How to Identify a Colonial Style Entertainment Center
Finding a genuine Colonial style entertainment center is, of course, impossible since no one was watching much television back in the 18th century. Nevertheless, that doesn't mean you should give up on finding a reproduction that will fit in with the décor already in your home. The following points will help you identify Colonial entertainment centers that are right for you.
The most important aspect to think about is the overall look and feel of the room where your new TV cabinet will exist. Overall characteristics of Colonial furniture include a simple, traditional look with straight lines, while carved details are often reserved for the feet or the edges of cabinets. However, some 18th century American furniture was influenced by European designers who created more ornate furniture. Take a look at your current pieces to determine the overall style that is right for your room.
While the overall feel is important, the details can make or break the look. Paying attention to the details of a TV cabinet can pull your whole look together.
Cabinetmakers of the 18th century crafted their pieces from strong, sturdy woods. Look for walnut, maple or pine in more traditional pieces and mahogany or cherry in more ornate ones.
A television will most likely stick out like a sore thumb in any period room. One way to keep your design consistent, but still have your TV, is simply to hide the TV. Most Colonial cabinetry has solid, wooden doors that will conveniently hide away your modern appliances.
A tell-tale sign of an 18th century cabinet is the legs. The cabriole-style curved leg with a foot, sometimes a claw foot, is the most typical style, but conservative pieces sometimes have a flat-surfaced, block leg.
With wood being a key component for these types of cabinets, you might want to look for a stain or varnish that brings out the natural tones of the wood. However, painted surfaces were not uncommon at that time, so you may want to consider a painted one. Typical colors from the time period include blues, greens, pinks, earth tones and red as an accent color on the interior.
Once you've identified the entertainment center that works with your décor and you finally bring it home, where you place it can actually make it appear more authentic. In the 18th century, the fireplace was the center of the home and, as a result, the centerpiece. Cabinets were often placed to the side of the fireplace to be on display, but not take away from it. If you have a fireplace, consider placing your new cabinet to the side to add that final authentic touch.
Colonial Style Entertainment Center - Overall Look
The most important aspect to think about is the overall look and feel of the room where your new TV cabinet will exist. Overall characteristics of Colonial furniture include a simple, traditional look with straight lines, while carved details are often reserved for the feet or the edges of cabinets. However, some 18th century American furniture was influenced by European designers who created more ornate furniture. Take a look at your current pieces to determine the overall style that is right for your room.
The Details of Colonial Entertainment Centers
While the overall feel is important, the details can make or break the look. Paying attention to the details of a TV cabinet can pull your whole look together.
Material
Cabinetmakers of the 18th century crafted their pieces from strong, sturdy woods. Look for walnut, maple or pine in more traditional pieces and mahogany or cherry in more ornate ones.
Doors
A television will most likely stick out like a sore thumb in any period room. One way to keep your design consistent, but still have your TV, is simply to hide the TV. Most Colonial cabinetry has solid, wooden doors that will conveniently hide away your modern appliances.
Legs
A tell-tale sign of an 18th century cabinet is the legs. The cabriole-style curved leg with a foot, sometimes a claw foot, is the most typical style, but conservative pieces sometimes have a flat-surfaced, block leg.
Color
With wood being a key component for these types of cabinets, you might want to look for a stain or varnish that brings out the natural tones of the wood. However, painted surfaces were not uncommon at that time, so you may want to consider a painted one. Typical colors from the time period include blues, greens, pinks, earth tones and red as an accent color on the interior.
Placement
Once you've identified the entertainment center that works with your décor and you finally bring it home, where you place it can actually make it appear more authentic. In the 18th century, the fireplace was the center of the home and, as a result, the centerpiece. Cabinets were often placed to the side of the fireplace to be on display, but not take away from it. If you have a fireplace, consider placing your new cabinet to the side to add that final authentic touch.
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