Queen Anne Building and Garden Elements
Although named for the last Stuart monarch of England, antique Queen Anne furniture, with its curvy cabriole legs and pad feet, has its origins in the earlier reign of King William III, which began in 1689 and ended with his death in 1702. Later evolving during Anne’s rule from 1702–14, the style would continue to influence design in the decades after her death.
Sometimes called late Baroque or early Georgian, Queen Anne chairs, bedroom furniture and tables are subdued yet ornate and characterized by a graceful blend of influences ranging from Asian design to classical motifs. Furnishings of this era — with their curvilinear supports and novel emphasis on comfort and versatility — are marked by a shift away from the more opulent and angular William and Mary style.
Chairs designed in the Queen Anne style are more functional and lightweight than their predecessors. They often feature a vase or fiddle-shaped splat, which refers to the central vertical back element, in order to support the spine and plush cushions. Craftsmen of the era predominantly worked in walnut, maple and pine. Any embellishments they introduced in their furnishings were frequently minimal and refined and expressed by way of modest flourishes such as shells or scrolls. Some pieces were more lavish with “japanned” finishes, or varnished interpretations of East Asian lacquer art. Almost every piece of furniture, whether a tea table or desk, included S-shaped, animalistic cabriole legs that end in a paw or claw-and-ball form.
These qualities made Queen Anne furniture popular throughout Europe and North America. Boston and Philadelphia became hubs for the production of this style of furniture, spurred by the arrival of British artisans who fostered a market for well-heeled colonists. While the showier Chippendale style later surpassed it in popularity, Queen Anne’s simple elegance still draws an enduring appreciation.
Find a collection of antique Queen Anne dining tables, seating, cabinets and other authentic period furniture on 1stDibs.
Early 20th Century English Queen Anne Building and Garden Elements
Paint, Giltwood
1940s Italian Vintage Queen Anne Building and Garden Elements
Terracotta
Early 20th Century French Queen Anne Building and Garden Elements
Wrought Iron
1980s Philippine Vintage Queen Anne Building and Garden Elements
Wood, Paint
19th Century French Antique Queen Anne Building and Garden Elements
Bronze, Enamel, Ormolu
Late 20th Century Queen Anne Building and Garden Elements
Iron
Mid-20th Century English Queen Anne Building and Garden Elements
Brass, Zinc
20th Century Queen Anne Building and Garden Elements
Lead
Mid-20th Century American Queen Anne Building and Garden Elements
Concrete
Late 20th Century Queen Anne Building and Garden Elements
Iron
20th Century English Queen Anne Building and Garden Elements
Cast Stone
Late 20th Century Queen Anne Building and Garden Elements
Bronze
Mid-20th Century French Queen Anne Building and Garden Elements
Cement
1730s Antique Queen Anne Building and Garden Elements
Steel