Thomas Chippendale (1755 – 1790), for whom this style is named, was an 18th century English cabinetmaker, furniture designer and publisher active in London.  He is considered one of the most important figures in the history of furniture design.  In 1754, he published “The Gentleman and Cabinet-Maker’s Director”.  This was a large, oversized beautifully detailed catalog/book consisting of engraved plates of his designs, ranging from fire screens to large case pieces.  It was an extraordinary success and was used by many cabinet and furniture makers as a reference tool to create their own designs.

Chippendale furniture is of solid construction combined with light and grace.  The style is a fusion of design elements including traditional English and French, while borrowing from the Gothic and Chinese.  Mahogany and walnut were preferred wood choices, and furniture often exhibited intricate carving and inlaid marquetry.  At the time of Chippendale’s life, his furniture was very popular with the wealthy and sought after by the elite of his time.  His influence on classic fine furniture design is singular and Chippendale pieces are still highly prized and sought after by enthusiasts and collectors today.

 

The word settee is derived from an old English word, setl, meaning a long bench with a carved back.  Today, a settee remains a long bench, but upholstered, with a back and arms. It is smaller than a sofa in size.

 

Settees are a type of couch dating to the 18th century and became popular during the reigns of King Louis XV and XVI. They often have a shaped front and a high back with a band of polished wood arounds the arms, frame and back. Settees have a long, single seat instead of separate cushions. In French, settees are often called canapés.