You want to start decorating your home in English Country Furniture and decor but there’s only one small problem: You don’t know what it is and you don’t know where to find it! As French Country Furniture is quite popular, I will use it as a comparison to help show what English Country Furniture is.
Think of English Country Furniture as country furniture in a proper setting. Credit: Cotede Texas
English Country Furniture as we have come to know it primarily originated in the late 17th century and 18th century England. Stately English Manors and houses in the country side were home to many ongoings and transactions within the community (the homes actually were a source of income for the rich owners). Because much business was held in these wealthy homes, these manors and their furnishings were large and grandiose but reflective of their country surroundings.
Bright whites are common in English Country decorating.
English Country Decor and Furniture carries with it many of the same pieces and structure but unlike French Country Furniture, it is not downtrodden or distressed to an extreme. This is best shown by the stronger colors. English Country decor and fabric has more prolific, brighter colors whereas French Country decor looks worn and weathered. Enlighs Country decor prominently uses a plain white while French Country founds itself in darker almond creamy colors.
Another characteristic of English Country Decor is scrolls and damask designs. English Country Furniture is more kept and proper look while French Country has a more come as you go feel to it. Think of English Country as a relaxed furniture and style that takes on proper tendencies because of its upper class heritage. French Country Furniture embraces that old country charm but looks more like the living room and decor was left in the open fields during the summer and then brought back in the house.
When you’re decorating your living room, kitchen, or bedroom in an English Country style, remember that English Country rooms were typically hard to maneuver in and that home owners typically bought more furniture than could comfortably fit in the house. This “more-the-merrier” approach has actually grown to the point part of being associated with English Country is having a cramped room.
HomeBB.com – The Guide to What is English Country Furniture