FAQs

Styles of Antiques

Q. I sometimes get confused by all the various styles of antique furniture. Is this really important?

A. What is important is that you like a piece, and that it looks good in your home. The name of the style is only added information. At Steven-Thomas we sell a variety of styles including Gothic, Renaissance, Mannerist (similar to Renaissance, but more ornate with a strong emphasis on the elongated human figure), Louis XV, Louis XVI, Chippendale, (both Italian and English), Queen Anne, Art Nouveau and Art Deco. Since we do not generally sell “period” pieces (pieces which actually date back to the Renaissance or Baroque period, we are speaking of “revivals” of these periods, which were commonly made during the latter part of the 19th century.

Q. Can I mix styles in my house or in the same room?

A. Of course you can! Remember, your home must please YOU. While generally it is better to keep straight legs next to straight legs, and color of wood tones complementary, the eclectic look is always interesting. Can you picture a bedroom with a walnut, Renaissance bed, two red lacquered Chinese end tables, a Scottish mahogany dressing chest, Louis XVI chaise lounge, Mannerist marble top end table, French oversized throne chair next to a Maitland-Smith leather book decorated drum table, all accented with bamboo window coverings. Ask our owner Tom. It’s his bedroom, and he loves it.