Vintage Spotlight: Eastlake Furniture

Written and photographed by Courtney Vettel

What is Eastlake furniture? Intricate spoon carvings, deep, rich oak and cherry tones and beautifully well-built furniture are all characteristics of a style of furniture called Eastlake. This style has a special place in my heart, as it has been sprouting up in almost every room in our restorations of our 1880 Folk Victorian home. Read more about the history of and how to identify Eastlake furniture.

An Eastlake washstand, a quintessential piece of furniture in every 1800s home, now serves as a bedside table. Above it, I prominently display a photograph of my great-grandparents.

Eastlake Furniture History

Charles Eastlake was an English architect for whom the “Eastlake” style of furniture is named, but he didn’t make any of the furniture you’ll see noted as Eastlake. In 1868 he wrote a book titled Hints on Household Taste in Furniture, Upholstery, and Other Details, which was influential in the creation of the Eastlake style. The book itself presented two interpretations of Eastlake style. If you spot an Eastlake piece that is more elaborately designed, it is often of U.S. origin; whereas the English followed Eastlake’s calling for sturdy furniture in basic design.

Eastlake pieces such as this dresser also have stunning, intricate brass hardware. Look closely at the detail on each handle and lock here on this Eastlake dresser.

How to Identify Eastlake Furniture

The first telltale sign of an Eastlake piece is the decorative spoon carvings that are lightly incised, meaning not deeply carved. Geometric ornaments, spindles and finials are also common. The squares and rectangles are visually prominent.
The types of wood most commonly used were oak and cherry. Rosewood and walnut also made appearances. The wood grain was often highlighted.
Eastlake furniture rejected design that relied on manufacturing and favored the handmade and artisanal process. Many of these pieces are well built and sturdy because of their simple craftsmanship.

My favorite type of spoon carvings on Eastlake pieces are these dainty floral patterns. The patterns were lightly carved so they were easier to clean.

How to Style the Furniture Today

Although Eastlake furniture was popular in 1800s, they still hold a classic appeal for the homes of today. These furniture pieces were built to last and their ornate, decorative patterns lend a sophisticated style element to any home. These pieces can stand by themselves in their original antique patina, or recently many of these pieces have been painted in luscious black tones or bright, vibrant colors, all of which lend new life to an antique piece.

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To see more of Courtney’s collecting tips, see Vintage Organization Charm, Jadeite Dishware: A Collector’s Guide and Tips for a Cozy Fall Kitchen. Of course, don’t forget to follow us on Instagram, Facebook and Pinterest to get your daily dose of farmhouse inspiration!

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Author Bio

Courtney Vettel

Courtney Vettel is a proud wife, mother to three and high school counselor from the peaceful prairies of North Dakota. She shares all things creating, crafting, cooking, and collecting. She is well known for her many vintage collections, with her jadeite collection being the most extensive. She strives to create a home that gives new life to vintage treasures in unique ways. One of her greatest accomplishments has been the complete restoration of a historic 1880 Victorian home in Deadwood, South Dakota that they operate as a bed & breakfast now. Currently, she is working on the restoration of a historic one-room schoolhouse that was moved to their farm.