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 French Antique Gothic Furniture
Iron
16th Century European Antique Gothic Furniture
Iron
Early 17th Century French Antique Gothic Furniture
Iron
15th Century and Earlier French Antique Gothic Furniture
Iron
1840s English Antique Gothic Furniture
Leather, Oak
19th Century English Antique Gothic Furniture
Walnut
1860s English Antique Gothic Furniture
Pine
16th Century French Antique Gothic Furniture
Wood
Early 19th Century Italian Antique Gothic Furniture
Alabaster
15th Century and Earlier French Antique Gothic Furniture
Stone
1960s Italian Vintage Gothic Furniture
Iron
20th Century English Gothic Furniture
Oak
19th Century English Antique Gothic Furniture
Brass
Early 19th Century French Antique Gothic Furniture
Oak
16th Century Italian Antique Gothic Furniture
Iron
1910s French Vintage Gothic Furniture
Brass
Early 1900s French Antique Gothic Furniture
Brass
Early 1900s French Antique Gothic Furniture
Brass
Early 20th Century French Gothic Furniture
Brass
19th Century French Antique Gothic Furniture
Brass
19th Century French Antique Gothic Furniture
Zinc
19th Century American Antique Gothic Furniture
Steel, Lead
1890s English Antique Gothic Furniture
Oak
19th Century Antique Gothic Furniture
Oak
20th Century French Gothic Furniture
Iron, Brass
16th Century French Antique Gothic Furniture
Iron
Early 20th Century Finnish Gothic Furniture
Metal
19th Century Antique Gothic Furniture
Oak
1930s American Vintage Gothic Furniture
Gesso, Wood
19th Century Italian Antique Gothic Furniture
Giltwood
17th Century Belgian Antique Gothic Furniture
Silk, Velvet
Late 19th Century Italian Antique Gothic Furniture
Brass, Pewter
19th Century Unknown Antique Gothic Furniture
Wrought Iron
1960s English Vintage Gothic Furniture
Oak
1940s English Vintage Gothic Furniture
Elm, Yew
16th Century French Antique Gothic Furniture
Wood
Mid-20th Century French Gothic Furniture
Wrought Iron
Late 19th Century French Antique Gothic Furniture
Wood
Late 19th Century European Antique Gothic Furniture
Bronze, Brass
20th Century French Gothic Furniture
Oak, Elm
Late 19th Century English Antique Gothic Furniture
Oak
Mid-19th Century French Antique Gothic Furniture
Wrought Iron
Mid-19th Century English Antique Gothic Furniture
Wood, Pine
Late 19th Century French Antique Gothic Furniture
Iron
15th Century and Earlier French Antique Gothic Furniture
Stone
1940s Spanish Vintage Gothic Furniture
Wrought Iron, Gold Leaf
1990s American Gothic Furniture
Bronze
19th Century Antique Gothic Furniture
Oak
Early 18th Century French Antique Gothic Furniture
Wrought Iron
17th Century French Antique Gothic Furniture
Wrought Iron
Early 18th Century French Antique Gothic Furniture
Wrought Iron
Early 18th Century French Antique Gothic Furniture
Wrought Iron
1860s English Antique Gothic Furniture
Oak
Early 20th Century American Gothic Furniture
Bronze, Wrought Iron
Early 1900s Antique Gothic Furniture
Brass
Mid-19th Century English Antique Gothic Furniture
Wood, Pine
Early 20th Century French Gothic Furniture
Oak
17th Century French Antique Gothic Furniture
Wrought Iron