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.

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.

 

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✨✨

 

A selection of side tables in stock.

A selection of side tables in stock.

17th – 19th century, English and French with art and decorative items from 17th to 21st centuries.

The few recent side tables included will be posted soon.

Take a look under Furniture, English or French, Tables, Side Tables, to see full details.

A rare George III Cuban mahogany folding tea table.

A rare George III Cuban mahogany folding tea table.

The exquisite grained single plank rectangular moulded top, lifting to become a two plank square tea/card table top.
The unusual centred hinged rear legs opening to join with the sides.
The beautifully moulded front legs give a sense of style to a very classic straight lined table.
The narrow cock beaded drawer to the plain skirt, retaining the original brass swan-neck handle.
C.1770
H.72cm
W.86cm
D.42cm
Opened 84x86cm
18th century English oak lowboy.

18th century English oak lowboy.

The well patinated fine moulded two plank top, above an ogee shaped skirt, housing one long central scratch-carved moulded drawer, flanked by two deeper matching drawers, having later attractive brass handles.
Resting on square chamfered legs.
Great overall colour and patination.
C.1780
H.73cm
W.84cm
D.48cm
Last quarter 17th century English oak side table.

Last quarter 17th century English oak side table.

Another nice piece I sold about 25 years ago and recently purchased back
The well patinated greenish black four plank moulded top, above a plain narrow skirt, resting on stylish turned legs, joined by upright rectangular stretchers, terminating on well worn bun feet.
H.72cm
W.92cm
D.55cm
Still awaiting a nice re waxing.
18th century English oak lowboy.

18th century English oak lowboy.

Another piece purchased last week that still requires a clean up and re wax finishing.
I’ll carefully remove much of the later polish, bring back to a lighter oak, then re wax finish.
Later brass work, I’ll probably replace with period style swan-neck handles.
H.73cm
W.84cm
D.48cm
19th century English Masons style Imari design ironstone plate.
23cm
19th century English oak, 17th century style livery (food) cupboard.

19th century English oak, 17th century style livery (food) cupboard.

The semi-triangular widening top, above a plain moulded skirt, with panelled sides and a floral carved iron hinged door, opening to reveal storage space.
Resting on turned legs, joined by rectangular upright stretchers.

C.1880

H.76cm W.102 & 58cm D.45cm

The tapered top makes this table easy to navigate in a small space.
Perfect as a sofa table, hall table, entrance table.

Early 19th century English oak lowboy.

Early 19th century English oak lowboy.

Another one of the pieces I purchased back, that I sold to an old friend over twenty years ago.
The three plank top above a deep moulded ogee-shaped frieze, with stepped narrow drawers with brass drop handles to the front. Resting on slender turned legs, joined by a bold central “H” stretcher.
C.1800
H.74cm
W.90cm
D.65cm