American furniture styles vary with their place in American history. Some furniture styles have an association with the period in history during which they originated, and other styles have an association with the person who originated the furniture design. Some furniture designs continue their popularity in current styles, and other furniture designs were passing fads that did not remain popular.

Pilgrim Period

The Pilgrim period spanned from 1640 to 1690. During this period, furniture was made out of either oak or pine. Furniture tended to be heavy and simple, with joints fastened by wooden pegs. Some furniture features carving into the wood. The Jacobean style is one example of furniture from this period. Jacobean-style furniture is made from oak and is generally large and sturdy. The furniture may have been upholstered with leather, silk, wool, or linen.

• Furniture Style Guide: This document provides an overview of furniture styles throughout history
• Guide to Furniture Styles: Learn more about European and American furniture styles here.
• Illustrated History of Furniture: This e-book offers a comprehensive list of furniture styles with illustrations.
• The History of Furniture Timeline: Read an illustrated timeline of furniture between 1560 and 1950 on this site.
• A Short History of Furniture: Pictures and basic information about the origins of furniture are provided here.
• Antique Furniture: Read an overview of antique American furniture on this site.

Early English and Colonial Period

The early English and colonial period of furniture design existed between 1620 and 1730. During this period, furniture styles such as 17th century, William and Mary, Queen Anne, and Chippendale originated. Furniture continued to be over-sized with simple lines. Furniture-makers added decor to wood pieces with low-relief carvings. Slowly over this period, furniture became more slender, as exhibited by the William and Mary, Queen Anne, and Chippendale styles.

• The Colonial Revival: This page features an overview of the colonial period and the furniture of this time.
• The Colonial Furniture of New England: The Smithsonian offers an online copy of a book on furniture in the colonial period.
• Early American Furniture: Read a description of common furniture shapes and styles of early American furniture.
• Antique Primitive Furniture: This article explores primitive furniture from the colonial period.
• Brief History of Furniture: Find short descriptions of various furniture eras here.

Post-Colonial Period

The post-colonial period spanned from 1780 to 1840. During this time, American nationalism was strong as the new nation moved forward independent of England. The Federal, Empire, and Shaker styles were predominant during this era. The Federal furniture style features smooth surfaces and straight lines. Empire furniture style showcases more ornamentation, borrowed from ancient Greece and Rome. The Shaker style is simple and understated with straight lines and a distinct lack of ornamentation.

• Shaker Furniture: A slide show and article from the Metropolitan Museum of Art look at the Shaker furniture style.
• A Short History of Furniture Periods: Get information about furniture periods and wood used for furniture here.
• Furniture History: This page includes information about the early days of industrial furniture manufacturing.
• Shaker Style: Images and information about the Shaker furniture style can be found on this page.
• Quick History: Shaker Design: Learn about the history of the Shakers and furniture design.
• Federal Style: This page includes a description of the Federal furniture style.

Victorian Period

The Victorian period existed between 1840 and 1900. During this era, furniture styles were heavy, dark, and elaborate. Furniture pieces featured heavy upholstery and distinctive carvings.

• Furniture Styles: Read descriptions and pictures of various furniture styles on this page.
• Victorian Age Furniture: An overview and pictures of Victorian furniture are available here.
• The Victorian Parlour: This book, available here online, is a comprehensive guide to Victorian furniture styles and arrangements.
• Victorian Furniture: Images of a Victorian furniture museum exhibit are shown on this site.

Arts and Crafts Period

The Arts and Crafts period was prominent between the years of 1900 and 1916. During this time, people concentrated on eliminating the clutter of the Victorian period to create more simple surroundings. The Mission style is representative of this period in history.

• The Noble Craftsmen We Promote: The Arts and Crafts Movement in the American Midwest: The University of Toledo examines this movement in furniture design.
• A Concise History of Early American Period Furniture: This document offers comprehensive information about antique furniture.
• Furniture Glossary: See a timeline and pictures of various furniture styles throughout history here.
• The Arts and Crafts Movement in America: The San Diego History Center offers an overview of the Arts and Crafts furniture movement.
• Understanding Furniture Styles: Get detailed information about American furniture styles in this document.

Modern Period

Modern furniture styles cover the past hundred years. These furniture designs include styles such as Art Deco and environmentally conscious styles made from labor processes and materials that do not impact the environment negatively. Art Deco focuses on geometric designs and color.

• History of Furniture: Information about materials and furniture design is available on this page.
• Connecticut's Golden Age of Furniture Design: Check out images and an overview of furniture design in Connecticut.
• History of American Art Deco: Bryn Mawr College offers this brief overview of the Art Deco furniture style.
• Designing High-Quality Furniture With Wood Composites: A Purdue University professor examines this technique for creating furniture.
• Buying Wooden Furniture? Consider Eco-Friendly Reclaimed Wood: More eco-friendly furniture design is a feature of modern styles.