Stools

Stools had declined in popularity but, when made, were made on the principle of ottomans, with a solid mahogany base and a superstructure of upholstery.

Sofas And Settees

The sofas and couches (Key XV, 2) of the Empire period were among the best pieces of furniture produced. There was considerable variety of shape, the ends being either straight, scrolled over outwards or curved inwards. The backs were ordinarily straight and usually rolled over. Legs were straight and turned or winged and lion footed, the feet being turned outwards in the direction of the ends of the sofa. Caned sofas with the frames painted and gilded were also made for summer houses. The French sofas were exceedingly magnificent creations, the backs and sides being straight and the arms being fronted by brass mounted pillars (Plate XXXVIII, p. 280). Back and seat rails were ordinarily embellished with brass mounts wherever a sufficient space permitted their application (Key XV, 2). Some of the couches and sofas were adorned with gilded swan-necked ends (Key XV, 2).

Bedsteads

Bedsteads of the Empire period, in the majority of cases, had straight head-boards and foot-boards, or both head and foot were scrolled over like the ends of a gondola. The French bedsteads of more ornate pattern had ample gilding and brass mountings bedecking the pillars that terminated each end of the head- and foot-boards. In the English bedsteads the posts were often carried up part way and terminated with a turned capping or finial. Sometimes the terminal was elaborately carved.

Tables

Dining tables of the Empire period were made with drop leaves and designed for extension much like some of the Sheraton tables. The legs were either straight and turned or carved with spiral rope motif or else with spiral acanthus. There were also centre and side tables supported on pedestals which rested on plinths borne up by winged claw feet or claw feet alone. The pedestal bearing the table was sometimes in the form of a pineapple, sometimes merely turned. Some of the pedestals were round, with hinged tops, and others were rectangular, with double tops which turned up against the wall. When extended the tops of these tables turned on the pillar so that proper support was afforded for the turned over tops by the stationary framing.

Sofa tables were oblong, with drop leaves and end supports. Pier tables were made with marble tops and pillars or mythical animals resting on a plinth supported them at each end. The part against the wall beneath the marble top often contained a mirror.

MAHOGANY BRASS MOUNTED FRENCH EMPIRE CONSOLE CABINET By Courtesy of Mr. Joel Koopman, Boston

MAHOGANY BRASS MOUNTED FRENCH EMPIRE SOFA By Courtesy of Mr. Joel Koopman, Boston.

PLATE XXXVIII.

Many ingenious work stands, which of course come under the head of tables, were also made at this time.