Handmade dovetails almost always indicate a piece made before 1860. Look carefully at the bottom, sides, and back of the drawer; if the wood shows nicks or cuts, it was probably cut with a plane, a spokeshave, or a drawknife. Straight saw marks also indicate an old piece.

How do you know if something is Victorian?

Most chests were either Bow fronted (out swept curving front) or were simple square fronted chests with rounded corners and edges. Victorian Chests of Drawers were either raised upon shaped block feet or turned bun feet, and were fitted with turned knob drawer pulls.

What is the difference between Victorian and Edwardian furniture?

While the Victorian era featured heavy, dark furniture, Edwardian furniture shifted to light or pastel colors and floral designs.

How would you describe a Victorian sofa?

Victorian furniture is characterized by ornate carvings, dark woods, and heavy luxurious fabrics. Victorian furniture is traditionally made from mahogany, rosewood, or walnut, sometimes painted or gilded.

What makes Victorian furniture unique?

Victorian furniture is characterized by ornate carvings, dark woods, and heavy luxurious fabrics. Victorian furniture is traditionally made from mahogany, rosewood, or walnut, sometimes painted or gilded. Intricate carvings of natural images such as flowers, leaves, curling vines, ribbons, and bows adorned the pieces.