18th Century English Furniture – A Subtle Statement of Style

18th Century English Furniture – A Subtle Statement of Style

When it comes to 18th century English furniture, style is an understatement. The lines are clean and elegant, with subtle flourishes that set each piece apart.Town and country pieces often shared the same basic design—but with one key difference: country furniture, especially in oak, truly shines. While inspired by the refined town originals, country pieces bear the unique signature of the individual cabinetmaker and the timbers available in his workshop at the time. No two country pieces are ever exactly alike. Unlike town furniture, where perfection to the original design was paramount, country pieces reflect personality, resourcefulness, and charm. In fact, I currently have two museum quality examples of 18th century English Cuban mahogany side tables in stock—stunning pieces just waiting to be placed somewhere significant.

You can find them on my website under: Furniture > English > Tables > Side Tables and Lowboys.

Mid 18th century English country oak low-boy.
The two plank, wide cleated, moulded top, above an ogee-shaped frieze, housing a narrow high drawer, flanked by two large thumb-moulded drawers.
Resting on turned tapered legs, terminating on a pad-foot.

Fantastic overall faded patina, awaiting a good re waxing.

C.1750

H.70cm W.76cm D.48cm

English Country Furniture 1500-1900

by David Knell

Is a great reference book showing many variations of English country furniture.

A Louis XV / XVI Walnut Bureau à Pènte

A Louis XV / XVI Walnut Bureau à Pènte

Selling for a customer.

Elegant small bureau with a well, pigeon holes and drawers.

Purchased 1990s from renowned dealer, remained in same family.

Beautifully faded patina.

France C.1780

Contact me for pricing.

Last quarter 18th century English country oak dresser base.

Last quarter 18th century English country oak dresser base.

The well patinated three plank moulded top, above three drawers, retaining the original brass fret shaped handles.

Notice the cock-beaded inside edge mouldings, giving the illusion of being on the drawers (mostly done on country pieces) above one narrow central panelled door, flanked by two matching wider doors.

Having double panelled sides, resting on square block legs.

C.1780

H.89cm W.151cm D.55cm

Last quarter 18th century English tea/card table.

Last quarter 18th century English tea/card table.

The single plank well faded hinged folding top, opening to a tea serving or card playing top.

Having a figured mahogany frieze with narrow card holding drawer, retaining the original brass swan-neck handle.

Resting on square tapered ogee-moulded legs. One hinged rear leg, supports top when in use.

Note: rarely are the opened tops as well faded as the closed. Indicates was very well used and loved.

C.1780 H.72cm W.91cm D.44.5cm, opened 89cm square.

Decorative 19th and 20th century English Spode plates in display.

 

A particularly nice mid 19th century English mahogany side table.

A particularly nice mid 19th century English mahogany side table.

A particularly nice mid 19th century English mahogany side table.

The beautifully grained, Regency style, triple moulded rectangular top, above two deep drawers.

With Sheraton period brass oval handles, and geometric shaped ebony inlaid stringing.
Resting on shaped, turned tapered legs, on original castors.

C.1850

H. 71cm W. 79cm D. 43cm

English Masons, Japanese Imari and Chinese ceramics, always suit being displayed on suitably beautiful tables.

Rare 18th Century oak wine table – Isle of Man

Rare 18th Century oak wine table – Isle of Man

The well patinated circular top supported by a beautifully turned column, raised on three down swept cabriole legs terminating in boot feet.
The shaped legs resembling the Isle of Man flag.

The flag features three running legs bent at the knees conjoined at the centre.
Local residents of the Isle of Man explain that the legs turn anti-clockwise so that they don’t kneel to the English.
The use of the emblem on the flag in the Isle of Man dates back to the 13th Century.

H. 70 cm
Dia. 76cm

After much deliberation, I’ve decided to sell a few very special pieces I’ve had at home the past 20 or more years.

This magnificent wine table is one. I simply cannot house everything I’d like to.

A rare set of stylish European oak Queen Anne revival dining chairs.

A rare set of stylish European oak Queen Anne revival dining chairs.

The shaped/stepped top rail, on a vase shaped centre splat, flanked by narrow rectangular uprights. Having comfortable drop-in upholstered seats, resting on slightly shaped narrow cabriole-legs, terminating on a carved goats-foot. Joined by an H and rear stretchers.

1900 – 1920

H.110 W.44 D.48

 

A freshly waxed, stylish 17th century English oak joint stool.

A freshly waxed, stylish 17th century English oak joint stool.

The well worn slight moulded rectangular seat, above carved rails, resting on turned out-swept legs.
Usually joined by stretchers.

Perfect overall patination.

C.1660

H.42cm W.46cm D.27cm

This stool could sit in most settings, from an English period home, to a modern Melbourne apartment.

Re waxing this magnificent second half 17th century English oak refectory table.

Re waxing this magnificent second half 17th century English oak refectory table.

This English refectory dining table was made between 70 and 30 years before Captain James Cook was born.

Thats something interesting to think about.

I spent most of today re waxing this magnificent second half 17th century English oak refectory table.

Incredible what a good wax can achieve.

The thick single plank, cleated top, on baluster turned legs, joined by well worn stretchers.

1660 – 1700

H.75cm W.205cm D.80cm

One from a rare set of six late 18th Century English Country Yew Wood and Elm Triple Bow Windsor Arm Chairs.

One from a rare set of six late 18th Century English Country Yew Wood and Elm Triple Bow Windsor Arm Chairs.

I sold these to good customers twenty years ago.
They are now moving and need to sell.
I’m always happy to re sell rare items I’ve handled over the past four decades, as they’re so hard to find.
H.90cm   W.65cm   D.50cm

A rare 17th century English ash boarded chest of diminutive proportions.
The knuckle hinged top, with an applied carved fruitwood facing mould, above the incised/scratch-carved feeding birds. With traces of the original hand made nails and missing lock plate.
The floor wedged through the end boards, with arches resembling legs.
C.1680
AA2365

 

Apartment entrance display.

Apartment entrance display.

Being terribly overstocked, (but not complaining) I’ve taken this walnut entrance table to my apartment to create more shop space and over decorate my entrance!

My usual entrance pieces are also quite out of my usual style, but having a retro 1970 built apartment, I wanted something different from the interior at the door.
Not my usual style or periods, but had to have these unique pieces✨✨