Relevant categories: Dining Sets
( Above Photo: Walnut Dining Set Regency Table and Queen Anne Chairs Suite )
You intend to buy a dining set but are confused whether you should get one from the Regency or the Victorian period. Are there any differences between Regency and Victorian dining sets? How similar are they?
This article fosters the Regency vs Victorian dining sets debate to help you understand the similarities and differences. Read on to learn more:
( Above Photo: Bespoke Regency Dining Table Chippendale Chair Set Mahogany )
Regency dining sets consisted of a table and the accompanying chairs. Dining tables during the Regency period were beautiful, functional, and decorative, influenced by Ancient Egypt, Greece, and Rome. The tables were made from burr walnut and mahogany with zebrawood and rosewood veneers, metal paws, lion masks, and brass decorations.
The tabletop was rectangular and made from solid wood, and had reedy, carved, or sabre legs. In some cases, the Regency dining table has a central pedestal in the place of four legs. While some tables had drawers, others had side panels, stretchers, and carved decorations. Mostly, the dining table would be rectangular, even though some were round or square.
To complete a Regency dining set, there is the need for chairs, which usually are stately and clean-edged. The chairs are also made from mahogany allowing the use of brighter decorative veneers. Occasionally, the chairs would have a metallic or golden accent, creating a contrast with the dark wood. The legs are turned, curved, sabre or concave.
( Above Photo: Victorian Dining Table and Set Hepplewhite Chairs Mahogany Set )
Victorian dining sets involved pieces of furniture mass-produced rather than involving the work of individual artisans. Dining tables from this period had exaggerated curves, dark wood, heavy proportions, and ornate decoration. Furniture makers of the time were greatly influenced by Gothic and Louis XV designs.
The dining tables have a robust, solid, and dark feel, assuming a strong sense of presence. They were mostly made from heavy mahogany walnut, or rosewood, with bulky pedestals and carved legs. However, most reproductions are from stained oak or ebony. Some of the tables were painted.
Victorian dining chairs have balloon-shaped backs, rounded at the top and curved arms. The legs differed depending on the furniture maker and were mostly straight, round, or with multiple turnings. In addition, the upholstered seat is curved and features a horseshoe shape with a square or rounded front. Victorian dining chairs also have whorl, rounded, or clawed feet. The chairs have a thick cushion and a dark-colored upholstery in haircloth, plush, velvet, tapestry, or velour.
( Above Photo: Mahogany Victorian Dining Set Extending Table and 10 Chairs )
From the descriptions above, it is clear that Regency and Victorian dining sets have some similarities and differences. A major similarity is the wood used to make the furniture. In both instances, the dining sets were made primarily from mahogany.
The departure in similarity concerns the shapes and size of the tables. While Regency dining tables can have square, round, or rectangular shapes, Victorian dining tables are mostly rectangular. Dining chairs from both eras are upholstered even though those from the Victorian era have curved horseshoe seats.
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