Eastlake Bedroom Furniture: Modern Updates For A Classic Look

Eastlake furniture is a lesser-known style of the Victorian era, embodying a simpler design motif than the over-the-top, curved, and plush Victorian furniture that decorated most English homes in the late 19th century. The style emerged due to British architect Charles Locke Eastlake's aversion to the dominant trend of the time. Eastlake's book, Hints on Household Taste, published in 1868 in England and 1872 in the US, advocated for simple, carefully crafted, and sturdy furniture, with an emphasis on fine craftsmanship. This focus on simplicity laid the groundwork for the Arts and Crafts Movement.

Eastlake furniture is primarily constructed from specific wood species, such as oak, cherry, rosewood, or walnut hardwood, and features flat surfaces, low-relief carvings, and slightly incised lines, making the furniture durable and easy to clean and polish. The style often incorporates nature-inspired themes, with plant and animal designs, quirky acorn accents, and carved leaves.

Today, Eastlake furniture can be found at various price points, with some pieces selling for higher prices if made by renowned furniture makers of the era, such as the Herter Brothers.

How to identify Eastlake furniture

Eastlake furniture is a Victorian-era style that emerged in response to the excessive ornamentation of the Rococo Revival and Renaissance Revival styles. It was inspired by British architect, author and lecturer Charles Lock Eastlake, who advocated for "careful craftsmanship" and "simple, sturdy furniture" in his book, 'Hints on Household Taste'. Here are some tips to help you identify Eastlake furniture:

Design and Ornamentation

Eastlake furniture is characterised by its geometric design elements and modest curves with a nod towards modernism. It often features Middle Eastern or Far Eastern design influences, as well as nature-inspired themes such as plant and animal motifs, including acorn accents and carved leaves. The ornamentation on Eastlake furniture is typically lightly incised rather than deeply carved, and it is less ornate than other Victorian styles.

Wood and Finish

Eastlake furniture emphasises the beauty of wood grains, with oak, cherry, rosewood and walnut being commonly used woods. Some pieces may also feature burls, which are rounded tree growths that add unique visual interest. Authentic Eastlake furniture often has an oiled natural finish to showcase the wood's striking grain, rather than using varnish or stains to camouflage cheaper woods. Some American-made Eastlake pieces may feature ebonized wood, especially those with Asian design elements, and the wood on these pieces may simulate bamboo.

Simplicity and Complexity

While Eastlake furniture is known for its simplicity, it can also be surprisingly complex in design. A single item, such as a settee, may feature multiple carved motifs. This blend of simplicity and complexity sets Eastlake furniture apart from other Victorian styles, which tend to be more ornate and heavily curved.

Makers and Manufacturers

Most Eastlake furniture was mass-produced by large American manufacturers, particularly those based in Grand Rapids, Michigan, and New York. These companies often marked their furniture with a stamp or label, which can usually be found on the underside of a settee or table, or inside dresser drawers. However, some Eastlake furniture was also crafted by skilled professional cabinetmakers, who may have interpreted Eastlake's designs with more ornate carvings or minimal incising.

Eastlake furniture pieces to consider

Eastlake furniture is characterised by its geometric design elements, angular shapes, and modest curves. The style also incorporates natural motifs, such as plant and animal designs, and quirky accents like acorns and carved leaves. Here are some Eastlake furniture pieces to consider for your bedroom:

Beds

A bed is an essential piece of furniture in any bedroom. You can find Eastlake beds in various sizes, including full, double, and king. Some beds feature burl wood or walnut construction, while others have more ornate designs, such as a high back with spindles or a Renaissance walnut frame with carved fruit handles.

Dressers and Chests of Drawers

Storage is crucial in a bedroom, and dressers or chests of drawers provide ample space for clothing and personal items. Look for Eastlake dressers with beveled mirrors or those that incorporate marble, walnut, or burl wood. Chests of drawers might feature decorative elements like carved wooden knobs or brass hardware.

Tables

Bedside tables are functional and can add visual interest to your bedroom. Eastlake side tables often have geometric designs, lightly incised carvings, and modest embellishments. You can also find Eastlake-style end tables, lamp tables, and marble-topped tables that blend functionality and aesthetics.

Chairs

A comfortable chair in the bedroom can be a great spot for reading or relaxation. Eastlake chairs come in various styles, including tufted, slipper, and spoon-back designs. Some chairs feature ornate carvings, while others have more straightforward lines. Upholstery can vary, with options like brocade, velvet, or leather.

Bookcases and Shelving

If you're looking for a place to store books or display decorative items, consider an Eastlake bookcase or shelving unit. These pieces often feature glass doors, intricate carvings, and a combination of walnut and burl wood.

Remember, when choosing Eastlake furniture for your bedroom, look for pieces that reflect the style's emphasis on simplicity, sturdy construction, and fine craftsmanship. You can find a range of options at antique shops, estate sales, and online marketplaces.

How to modernise Eastlake furniture

Eastlake furniture is characterised by its geometric design elements, angular shapes, and modest curves, marking a departure from the excessive ornamentation of the Victorian era. Here are some ways to modernise Eastlake furniture:

Reupholster with Contemporary Fabrics

Eastlake-style sofas, settees, and most chairs feature fabric or leather upholstery. Opting for contemporary fabrics with modern prints or colours can instantly modernise an Eastlake piece. For example, instead of the luxurious velvet upholstery commonly seen in the Victorian era, consider reupholstering with a minimalist linen fabric in a neutral hue.

Refinish or Repaint Woodwork

Eastlake furniture is primarily made from wood species such as cherry, oak, rosewood, or walnut. Consider refinishing or repainting the wood to give it a modern twist. For a more subtle update, you could simply oiled natural finishes, as recommended by Charles Eastlake himself, to showcase the wood's striking grain. Alternatively, for a bolder statement, you could repaint the piece in a colour that complements your existing décor.

Mix and Match with Modern Pieces

Another way to modernise your Eastlake bedroom furniture is to mix and match it with contemporary pieces. For example, you could pair an Eastlake dresser with a modern lamp or place a contemporary vase on an Eastlake bedside table. By combining old and new pieces, you can create a unique and eclectic space that feels both timeless and fresh.

Simplify and Declutter

Eastlake furniture, especially bedroom furniture, often features intricate carvings and multiple drawers. To modernise your Eastlake bedroom furniture, consider simplifying and decluttering the space. Remove any unnecessary decorative elements or accessories that feel overly fussy or busy. Emphasise clean lines and simple shapes to give your Eastlake furniture a more contemporary feel.

Incorporate Modern Accents and Accessories

Introducing modern accents and accessories is a great way to update the look of Eastlake furniture. For example, you could add contemporary hardware, such as sleek drawer pulls or knobs, to your Eastlake dresser. Or, you could hang a modern mirror above an Eastlake vanity table. These small touches can help to create a space that feels both elegant and up-to-date.

Remember, when modernising Eastlake furniture, it's important to strike a balance between preserving the piece's historic charm and making it feel relevant to your current aesthetic.

Eastlake furniture maintenance

Eastlake furniture is primarily made from cherry, oak, rosewood, or walnut hardwood. Some pieces also feature beautiful burls or rounded tree growths with stunning special effects. To maintain Eastlake furniture, it is important to:

• Preserve the wood: Use a natural oil finish to showcase the wood's striking grain and protect it from moisture and scratches. Charles Eastlake himself recommended this finishing method, criticising the use of varnishes and stains to camouflage cheap woods.
• Clean and polish: Eastlake furniture's flat surfaces, low-relief carvings, and slightly incised lines make it easy to clean and polish. Use a soft, dry cloth to wipe down the furniture regularly, and polish it with a natural wood polish to maintain its shine.
• Care for the upholstery: Eastlake-style sofas, settees, and most chairs feature fabric or leather upholstery. Vacuum the upholstery regularly and treat any stains or spills immediately. For leather upholstery, use a leather conditioner to prevent cracking and fading.
• Inspect for damage: Over time, Eastlake furniture may develop cracks, splits, or loose joints. Regularly inspect the furniture for any signs of damage and make repairs as needed. Wood glue can be used to secure loose joints, and small cracks can be filled with wood filler.
• Protect from sunlight and heat: Sunlight and heat can cause the wood to fade and crack over time. Avoid placing Eastlake furniture in direct sunlight or near heat sources such as radiators or fireplaces.
• Handle with care: Eastlake furniture is sturdy, but it is important to handle it with care to avoid scratches or dents. When moving the furniture, lift it gently and avoid dragging it across the floor.

Eastlake furniture history

Eastlake furniture emerged in the late Victorian period, from 1870 to 1890, as a reaction against the excessive and ornate styles of the time, such as the Rococo Revival and Renaissance Revival. The man behind the movement, Charles Lock Eastlake, was a British architect, author and lecturer, who advocated for "simple, sturdy furniture" that showcased careful craftsmanship. These ideas were laid out in his 1868 book, 'Hints on Household Taste', which was reprinted in the US in 1872.

Eastlake's book inspired furniture makers in the US to create pieces that were more affordable, functional and easy to clean. The style is characterised by geometric designs, angular lines, modest curves and light incised carvings. The furniture was often made from oak, cherry, rosewood or walnut, with wooden knobs, pulls, and nature-inspired motifs such as leaves and acorns. While most pieces were mass-produced, some were also handcrafted by skilled cabinetmakers, resulting in a range of interpretations of Eastlake's original vision.

The Eastlake style was well-suited to the middle-class home, as it was affordable, handcrafted, and easy to clean. It also applied to houses, with lathe-shaped wooden forms, intricate wooden porch designs, perforated gables, latticework, and beaded spindles. The style was particularly popular in California, where it merged with Italianate and Second Empire elements to create the "San Francisco Style".

Today, Eastlake furniture can be found at estate sales, antique shops, and online auction houses. While most pieces are reasonably priced, those made by renowned furniture makers of the era, such as the Herter Brothers, can command higher prices.

Frequently asked questions