dolls house source information Gothic furniture

Gothic Furniture

Although there are very few instances of hobbyists wanting to create a completely medieval Gothic dolls house, this information has been included in the Victorian section for those who wish to represent the Gothic revival, fashionable in the mid nineteenth century. This style works well in manor houses, castles, and in particular in studiesp, libraries, masculine rooms such as dining rooms and chapels – if your house is grand enough to have one!

Medieval Gothic Furniture

Gothic styles of architecture, art and furniture date from the 12th century through to the 16th century. It is characterized by:-

Byzantine influence introduced by the crusaders
Islamic and arabesque elements,
Gothic motif of the pointed arch in furniture and buildings
Gothic furniture was mostly oak although local softwoods were also used
Heavy use of decoration and carvings, religious thems were popular
Use of heraldic motifs, griffins, lions, hawks
Floral themes including the fleur de lys
Inlays and paintings set into chair backs, cupboard doors, table tops and on
Large, solid furniture pieces following the themes of Gothic church furniture

Many new pieces of furniture were created out of Gothic style. Armoires and wardrobes for storing clothes, buffets and sideboards for eating utensils and drawers for dry storage were all evolved during this period.

Gothic Home Decor Revival

During the Victorian era Gothic revival furniture and architecture became popular in England. This theme spread to the US by the 19th century, and reproduction Gothic furniture of this period was common and popular. Look out for:-

ornate carving and pointed Gothic arches. This style was also known as "Gothick."
Tapestries and wall hangings
Stone walls and wood panelling
Candles,
Stained glass
Pewter and brass accessories
Murals and heraldic carvings
Rich colour schemes – wine, ruby, purple, black, crimson and gold

Click here to learn more about eighteenth and nineteenth century dolls houses

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