Antique Periods Timeline: Georgian to Mid-Century Styles
A simple timeline of antique styles and periods: Georgian, Regency, Victorian, Arts & Crafts, Art Nouveau, Art Deco and Mid-Century, with key features.
By Ayoub Farid · · 2 min read
Knowing the major style periods helps you date antiques at a glance — and spot when something doesn't fit. Dates overlap and vary by country, and styles were often revived later, so use this as a guide, not a rulebook.
Georgian (c. 1714–1830)
Named after the four King Georges of Britain.
- Furniture: elegant proportions, mahogany, cabriole legs early on, later straight tapered legs; Chippendale, Hepplewhite and Sheraton designs
- Silver: refined forms, often with crisp hallmarks — see silver hallmarks
- Ceramics: creamware, early porcelain factories, tea wares
Regency / Federal / Empire (c. 1790–1830)
- Classical influences from ancient Greece, Rome and Egypt
- Lighter furniture, brass inlay, sabre legs
- In the US, the Federal style; in France, the Empire style
Victorian (1837–1901)
The long reign of Queen Victoria saw industrialization and many revival styles.
- Furniture: heavier, ornate, dark woods (mahogany, rosewood, walnut), balloon-back chairs, upholstered pieces
- Decorative arts: transfer-printed pottery, pressed glass, silver plate, sentimental jewelry
- Revival styles: Gothic, Rococo, Renaissance
Arts & Crafts (c. 1880–1920)
A reaction against industrial mass production.
- Simple, sturdy forms with honest, visible construction
- Oak, hand-hammered copper, art pottery with matte glazes
- Nature-inspired but stylized ornament
Art Nouveau (c. 1890–1910)
- Flowing, organic "whiplash" curves
- Flowers, vines, insects and female figures
- Art glass, jewelry with enamel, bronze lamps — see antique lamps
Edwardian (c. 1901–1915)
- Lighter, more delicate furniture and decoration
- Platinum and diamond jewelry with lacy settings — see antique jewelry
Art Deco (c. 1920–1940)
- Geometric shapes, stepped forms, sunbursts and chevrons
- Glossy veneers, chrome, Bakelite, lacquer
- Bold contrasts in jewelry and design
Mid-Century Modern (c. 1945–1970)
- Clean lines, minimal ornament
- Teak, walnut, molded plywood, fiberglass
- Tapered splayed legs, organic shapes — see mid-century modern furniture
Quick reference
| Period | Approx. dates | Signature look |
|---|---|---|
| Georgian | 1714–1830 | Elegant, mahogany, classical proportions |
| Regency/Federal | 1790–1830 | Classical motifs, brass inlay |
| Victorian | 1837–1901 | Ornate, dark woods, revivals |
| Arts & Crafts | 1880–1920 | Simple, sturdy, handcrafted |
| Art Nouveau | 1890–1910 | Flowing organic curves |
| Edwardian | 1901–1915 | Light, delicate, lacy |
| Art Deco | 1920–1940 | Geometric, glossy, bold |
| Mid-Century | 1945–1970 | Clean lines, teak, modern materials |
Use the timeline wisely
Styles were copied long after their period. A "Victorian style" piece may be from the 1980s. Always confirm with construction, materials and marks — see how to date antiques and how to tell if something is antique.
A fast way to get a hypothesis is to scan the piece with AntiqueIQ: you'll get an estimated age range and era along with an identification and value range.
Frequently asked questions
What period is my antique from?
Compare its style with the timeline, then confirm with construction, materials and marks.
What is the difference between Art Nouveau and Art Deco?
Art Nouveau uses flowing natural curves; Art Deco uses geometric shapes and bold lines.
Is Victorian furniture valuable?
Some is; much common Victorian furniture sells modestly today, while fine pieces by good makers still sell well.