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.
1870s French Antique Gothic Furniture
Glass, Wood, Oak
Early 1900s Italian Antique Gothic Furniture
Brass, Bronze
15th Century and Earlier French Antique Gothic Furniture
Stone
18th Century Unknown Antique Gothic Furniture
Mahogany
1920s American Vintage Gothic Furniture
Metal
16th Century French Antique Gothic Furniture
Metal, Iron
Late 19th Century English Antique Gothic Furniture
Wood, Hardwood, Oak
19th Century Antique Gothic Furniture
Oak
1840s French Antique Gothic Furniture
Iron
1990s American Gothic Furniture
Bronze
Late 19th Century Antique Gothic Furniture
Brass
Early 19th Century English Antique Gothic Furniture
Mirror, Pine
Mid-20th Century French Gothic Furniture
Wrought Iron
15th Century and Earlier French Antique Gothic Furniture
Wood, Walnut
Early 19th Century European Antique Gothic Furniture
Iron
19th Century Antique Gothic Furniture
Wood
15th Century and Earlier French Antique Gothic Furniture
Alabaster
1910s American Vintage Gothic Furniture
Bronze
19th Century Antique Gothic Furniture
Oak
Early 20th Century Gothic Furniture
Brass
15th Century and Earlier European Antique Gothic Furniture
Bronze
Early 20th Century French Gothic Furniture
Iron
Late 19th Century Antique Gothic Furniture
Oak
15th Century and Earlier French Antique Gothic Furniture
Stone, Limestone
18th Century Antique Gothic Furniture
Oak
Early 18th Century French Antique Gothic Furniture
Wrought Iron
Late 19th Century American Antique Gothic Furniture
Bronze
Mid-20th Century Gothic Furniture
Iron
18th Century French Antique Gothic Furniture
Wrought Iron
18th Century and Earlier Dutch Antique Gothic Furniture
Iron
Late 19th Century Antique Gothic Furniture
Late 20th Century American Gothic Furniture
Metal
20th Century American Gothic Furniture
Bronze
Late 19th Century Canadian Antique Gothic Furniture
Softwood
19th Century British Antique Gothic Furniture
Walnut
15th Century and Earlier Spanish Antique Gothic Furniture
Other
19th Century Antique Gothic Furniture
Brass
Mid-19th Century English Antique Gothic Furniture
Stone
Early 1900s Antique Gothic Furniture
Brass
Mid-18th Century British Antique Gothic Furniture
Canvas, Wood, Paint
1940s French Vintage Gothic Furniture
Wrought Iron
Late 20th Century American Gothic Furniture
Metal
Early 19th Century Antique Gothic Furniture
Pine
20th Century French Gothic Furniture
Bronze
1920s American Vintage Gothic Furniture
Wrought Iron
16th Century Spanish Antique Gothic Furniture
Oak
Mid-20th Century Unknown Gothic Furniture
Silver Plate
16th Century Spanish Antique Gothic Furniture
Marble
Mid-19th Century Antique Gothic Furniture
Oak
16th Century French Antique Gothic Furniture
Stone
1960s European Vintage Gothic Furniture
Granite
1910s American Vintage Gothic Furniture
Bronze, Enamel
Mid-19th Century English Antique Gothic Furniture
Stone, Composition, Metal, Steel
Mid-19th Century Spanish Antique Gothic Furniture
Iron
19th Century French Antique Gothic Furniture
Marble
Late 19th Century French Antique Gothic Furniture
Wrought Iron
19th Century French Antique Gothic Furniture
Wood, Oak
1960s Czech Vintage Gothic Furniture
Brass
1890s English Antique Gothic Furniture
Sterling Silver
1920s Vintage Gothic Furniture
Iron