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Ec64-1179 American 18th Century Furniture, Magdalene Pfister

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

During early colonial days, only the most essential and simplest furniture was made. As the country changed from frontier to prosperous colonies, more furniture was imported. These pieces were copied but often with simpler ornamentation. Native woods as well as imported mahogany were used. Furniture made in this century, "the golden age of decorative arts," is still copied or adapted today.

The styles of England were brought over through books, by immigrants, and by the royal governors whose homes expressed culture and refinement as well as importance of their position.