One of the great styles of the 18th Century Georgian period is Chippendale. Unlike many styles which took on the name of a reigning monarch, it was the first to identify with the name of the creator, Thomas Chippendale. He was influenced by French, Chinese, and English styles and was a great carver.

 Mahogany was quite plentiful, and much of his talent was applied to it. Popular and familiar motifs resulting from Mr. Chippendale’s carving mastery are shells, ball-and-claw, roses, acorns, scrolls, and dolphins. Inlay and applied decoration were not a part of his products.

The earlier furniture makers were encouraged to vary and to create new designs because their customers wanted something different from that of their neighbors. Today the desire might be the same, but with modern methods of mass production and reproduction, one must have a keen eye for the exceptional. Mr. Chippendale had a discriminating type of customer, and this enabled him to use his talents to the utmost. 

Designs peculiar to Mr. Chippendale are cabriole, or curved, legs ending in ornamental ball-and-claw feet. Later the straight legs were also used, but with carved faces. Chair backs curved back with a shape similar to that of the Queen Anne styles. The seats were wide and upholstered. Criticism was given to the ornate carvings which, to some people, were a bit overdone. Dining tables had either the carved cabriole legs or straight ones. Tea and tripod-type tables had pie-crust design borders. Cabinets and chests had swelling fronts and sides, and lowboys had cabriole legs and curved skirts or aprons. Other items made by Chippendale include sideboard tables, swing-leg tables, card tables, desks, highboys, mirrors, settees, and beds.