Renaissance

The Renaissance is considered the revival interest in classical design, beginning in Italy during the 14th century and continuing to spread throughout Europe until the 17th century. Renaissance furniture design is simple in structure with a generous use of classical ornament, such as the acanthus leaf, animal forms, and pilasters. Renaissance furniture typically has moderate ornamentation and decoration consists mostly of wood carvings. Renaissance furniture is usually dark in color and common materials consist of walnut and chestnut. The canopy bed and marriage chest are two popular pieces of furniture produced during the Renaissance style.

Mahogany

Mahogany is a straight grained hard wood with silky texture, ranging in color from dark brown to red. Furniture made from mahogany became popular in Britain from Mid-18th Century on, spreading throughout Europe.

Stretcher

A stretchers is a stabilizing support rail which runs horizontally between furniture legs. These often form X, H, or Y shapes in conjunction with the outside rails.

Highboy

A highboy is a piece of furniture that has a chest of drawers with a wardrobe on top. The tall chest of drawers is supported by cabriole legs and usually crowned with cornice moldings or a pediment. This design was popular in 18th-century America.