Gothic 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. The style is characterized by such decorative flourishes as pointed arches, floral details, finials, heraldic motifs and linenfold carving. The movement was rooted in religious and social conservatism. Its 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 castle or cathedral that inspired it, a Gothic Revival chair makes 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 might make a statement that your home is indeed your castle.
15th Century and Earlier Italian Antique Gothic Furniture
Stone, Marble
1880s English Antique Gothic Furniture
Paper
17th Century Belgian Antique Gothic Furniture
Oak
1880s English Antique Gothic Furniture
Paper
16th Century French Antique Gothic Furniture
Walnut
20th Century Spanish Gothic Furniture
Iron, Wrought Iron
Mid-20th Century Italian Gothic Furniture
Brass
1930s American Vintage Gothic Furniture
Gesso, Wood
19th Century Dutch Antique Gothic Furniture
Oak
1940s French Vintage Gothic Furniture
Iron
Late 19th Century European Antique Gothic Furniture
Wrought Iron
Early 20th Century French Gothic Furniture
Iron
20th Century Spanish Gothic Furniture
Iron, Wrought Iron
Mid-20th Century American Gothic Furniture
Metal
20th Century Gothic Furniture
Wrought Iron
19th Century French Antique Gothic Furniture
Oak
1950s European Vintage Gothic Furniture
Oak
1940s Spanish Vintage Gothic Furniture
Wrought Iron
1940s French Vintage Gothic Furniture
Wrought Iron
Late 19th Century Italian Antique Gothic Furniture
Bronze, Iron
1880s French Antique Gothic Furniture
Bronze
16th Century German Antique Gothic Furniture
Oak
19th Century Antique Gothic Furniture
Oak
1950s French Vintage Gothic Furniture
Wrought Iron
18th Century French Antique Gothic Furniture
Iron
19th Century French Antique Gothic Furniture
Terracotta, Paint
Early 1900s Antique Gothic Furniture
Oak
1880s French Antique Gothic Furniture
Brass
19th Century American Antique Gothic Furniture
Bronze
1930s American Vintage Gothic Furniture
Mahogany
19th Century Antique Gothic Furniture
Oak
17th Century Antique Gothic Furniture
Oak
Mid-20th Century Unknown Gothic Furniture
Fabric, Wood
20th Century Spanish Gothic Furniture
Iron, Wrought Iron
20th Century French Gothic Furniture
Iron, Wrought Iron
Mid-19th Century Italian Antique Gothic Furniture
Canvas, Giltwood
16th Century Spanish Antique Gothic Furniture
Metal
Early 18th Century French Antique Gothic Furniture
Iron
16th Century German Antique Gothic Furniture
Oak
1960s Italian Vintage Gothic Furniture
Travertine, Marble, Brass, Bronze
Late 19th Century French Antique Gothic Furniture
Wrought Iron
17th Century French Antique Gothic Furniture
Wrought Iron
20th Century American Gothic Furniture
Glass, Wood, Paint
Early 17th Century German Antique Gothic Furniture
Iron
Early 20th Century English Gothic Furniture
Oak
19th Century Antique Gothic Furniture
Wood
15th Century and Earlier French Antique Gothic Furniture
Limestone
17th Century Italian Antique Gothic Furniture
Gold Leaf
15th Century and Earlier French Antique Gothic Furniture
Walnut
Early 20th Century European Gothic Furniture
Porcelain
Mid-19th Century English Antique Gothic Furniture
Stone, Composition, Metal, Steel
Mid-19th Century English Antique Gothic Furniture
Wrought Iron
Late 19th Century French Antique Gothic Furniture
Brass
Late 19th Century Unknown Antique Gothic Furniture
Fabric, Oak, Paint
17th Century Italian Antique Gothic Furniture
Bronze
1980s German Vintage Gothic Furniture
Metal
2010s French Gothic Furniture
Bronze
15th Century and Earlier French Antique Gothic Furniture
Sandstone
Mid-20th Century French Gothic Furniture
Iron
1920s Vintage Gothic Furniture
Iron