What Is a Jacobean Style Couch?

Jacobean Period

• Jacobean refers to the styles in fashion during the reign of King James I of England. King James reigned from 1603 to 1625. Jacobean form and architecture is considered an early phase of the English Renaissance, and was consistent and formal. Jacobean furniture is considered a baroque type of furniture. Baroque is classified as heavily ornamented wide turns in the wood. Baroque furniture is generally thick and sturdy.

Fabric

• According to Regal Fabrics glossary of historical fabrics, Jacobean fabric is almost always used on upholstery, including Jacobean couches. The fabric is heavy and embroidered with ornate designs that were originally inspired by Oriental artwork and finer fabrics. Fine detailing and small florals help categorize the embroidery as Jacobean. Common motifs for the padded seats on Jacobean type couches include flowers, fruits, vines and birds. These designs are often colorful and ornamental.

Structure

• Jacobean style couches have a uniform, formal structure with thick pillars for legs and arms, and evenly rounded headboards. Some fancier styles will have ornate designs in the wood of the back of the couch. This structural type was a move away from the intricate, fine curlicue designs of Italy and was influenced by the more strait and formal structure found in German designs of the time. Later Renaissance furniture in England incorporated more Italian flair.

Material

• According to the Buffalo Architectural Museum, Oak was the most popular wood for making good quality furniture both leading up to and during the Jacobean era. Jacobean style couches today are either made of oak or stained to look like oak. After the civil war broke out in England in 1660, Ash and Maple gained in popularity for making furniture. This may have been due to its lower cost.