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Furniture Finishing

In grouping. Jacobean and Cromwellian pieces bespeak the informality of a cottage or small home and so are related to early Colonial furniture. Carolean or Restoration, on the other hand, belong in more pretentious surroundings, expressing very much the same spirit of regal dignity as Louis XIV. The former have been modernized into democratic "suites." the latter has retained the atmosphere of the salon, rendering it appropriate for the large hall or drawing room, and for metropolitan clubs and hotels.

Oak or walnut are the favorite woods; mahogany is historically incorrect, but is frequently found finished a deep brown shade commercially known as "antique." Jacobean oak is a standard shade in itself and an oil stain carries out the effect very satisfactorily. The pores should be left unfilled, sealed over with shellac or lacquer, and waxed to give the mellow glow of originals. Jacobean joiners were apt to leave their oak unfinished; others oiled leaving the pores dark, others waxed leaving them light.

Walnut is best stained an antique shade with either oil or water stain, high-lighting all raised parts as with oak, and duding the outer edges of the panels. Filler may be used or omitted, but the final finish should be dull rubbed lacquer or varnish. Plain figured walnut is preferable to fancy veneers, as the full beauty of the designs is brought out in the carving, caning or marquetry.

William and Mary (The beginning of Dutch influence, 1689-1702)


THE year 1689 witnessed the accession to the English throne of Mary, daughter of Charles I, and her Dutch husband. "William of Orange, summoned from across the channel by a nation weary of Stuart intrigue and craftiness. Whereas the deposed monarch, James II, sought with Louis XIV only temporary refuge, parliament chose to regard his departure as equivalent to abdication and without further ado declared William and Mary joint sovereigns—hence the coupling of their names in referring to the furniture period they identify.

While the entire period lasted but twelve years it was marked by radical innovations as to furniture design and with respect to actual pieces by considerable changes from the Jacobean era. A typical home of the aristocracy or better middle class would contain most of the articles now in use mingled with survivals of the dying Renaissance civilization. Although still rectangular in character, furniture became lighter and easier to handle and clean, in fact, generally more modern and homelike.