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.
16th Century European Antique Gothic Furniture
Iron
Early 17th Century French Antique Gothic Furniture
Iron
1860s English Antique Gothic Furniture
Pine
1840s English Antique Gothic Furniture
Sterling Silver
1840s English Antique Gothic Furniture
Silver Plate
19th Century Antique Gothic Furniture
Bronze
20th Century Gothic Furniture
Crystal, Iron, Wrought Iron
19th Century Antique Gothic Furniture
Oak
19th Century Antique Gothic Furniture
Bronze
18th Century English Antique Gothic Furniture
Elm, Yew
16th Century British Antique Gothic Furniture
Oak
20th Century Gothic Furniture
Brass
Late 19th Century Antique Gothic Furniture
Mahogany
19th Century Antique Gothic Furniture
Bronze
Late 19th Century Dutch Antique Gothic Furniture
Copper, Wrought Iron
19th Century Dutch Antique Gothic Furniture
Oak
1840s Italian Antique Gothic Furniture
Mahogany
20th Century Gothic Furniture
Wood
19th Century Antique Gothic Furniture
Oak
19th Century Antique Gothic Furniture
Wood, Fabric, Mahogany
Early 19th Century English Antique Gothic Furniture
Mahogany
Early 1900s English Antique Gothic Furniture
Silver
19th Century English Antique Gothic Furniture
Oak, Velvet
Late 19th Century French Antique Gothic Furniture
Enamel, Brass
1940s English Vintage Gothic Furniture
Suede, Wood
Early 2000s Gothic Furniture
Sandstone
Late 19th Century French Antique Gothic Furniture
Ormolu, Bronze
19th Century French Antique Gothic Furniture
Iron
1940s English Vintage Gothic Furniture
Silver, Sterling Silver
19th Century French Antique Gothic Furniture
Rock Crystal, Silver
19th Century French Antique Gothic Furniture
Alabaster, Ormolu
19th Century English Antique Gothic Furniture
Brass
18th Century Greek Antique Gothic Furniture
Coral, Silver
19th Century French Antique Gothic Furniture
Ormolu
18th Century and Earlier French Antique Gothic Furniture
Iron
Early 19th Century French Antique Gothic Furniture
Gold Leaf
18th Century and Earlier Dutch Antique Gothic Furniture
Iron