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The History of Antique Furniture

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Bani Sachdeva
The History of Antique Furniture

Antique furniture in Singapore has to be over 100 years of age to be classed as a genuine antique. In Elizabethan times of 1558 to 1603, furniture was primitive and in oak or fruitwood, very heavily carved. Nobles from the medieval court needed portable furniture as they moved around quite frequently so this lead to large tables of trestle forms with bulbous turned legs, which could be dismantled and transported. Some cupboards were built in and seating was often incorporated into the panelling of a room. Buffets with stepped shelves were used to display silver in great houses, while food and drink was served from simpler pieces. Chests for storage were important like the Bible box, a small box to store the family bible. Flat topped chests (coffers) with raised feet, usually formed part of the permanent furnishings, used for storage and to sit on. Beds were status symbols, often with canopies with rich materials hung.

The next part of our history was the between 1603 and 1625 when James 1st was on the throne, called Jacobean furniture and 1625 to 1649 when Charles 1st was on the throne and this was called Carolean. Oak was still the main timber used along with some rustic pine and the chest of drawers made its first appearance with a dovetail joint along with mouldings used on drawer fronts for decoration. The gate leg table was a prominent piece of period furniture and the bible boxes had writing slopes added. Renaissance and Heavy baroque styles originated in Italy and by the 1620s was spreading throughout Europe and England. Baroque style in period furniture had an architectural feel; large wall mirrors had elaborate carved and scrolled frames, below having matching console tables sometimes with carved cherubs, mythical figures or birds. Cabinets were decorated with mosaics, painted panels or lacquer and stood on highly ornate carved stands; the cabinet on stand was used to display the most valued prized possessions.

Antique Gateleg Tables are a type of table with two large hinged drop flaps (leaves) that open to a larger dining table supported by a swinging gate leg, later known as a drop leaf. The leaves fold down when not in use so they do not take up much room, only having a central fixed section. Antique Gateleg tables were first introduced in the early 17th century mainly constructed from English oak but more rare examples were constructed from Walnut and beautifully figured Fruit-woods. The tops were in three sections, built using long planks of wood and they have swinging, pivoted turned baluster shaped legs with joining stretchers that opened like a gate. Iron hinges were used on the underside along with pegs in their construction. Some of the most sought after have Oak lined drawers on either side of the gate-leg table with early drop handles. They were built for country homes, cottages and taverns so over the years they got plenty of use. This means they always have a country house feel with lots of wonderful charm, character and a lovely patina that we preserve by cleaning and waxing using traditional methods. Have a look below at our lovely examples available.

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Bani Sachdeva
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