1stDibs ExpertOctober 24, 2024
To tell if furniture is Victorian, look for a maker's mark or stamp on the piece. Not all pieces will be marked, but if yours is, you can begin identifying your furniture by researching the maker using trusted online resources. The Victorian era lasted roughly from the 1830s to the 1890s, and its furniture style spread from the UK to Europe and the United States. If the maker of your furniture was active during that time frame and produced pieces similar to yours, then it is likely to be Victorian. If you cannot locate the mark, you'll need to understand the characteristics of Victorian furniture to assess your piece. Victorian furniture is usually regal, ornate and luxurious and often features curved lines and stately proportions, floral or geometric carvings and inlays, richly colored woods and highly detailed embellishments. A certified appraiser or knowledgeable antique dealer can also help you determine what period your furniture is from. Shop a diverse assortment of Victorian furniture on 1stDibs.