitive Nightstands

Antique American Side Tables

Colonial American Chest

Colonial Kitchen Table

American Federal Sheraton

Federal Nightstand

Great Early 19th Century American Federal Four Poster Bed and Nightstand

$12,760

H 81.89 in W 83.27 in D 56.7 in

Great Early 19th Century American Federal Four Poster Bed and Nightstand

Located in Rio De Janeiro, BR

Presenting a beautifully crafted early 19th-century American Federal Four Poster Bed, an exquisite

Category

Antique Early 19th Century North American Federal Beds and Bed Frames

Materials

Wood

Stickley Brothers Antique Early American Green Lacquered Nightstand, Circa 1920s

$1,495

H 30.25 in W 14.25 in D 13 in

Stickley Brothers Antique Early American Green Lacquered Nightstand, Circa 1920s

By Stickley Brothers

Located in South Bend, IN

A gorgeous antique American Colonial or Country Cottage style nightstand or occasional side table

Category

Vintage 1920s American American Colonial Night Stands

Materials

Maple, Lacquer

Antique 19th Century Early American Primitive Cherry Accent Table Nightstand 29"

$720

H 29 in W 19.5 in D 19 in

Antique 19th Century Early American Primitive Cherry Accent Table Nightstand 29"

Located in Dayton, OH

Antique Early American 19th century side table. Made of cherry featuring rectangular form with two

Category

Antique Late 19th Century American Colonial Night Stands

Materials

Cherry

Conant Ball Early American Style Maple Bedside Chest of Drawers Nightstand

$1,100

H 25.5 in W 15 in D 17 in

Conant Ball Early American Style Maple Bedside Chest of Drawers Nightstand

By Conant Ball

Located in Germantown, MD

A Mid Century Early American Style Solid Maple Bedside three-drawer Chest of Drawers Nightstand

Category

Mid-20th Century Unknown American Colonial Night Stands

Materials

Maple

Mid Century Early American Style Maple Bedside Chest of Drawers Nightstand

$1,195

H 26 in W 16.5 in D 14 in

Mid Century Early American Style Maple Bedside Chest of Drawers Nightstand

By Conant Ball

Located in Germantown, MD

A Mid Century Early American Style Solid Maple Bedside three-drawer Chest of Drawers Nightstand

Category

Mid-20th Century American American Colonial Night Stands

Materials

Maple

Antique American Classical Figured Mahogany Nightstand With Rope Carved Legs

$1,650

H 31 in W 20.5 in D 13.25 in

Antique American Classical Figured Mahogany Nightstand With Rope Carved Legs

Located in Morristown, NJ

Early 19th c. American Classical figured mahogany nightstand on turned legs. Two flame mahogany

Category

Antique Early 19th Century American American Classical Cabinets

Materials

Brass

Pair of Nightstands by Russel Wright for Conant Ball

$510Sale Price / set|84% Off

H 25 in W 14.25 in D 19 in

Pair of Nightstands by Russel Wright for Conant Ball

By Conant Ball, Russel Wright

Located in Dallas, TX

Iconic pair of early 20th century American modernist nightstands featuring drawers with wooden

Category

Mid-20th Century North American Mid-Century Modern Dressers

Materials

Wood

Davis Cabinet Co. Chippendale Solid Cherry Wood Nightstand, Circa 1960s

$995

H 27.75 in W 22 in D 17 in

Davis Cabinet Co. Chippendale Solid Cherry Wood Nightstand, Circa 1960s

By Davis Cabinet Company

Located in South Bend, IN

A beautiful Early American or Colonial Chippendale style nightstand or end table By Davis Cabinet

Category

Vintage 1960s American Chippendale Night Stands

Materials

Brass

Recent Sales

Early American Nightstand End Table Single Drawer Oak

Sold

H 30 in W 28 in D 16 in

Early American Nightstand End Table Single Drawer Oak

Located in Stamford, CT

Antique American oak small table, end table or nightstand or ladies desk. This strong and masculine

Category

Vintage 1920s American Colonial End Tables

Materials

Oak

Antique Primitive Early American Cherry Side Accent Table Nightstand 30"

Sold

H 28.5 in W 21.5 in D 18.5 in

Antique Primitive Early American Cherry Side Accent Table Nightstand 30"

Located in Dayton, OH

Antique Early American side table. Made of cherry featuring rectangular form with one dovetailed

Category

Early 20th Century American Classical Night Stands

Materials

Cherry

Antique Early American Primitve Flame Mahogany Side Accent Table Nightstand

Sold

H 29 in W 17 in D 22 in

Antique Early American Primitve Flame Mahogany Side Accent Table Nightstand

Located in Dayton, OH

"Antique Early American side accent or bedside table. Made of flamed mahogany featuring square form

Category

Early 20th Century American Colonial End Tables

Materials

Mahogany

Cassady Furniture Early American Cherry 3-Drawer Dresser Chest Nightstand

Sold

H 30 in W 18 in D 30 in

Cassady Furniture Early American Cherry 3-Drawer Dresser Chest Nightstand

Located in Dayton, OH

Vintage Cassady Furniture Co solid cherry dresser, chest or nightstand. An Early American

Category

Vintage 1980s American Colonial Night Stands

Materials

Cherry

Antique Early American Soid Cherry Side Accent Table Nightstand

Sold

H 27.25 in W 21.75 in D 21.75 in

Antique Early American Soid Cherry Side Accent Table Nightstand

Located in Dayton, OH

Antique American side or accent table. Made of cherry featuring square form, one upper drawer and

Category

Antique 19th Century American Colonial End Tables

Materials

Cherry

Cassady Furniture Early American Cherry Side End Accent Table Nightstand

Sold

H 27 in W 22 in D 18 in

Cassady Furniture Early American Cherry Side End Accent Table Nightstand

Located in Dayton, OH

Vintage Cassady Furniture Co solid cherry side table. An early American reproduction featuring one

Category

Vintage 1980s American Colonial Night Stands

Materials

Cherry

Antique 19th Century Early American Primitive Cherry Accent Table Nightstand 29"

Sold

H 29 in W 19.5 in D 19 in

Antique 19th Century Early American Primitive Cherry Accent Table Nightstand 29"

Located in Dayton, OH

Antique Early American 19th century side table. Made of cherry featuring rectangular form with two

Category

Antique 19th Century American Colonial Side Tables

Materials

Cherry

Vintage McMahan Furniture Co. Early American Cherry Side Table Nightstand 28"

Sold

H 28 in W 18.375 in D 18.375 in

Vintage McMahan Furniture Co. Early American Cherry Side Table Nightstand 28"

Located in Dayton, OH

McMahan Furniture Co. Early American side table. Made of cherry featuring rectangular form with

Category

20th Century American Colonial Night Stands

Materials

Cherry

Antique Early American Walnut 2 Tier Ribbed Side Accent Parlor Table Nightstand

Sold

H 28 in W 22 in L 28 in

Antique Early American Walnut 2 Tier Ribbed Side Accent Parlor Table Nightstand

Located in Dayton, OH

Antique early American two tier side accent table. Made of walnut featuring ribbed legs, serpentine

Category

Antique 19th Century American Colonial End Tables

Materials

Walnut

Mid-20th Century Early American Style Dropleaf Side End Accent Table Nightstand

Sold

H 30.5 in W 16.25 in D 24.5 in

Mid-20th Century Early American Style Dropleaf Side End Accent Table Nightstand

Located in Dayton, OH

Mid-20th century Early American style dropleaf side table. Made from mahogany with a cherry stain

Category

Mid-20th Century American Colonial Drop-leaf and Pembroke Tables

Materials

Mahogany

Mid-20th Century Early American Style Dropleaf Side End Accent Table Nightstand

Sold

H 30.5 in W 16.25 in D 24.5 in

Mid-20th Century Early American Style Dropleaf Side End Accent Table Nightstand

Located in Dayton, OH

Mid-20th century Early American style drop-leaf side table. Made from mahogany with a cherry stain

Category

Mid-20th Century American Colonial Drop-leaf and Pembroke Tables

Materials

Mahogany

Vintage Willett Maple Nightstand 2-Drawer Early American Country Side Table

Sold

H 28 in W 18 in D 21 in

Vintage Willett Maple Nightstand 2-Drawer Early American Country Side Table

By Willett Furniture Company

Located in Dayton, OH

H. Willett maple nightstand or side table, circa 1960s. Features early American styling with wood

Category

Vintage 1960s Country Side Tables

Materials

Maple

Antique American Federal Empire Mahogany Drop Leaf Side Table Nightstand Drawer

Sold

H 29 in W 20 in D 24 in

Antique American Federal Empire Mahogany Drop Leaf Side Table Nightstand Drawer

Located in Dayton, OH

Antique American Federal drop leaf side table. Made of Mahogany featuring two drawers with glass

Category

Early 20th Century American Empire Night Stands

Materials

Mahogany

Mahogany One Drawer Banded Inlay Sheraton Federal Nightstand Bedside Table

Sold

H 27.5 in W 20 in D 15 in

Mahogany One Drawer Banded Inlay Sheraton Federal Nightstand Bedside Table

By Stiehl Furniture

Located in Philadelphia, PA

American craftsmanship. Circa Early 1900s. Measurements: 27.5" H x 20" W x 15" D.

Category

Early 20th Century North American Sheraton Night Stands

Materials

Mahogany

A pair of antique craftsman nightstands in oak, circa 1900

Sold

H 25.75 in W 22 in D 16.25 in

A pair of antique craftsman nightstands in oak, circa 1900

Located in View Park, CA

An antique pair of early craftsman wooden nightstands, circa 1900. In a rich oak with impressive

Category

Early 20th Century American American Craftsman Night Stands

Materials

Iron

Pair of Paul Laszlo Elegant Nightstands or End Tables

Sold

H 25.25 in W 19.75 in D 19.25 in

Pair of Paul Laszlo Elegant Nightstands or End Tables

By Paul Laszlo

Located in Westport, CT

Paul Laszlo elegant dark walnut hand rub finish with honey colored long draw pull, double depth draw for storage and open compartment bottom shelf.

Category

Early 20th Century North American Mid-Century Modern Night Stands

Materials

Walnut, Wood

Antique 19th C. Early American Primitive Walnut Side Accent Table Nightstand 29"

Sold

H 29 in W 22.5 in D 17 in

Antique 19th C. Early American Primitive Walnut Side Accent Table Nightstand 29"

Located in Dayton, OH

A beautiful antique early American mid 19th century walnut side table. Features a rectangular form

Category

Antique Late 19th Century American Victorian End Tables

Materials

Walnut

Antique American Federal Sheraton Curly Tiger Maple Bed Side Table Nightstand

Sold

H 29.75 in W 21.25 in D 16.5 in

Antique American Federal Sheraton Curly Tiger Maple Bed Side Table Nightstand

Located in Dayton, OH

Early American curly maple side table with drawer. Features turned ribbed legs leading to toupie

Category

Early 20th Century Sheraton Side Tables

Materials

Maple

Pair of Mid-Century Modern Nightstands

Sold

H 22.5 in W 22 in D 17 in

Pair of Mid-Century Modern Nightstands

By American of Martinsville, Merton Gershun

Located in Denton, TX

Early pair of American of Martinsville nightstands. Designed by Merton L. Gershun with ebonized top

Category

20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Night Stands

Materials

Wood

19th Century Brass Nightstand Candleholder

Sold

H 7.5 in W 6.5 in D 6.5 in

19th Century Brass Nightstand Candleholder

Located in Los Angeles, CA

nightstand or to be carried around the house.

Category

Antique Early 19th Century American American Colonial Primitives

Materials

Brass

Art Deco Sculptural Nightstands With Bookmatched Burl Veneer

Sold

H 23 in W 17.5 in D 13.75 in

Art Deco Sculptural Nightstands With Bookmatched Burl Veneer

Located in Philadelphia, PA

These Art Deco Sculptural Nightstands feature stunning bookmatched burl veneer, adding a touch of

Category

Early 20th Century North American Art Deco Night Stands

Materials

Burl

Pair Of Chinese Chippendale Nightstands Tables Or Cabinets

Sold

H 28.5 in W 16.5 in D 14.5 in

Pair Of Chinese Chippendale Nightstands Tables Or Cabinets

Located in Haddonfield, NJ

Pair Of Solid Rosewood Chinese Chippendale Nightstands Tables

Category

Early 20th Century North American Chinese Chippendale Commodes and Chest...

Materials

Brass

Early 1900's American Nightstand (replaced feet)

Sold

H 28.5 in W 17.5 in D 16 in

Early 1900's American Nightstand (replaced feet)

Located in San Francisco, CA

Early 1900's American Nightstand (replaced feet) 17.5"W x 16"D x 28.5"H

Category

Early 20th Century American Night Stands

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Mahogany Neoclassical Bed Frame, 19th Century

$2,582

H 59.85 in W 85.83 in D 50.4 in

Mahogany Neoclassical Bed Frame, 19th Century

Located in Madrid, ES

"Boat" bed in carved mahogany wood, 19th century. Head and feet of the same height, are decorated with a circular molding, while the rear, by harmony, follows the lines of the front...

Category

Antique 19th Century European Neoclassical Beds and Bed Frames

Materials

Wood, Mahogany

18th Century Rosewood Tester/Canopy Bed

$4,800

H 82 in W 50 in D 81 in

18th Century Rosewood Tester/Canopy Bed

Located in Topanga, CA

An 18th century Rosewood tester bed from an important palace in Goa. The posts are beautifully carved and the solid wood headboard adds a touch of simplicity and sturdy elegance. Cro...

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Antique 18th Century Indian Beds and Bed Frames

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Chippendale Mahogany Four-Post Bed

$16,454 / item

H 92.5 in W 82.75 in D 91.25 in

Chippendale Mahogany Four-Post Bed

Located in Westwood, NJ

Chippendale style four-post bed US King, finest mahogany flame veneers and satinwood crossbanding on the head and footboard, high turned and reeded posts on square carved fretwork le...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Vietnamese Chippendale Beds and Bed Frames

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Mahogany

Large Neo-Classical Solid Oak Bed painted with Gilt Work & Cherubs, France, 1880

$17,028

H 76.78 in W 150.01 in D 86.62 in

Large Neo-Classical Solid Oak Bed painted with Gilt Work & Cherubs, France, 1880

Located in London, Park Royal

Handcrafted in solid oak in France circa 1880, this remarkable Neo-Classical bed was commissioned for a member of European royalty. It was also featured in a film during the mid-20th...

Category

Antique Late 19th Century French Louis XVI Beds and Bed Frames

Materials

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Antique Victorian Renaissance Revival Carved Walnut & Burl Bed Frame c1890

$1,160Sale Price|20% Off

H 70.5 in W 62.25 in D 82.5 in

Antique Victorian Renaissance Revival Carved Walnut & Burl Bed Frame c1890

Located in Big Flats, NY

Antique Victorian Renaissance Revival Carved Walnut & Burl Bed Frame Unsigned C1880 Measures - 70 3/8" x 62 1/4" x 82 1/2" A fine example of Victorian Renaissance Revival design, t...

Category

Antique Late 19th Century Beds and Bed Frames

Materials

Walnut

Provincial Carved King Size Bed

$7,257 / item

H 70 in W 81.75 in D 86.75 in

Provincial Carved King Size Bed

Located in Westwood, NJ

A French Provincial carved king size bed with an arched and molded upholstered headboard with scroll wings, an upholstered and hand-carved framed low footboard and paneled rails on t...

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Wood

Vintage French Louis XV Style Painted Bed Full Size

$2,398Sale Price|20% Off

H 61 in W 58 in D 80 in

Vintage French Louis XV Style Painted Bed Full Size

Located in Old Town Orange, CA

Welcome to bloomhomeinc we stock over 2000 items, please scroll down and click view sellers other items to see more! Antique French bed in oyster white painted finish, subtle distre...

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Antique 19th Century French Louis XV Beds and Bed Frames

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Wood, Walnut

Antique French Louis XVI Style Full Size Rosewood Carved Bed Frame Baroque

$9,755

H 68.12 in W 59.45 in D 80.71 in

Antique French Louis XVI Style Full Size Rosewood Carved Bed Frame Baroque

Located in Miami, FL

An Exquisite antique French Louis XVI full size bed. Made of Rosewood featuring foliate carved ribbon and crest with center cartouche, acorn form finials, fluted and turned columns, ...

Category

Early 20th Century French Louis XVI Beds and Bed Frames

Materials

Walnut

Henredon Georgian Carved Mahogany Queen Size Poster Bed

$3,595

H 91.5 in W 64.75 in D 88 in

Henredon Georgian Carved Mahogany Queen Size Poster Bed

By Henredon

Located in South Bend, IN

A gorgeous Georgian or Chippendale style four poster queen Size bed By Henredon USA, circa 1980s Carved solid mahogany, with brass accents. Measures: 64.75"W x 88"D x 91....

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Late 20th Century American Georgian Beds and Bed Frames

Materials

Brass

19th Century Italian Empire Giltwood Queen Bed, Frame Only

$12,000

H 81.5 in W 63 in D 88 in

19th Century Italian Empire Giltwood Queen Bed, Frame Only

Located in Houston, TX

This listing is for bed frame only. Mattressm bedding and pillows not included and shown only for decorative purposes. A period Italian Empire queen bed beautifully carved with Neoc...

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Antique Early 19th Century Italian Empire Beds and Bed Frames

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Mahogany

IMPORTANT BISHOP JAMES STANLEY 1508 KING HENRY VII ENGLiSH OAK TUDOR TESTER BED

$165,458

H 90.95 in W 61.03 in D 77.56 in

IMPORTANT BISHOP JAMES STANLEY 1508 KING HENRY VII ENGLiSH OAK TUDOR TESTER BED

Located in West Sussex, Pulborough

Royal House Antiques Royal House Antiques is delighted to offer for sale this very rare and highly important, Museum quality, English Tudor King Henry VII Oak tester bed made for an...

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Antique 15th Century and Earlier English Renaissance Beds and Bed Frames

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Oak

Pair of 19th Century French Walnut Library Ladders, Napoleon III Style

$145,000

H 106 in W 66 in D 26 in

Pair of 19th Century French Walnut Library Ladders, Napoleon III Style

Located in Queens, NY

Pair of French (19th Century) walnut library ladders with side railings and steps leading to a top platform (on casters) (attributed to Napoleon III's personal library) (Related item...

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Antique 19th Century French Napoleon III Stairs

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Walnut

Prudent Mallard attrib. American Rococo Revival Mahogany Tester Bed

$23,950

H 90 in W 60 in D 69 in

Prudent Mallard attrib. American Rococo Revival Mahogany Tester Bed

By Prudent Mallard

Located in Savannah, GA

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Brass

Bed Tester Spanish Baroque Carved Dark Green & Gilded Leather Superking 6ft180cm

$34,470

H 70.87 in W 73.23 in D 88.19 in

Bed Tester Spanish Baroque Carved Dark Green & Gilded Leather Superking 6ft180cm

Located in BUNGAY, SUFFOLK

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Antique 1720s Spanish Baroque Beds and Bed Frames

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Giltwood, Paint

"canopy bed" in walnut style louis XIII, period XIX .FULL RESTORED

$16,214

H 90.56 in W 86.62 in D 53.15 in

"canopy bed" in walnut style louis XIII, period XIX .FULL RESTORED

Located in Saint-Ouen, FR

" lit à baldaquin " in walnut style louis XIII, period XIX completely restored for the filming of a historical film custom-made box spring and mattress new tapestry... the box sprin...

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Antique Mid-19th Century French Louis XIII Beds and Bed Frames

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Walnut

Unique and Monumental Late 19th Century German Meissen Porcelain Mirror

$257,500

H 105 in W 58 in D 5 in

Unique and Monumental Late 19th Century German Meissen Porcelain Mirror

By Meissen Porcelain

Located in Long Island City, NY

A Unique and Monumental Late 19th Century German Meissen Porcelain Mirror This palatial mirror is made up of around 12 wonderful individually hand crafted pieces of porcelain. The...

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Antique Late 19th Century German Belle Époque Porcelain

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Early American Nightstands For Sale on 1stDibs

There is a range of early American nightstands for sale on 1stDibs. Each of these unique early American nightstands was constructed with extraordinary care, often using wood, mahogany and brass. There are all kinds of early American nightstands available, from those produced as long ago as the 19th Century to those made as recently as the 20th Century. Mid-Century Modern early American nightstands are consistently popular styles. There have been many well-made early American nightstands over the years, but those made by Paul Laszlo, Stiehl Furniture and Willett Furniture Company are often thought to be among the most beautiful.

How Much are Early American Nightstands?

Early American nightstands can differ in price owing to various characteristics — the average selling price at 1stDibs is $640, while the lowest priced sells for $395 and the highest can go for as much as $5,400.

Questions About Early American Nightstands

How do I identify early American furniture?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertNovember 13, 2024
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.
What is the early American furniture style called?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertSeptember 23, 2024
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.