Just as there are many styles of homes, there are also many styles of furniture - some of these coinciding with certain periods, such as Colonial and Victorian. Let's explore some of the different styles of period furniture.

Furniture and furniture making has changed over the years. Long ago, furniture making was considered an art. Furniture was hand-made with the materials available and was often heavy and costly. Only the wealthy could afford to purchase furniture beyond the basic designs - and in most cases, the poor made their own simple furniture. During this time in history, furniture was not considered a part of the decor, it was considered only for its functionality, unless you were wealthy. Plain tables, chairs, braided area rugs and beds dominated most homes. Today, mass production gives us more choices where furniture is concerned and furniture is used both for functionality and as decorative additions to our homes.

Here is a look at some of the more popular styles:

This type of furniture is recognized by its simplicity and use of curves. This style is constructed for functionality. A typical piece of Queen Anne furniture is the fiddle-back chair, which derives its name from the shape of the center splat that is spooned to fit the body. The front legs of the fiddle-back chair feature a cabriole curve with a scallop shell carving at the knee of the chair and a ball or claw foot. The rear legs are usually in the shape of the letter H. Queen Anne furniture is also represented by round pedestal tables that have a tilt top supported by a turned shaft attached to a tripod base.

From the gaslight era of Queen Victoria, this English style of furniture soon spread to America. Straight lines as well as voluminous curves represent the Victorian style. The upholstery is overstuffed, and if often tufted and fringed. Elements of Louis XV and Greek classicism styles can be seen in Victorian style furniture. Today, Victorian reproductions are made with modified voluminous curves and simplified ornamentation.

This courtly style of furniture can range from simple to exotic. French Provincial-style furniture uses subdued curves in the backs of chairs, arms, legs, and aprons. Restrained carving is also used for these pieces. French Provincial comes in two separate styles - city style and country style. Today, a modified version of the city style is sold as Louis XV and is considered a city style. The beds feature delicately curved wooden frames with upholstered headboards.

The French Provincial city style is more formal as well as more feminine and is represented by the use of damasks, silks, satins, and smooth textures. French Provincial city style furniture will blend well with the Queen Anne style of furniture. The country style of French Provincial furniture is of a simpler design and less feminine. Ladder-back style chairs and couches that are fitted with removable cushions, with cane or sisal area rugs represent the country style. This style has straight lines, is rectangular shaped, and any curves are very gentle. French Provincial country-style furniture can work well when blended with the New England Colonial style.

Homes also come in a large array of styles. Many times the type of furniture you choose is determined by the style of your home. For instance, if your home is a colonial style, colonial furniture will work best. If your home is a modern glass and steel home or apartment, modern furniture will work best. Some period pieces can even be blended together to create a beautiful home.