Queen Anne Furniture
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 European Queen Anne Furniture
Tapestry, Wood
18th Century English Antique Queen Anne Furniture
Oak
1990s Italian Queen Anne Furniture
Sterling Silver
Early 20th Century British Queen Anne Furniture
Leather
Early 20th Century English Queen Anne Furniture
Giltwood, Paint
1840s German Antique Queen Anne Furniture
Silver
18th Century English Antique Queen Anne Furniture
Mahogany
1920s English Vintage Queen Anne Furniture
Walnut
20th Century American Queen Anne Furniture
Leather, Cherry
Early 20th Century Queen Anne Furniture
Mahogany
20th Century Dutch Queen Anne Furniture
Walnut
1750s American Antique Queen Anne Furniture
21st Century and Contemporary English Queen Anne Furniture
Marble
Early 20th Century French Queen Anne Furniture
Oak
Mid-19th Century American Antique Queen Anne Furniture
Fabric, Wood
20th Century British Queen Anne Furniture
Walnut
1930s Vintage Queen Anne Furniture
Mahogany
20th Century American Queen Anne Furniture
Mahogany, Upholstery
Early 18th Century Spanish Antique Queen Anne Furniture
Wood
1710s English Antique Queen Anne Furniture
Wood
18th Century English Antique Queen Anne Furniture
Brass
Early 1900s Antique Queen Anne Furniture
Walnut
18th Century American Antique Queen Anne Furniture
Walnut
Early 1900s English Antique Queen Anne Furniture
Mahogany
1930s British Vintage Queen Anne Furniture
Walnut
18th Century American Antique Queen Anne Furniture
Walnut
Early 20th Century British Queen Anne Furniture
Leather, Walnut
1930s Vintage Queen Anne Furniture
Walnut
17th Century English Antique Queen Anne Furniture
Marble
21st Century and Contemporary English Queen Anne Furniture
Marble
1920s British Vintage Queen Anne Furniture
Walnut
1880s English Antique Queen Anne Furniture
Sterling Silver
Early 20th Century Belgian Queen Anne Furniture
Faux Leather, Oak
18th Century American Antique Queen Anne Furniture
Early 19th Century American Antique Queen Anne Furniture
Mirror, Wood
Late 17th Century English Antique Queen Anne Furniture
Stone
Late 19th Century English Antique Queen Anne Furniture
Brass
1920s British Vintage Queen Anne Furniture
Walnut
Late 19th Century English Antique Queen Anne Furniture
Walnut
19th Century English Antique Queen Anne Furniture
Gold Leaf
21st Century and Contemporary English Queen Anne Furniture
Stone
Mid-20th Century American Queen Anne Furniture
Mahogany
20th Century British Queen Anne Furniture
Walnut
21st Century and Contemporary English Queen Anne Furniture
Marble
1710s English Antique Queen Anne Furniture
Walnut
1980s American Vintage Queen Anne Furniture
Poplar
18th Century English Antique Queen Anne Furniture
Early 1700s European Antique Queen Anne Furniture
Giltwood
18th Century English Antique Queen Anne Furniture
Walnut
Mid-18th Century American Antique Queen Anne Furniture
Walnut
20th Century English Queen Anne Furniture
Walnut
18th Century English Antique Queen Anne Furniture
Silver
21st Century and Contemporary English Queen Anne Furniture
Marble
21st Century and Contemporary British Queen Anne Furniture
Limestone
1930s Vintage Queen Anne Furniture
Wood, Walnut
1760s American Antique Queen Anne Furniture
Walnut
18th Century American Antique Queen Anne Furniture
Early 20th Century English Queen Anne Furniture
Wool, Walnut