18th century

Early 18th Century (1700-1740):

Baroque Influence: Early 18th-century furniture in Europe was heavily influenced by the Baroque style, which began in the late 17th century. The furniture was characterized by bold, curved lines, large proportions, and rich ornamentation. Furniture was designed with function in mind but was also meant to be extravagant and eye-catching.
Materials: Walnut was a popular wood, often veneered and sometimes carved with floral or other intricate designs. Gold leaf and gilded details were also common.

Rococo (1730-1760):

Characteristics: The Rococo style emerged in France and is characterized by its elegance, lightness, and emphasis on asymmetry. It was a departure from the heavy and ornate Baroque style. The furniture from this period was delicate, curvaceous, and often decorated with floral motifs, shells, and scrollwork. The use of lacquer and porcelain was also prominent.
Materials: Designers employed exotic woods, lacquered finishes, and porcelain. Furniture often had decorative gilding, intricate carvings, and were sometimes upholstered in pastel-colored fabrics.
Common Types:
Commodes: Low chests of drawers, often elaborately veneered and gilded.
Bergères: French armchairs with upholstered backs and seats, often seen with elaborate carvings.
Mirrors: Rococo mirrors were highly decorative, with intricate carved wooden frames.

Neoclassical (1760-1800):

Characteristics: The Neoclassical style arose as a reaction to the ornate Rococo. It was inspired by the ancient Greek and Roman styles and was characterized by simpler lines, symmetry, and an emphasis on proportions. The furniture featured straight lines, minimal decoration, and classical motifs like urns, laurel wreaths, and fluted columns.
Materials: Mahogany became a dominant wood, and the use of inlay and veneer became more refined. Brass and gilded accents were still used but in more restrained manners compared to Rococo.
Common Types:
Chairs and Sofas: Straight-backed chairs and sofas with classical motifs, such as fluted legs or Greco-Roman detailing.
Card Tables: Simple, elegant tables designed for card games with straight legs and minimal decoration.
Writing Desks: These were often rectangular, with simple, elegant lines, sometimes featuring a marble top.

Chippendale (1750-1790):

Characteristics: Named after the English cabinetmaker Thomas Chippendale, this style incorporated a mix of Rococo, Gothic, and Neoclassical influences. Chippendale furniture was often highly ornate, featuring intricate carvings, such as claw-and-ball feet, and the use of cabriole legs.
Materials: Mahogany was widely used, and there was a focus on fine craftsmanship. Chippendale’s furniture was usually inlaid with veneers of various woods, such as walnut and maple, to create patterns and textures.
Common Types:
Chairs: Chippendale chairs, especially the "Chippendale style armchairs," were known for their distinctive back designs (often a pierced, carved pattern).
Cabinets: Elaborate cabinets with intricate carvings and decorative panels.
Tables: Featuring cabriole legs and sometimes ball-and-claw feet, these tables were often used for dining or in drawing rooms.

Late 18th Century (1790-1800):

Regency Style (Late 18th Century into the 19th): Towards the end of the 18th century, the Regency style emerged, which was a lighter, more refined version of Neoclassicism, influenced by the design trends of ancient Greece and Rome. It often included more geometric and angular patterns in its designs.
Materials: A continued emphasis on mahogany, with the introduction of lighter, more natural woods and a growing use of painted or gilded finishes.
Common Types:
Writing Desks: With clean lines and less ornamentation compared to earlier Neoclassical desks.
Dressing Tables: Often with drawers and an attached mirror.
Sofas: These featured more restrained, angular designs.