Regency Style
Regency Style (1820-1830) - England
Regency Faux Bois and Parcel-Gilt Chaise Longue. England (1815)
Source: https://www.1stdibs.com/furniture/seating/chaise-longues/regency-faux-bois-parcel-gilt-chaise-longue/id-f_5217333/
Today’s post is about the Regency period. This style is very closely related to the French Empire style and therefore, shares a lot of common features with it. The Regency style, however, tends to be more refined, subtle and lighter than the French Empire style, which is typically heavy and large. In general, the Regency style is heavily influenced by the classical style, but in a more refined way. It is characterized by a sense of symmetry, curves and a touch of exotic influences.
This Regency Chaise Longue is a great example of a typical piece of Regency furniture. The most typical characteristics we can observe on this piece are the following:
Gilded and fine detailing (including ormolu), carved reeding pattern (curved lines carved in a stripe type pattern), refined turned legs, without forgetting to mention the scroll and curved arms that are the most recognizable features of this Regency Chaise Longue. Other features of the style are the use of uniform bright colours (red velvet is used for the upholstery in this case) and the use of bolster pillows (round cylindrical pillow) commonly place at both end. Finally, dark woods were predominantly used for furniture, with mahogany being the most common.
Contemporary Chaise Longue
Source: http://www.sitoutils.com/lounge-chairs-for-bedroom/brilliant-chaise-lounge-chairs-for-bedroom-home-design-ideas-for-lounge-chairs-for-bedroom/
I believe this beautiful contemporary Chaise Longue could be considered as being inspired by the Regency style. The use of a rich dark wood as well as the curved and scroll carved details at both ends of this Chaise Longue are typical characteristics of the Regency style. Additionally, we can observe the reeding pattern carved on the side of this Chaise Longue, which is also a common feature of the style. Finally, the uniform colour choice for the upholstery as well as the use of the bolster cushion reminds us of the style.
The final look of this piece of furniture is elegant, refined and simple. The use of a rich dark wood as well as the “zebra” stripe pattern on the bolster cushion with rich colours gives it an exotic feel similar to the Regency style.
The Regency Chaise Longue is my absolute favourite piece of furniture of that period. I find it is the most relevant feature of this style for our modern world. I can really see myself using this type of furniture in a contemporary interior. It inspires relaxation and calm with a real sense of style. It has a subtle but rich and elegant historical content and it would make a great “show” piece in a room, adding just the perfect amount of drama!
I hope you enjoy my post today! I don't know for where you are, but here in Victoria, it is an absolutely fantastic sunny day today! Next post will be about the, oh so interesting Victorian style! So don't miss it, coming up, on April 1st!