Styles of Antique Vanities
The vanity table first became popular in the 18th century. Women used them as fashion aids, storing personal items like scarves, jewelry and make-up in the drawers and checking themselves out in the vanity mirror. Antique lovers will find these tables add punch to their collection, no matter what style they seek.
Georgian Chippendale
Popularized by British cabinet-maker Thomas Chippendale, the Chippendale style has become synonymous with ornate wood carvings, usually in mahogany, and curved, ball-in-claw feet. Chippendale vanities began appearing in the late 18th century and were generally larger than their Queen Anne predecessors, featuring two rows of drawers instead of one. These vanities are usually topped by a large mirror surrounded with curving ornamentation.
Queen Anne
Popularized in the early 18th century, the Queen Anne style vanities are remarkable for their lightness and grace. The design of these vanities features a number of curves, especially in the table legs. Prominent scalloped carvings complete the Queen Anne style. These vanities can be made from a wide variety of woods, including mahogany, oak, walnut and maple. The tables are taller than the Chippendale variety but feature only one row of drawers, and are topped by a smaller, round mirror.
Art Deco
For fans of more modern antique furniture, try an Art Deco-style vanity table. Like the Queen Anne, these vanities are generally taller, with only one or more rarely two rows of drawers. The biggest difference here is the boldness of detail in Art Deco vanities. Tall mirrors topped with metal filigree, geometrical drawer handles and brightly-painted wood rule the day. Instead of shrinking into the background, Art Deco vanity tables demand recognition for their innovative design.
Tags: Queen Anne, 18th century, Anne style, Antique Vanities, Queen Anne style