Casegoods 101

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Casegoods (or Case Furniture) are non-upholstery pieces such as tables, hutches, dressers and chests, which have functional or storage capabilities.

The history of casegoods traces back to the origins of cabinetry and its evolution as an artform met with social and technological advancements.

PRE-INDUSTRIAL REVOLUTION

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SheratonStyle-589d20c73df78c4758affc0f c

Designed by Thomas Sheraton

Designed by André-Charles Boulle

INDUSTRIAL REVOLUTION

With the introduction of steam power and a growing middle class demanding fine furniture, production moved to a mass scale outside of the artisan workshop solely.

Example of mass-produced furniture

Designed by Edward Thonet

Example of mass-produced furniture

Example of mass-produced furniture

Designed by
Edward Thonet

ARTS & CRAFTS MOVEMENT

In the mid-19th century, as a reaction to the widespread influx of excessively ornate and artificial machine-made furniture, consumers looked to traditional craftsmen for cabinetry representing attention to detail that showcased the qualities of the materials used.

Designed by Edward Barnsley

Designed by Alan Peters

Schools of Design

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Drawn from religious and community roots – creative design secondary to tradition and community needs, often features symmetrical elements and an efficient use of materials

Woods used: oak, mahogany, pine, and teak

SCANDINAVIAN

Gold, gilded, ornate – Highly decorative with stains and painted finishes, surfaces often used as canvases for fine art painting

Woods used: beech

EARLY FRENCH PROVINCIAL

Strong focus on form and materials – often featuring turned spindles and steam-bent wood

Woods used: cherry and walnut

EARLY AMERICAN COLONIAL

Drawn from religious and community roots – creative design secondary to tradition and community needs, often features symmetrical elements and an efficient use of materials

Woods used: cherry and walnut

SHAKER

Also known as ‘Asian’ design – features Asian motifs and culturally specific detailing

Woods used: bamboo and rattan

ORIENTAL

Utilitarian design that showcases the materials used in their natural state – “live edges”, whole logs, branches with bark, etc.

Woods used: pine, cedar, fir, and spruce

RUSTIC

Leading style of the Arts & Crafts and Art Nouveaux Movements – featuring straight thick lines and flat panels often with visible natural grain and black wrought iron hardware

Woods used: white oak