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Colonial Style Furniture: History, Tips, and Curiosities.

Colonial style is an interpretation of furniture design that originates from the colonial period. It emerged in Europe between the 17th and 18th centuries, thanks to the interaction between the colonizing nations and their future colonies. For this reason, there exists an "American" colonial style and an "Oriental" colonial style, dictated by the different blends of influences that the various conquered lands brought with them.

"]Stile coloniale

A Study Room in Perfect Colonial Style

Key Points

One of the cornerstones of the colonial style is the coexistence of European-made objects, especially furniture, with elements and raw materials from the conquered territories.

In lieu of authentic period artifacts, which are now very difficult to find, representations and depictions such as prints, paintings, and wallpapers are preferred.

There are various versions of the colonial style that differ in the choice of colors, lines, and especially materials. It is not only European wood that is used, but an array of materials that evolved over the decades of colonialism. But let's proceed in order!
Salotto stile coloniale

A Perfect "Map + Curtains" Combination for a Colonial Touch

English Colonial Style

Perhaps the most well-known due to England's strong tradition that dominated the colonial landscape for centuries. The highlights of this style undoubtedly evoke the lands of the East Indies. It prominently features plants and references to the local nature: period prints, paintings, and actual potted plants for decoration.

The colors are primarily within the brown and green palettes to maintain balance and harmony within the spaces. These spaces must be spacious and well-ventilated, with no ceiling beams.

When it comes to the choice of fabrics, a true English colonial style cannot be without cotton, silk, and especially linen, the prestigious

]Stile Coloniale

A "Seychelles Charger Plate" Table Setting

Oriental Colonial Style

Unlike the aforementioned English Colonial Style, the Oriental variant favors wooden materials from the East, such as bamboo and teak. Predominantly from China, Thailand, and Indonesia, it is also characterized by the use of vibrant colors in fabrics and drapes.

American Colonial Style

The defining feature of American Colonial style is undoubtedly the architecture of spaces suited to a rural home setting. It features large arches and expansive common areas that reflect the status of a “colonial” or prairie home. There is extensive use of stone and wood, as native and natural elements, and colors leaning towards beige, cream, and burgundy. While there are many similarities among the various colonial styles, the American style distinctly emphasizes a strong presence of wood.

Essential Items for Colonial Style

To start designing a new space in colonial style, it is essential to obtain some key items that create the right atmosphere. Here’s an initial list from La Corallina:

  • A globe or, alternatively, a print of a map.
  • Wooden furniture; avoid plastics and metals.
  • Plants! Preferably in terracotta pots.
  • Animalier prints, preferably antique, to replace any photographs.
  • Candelabras and mirrors (preferably antiqued).
  • Curtains in pure colonial style.
  • Decorative plates to hang on the wall.
  • A natural fiber rug.
  • Ethnic-style cushions, with animalier prints or botanical designs.
  • A writing desk. An essential spot for reading and writing. 

]Mise en place coloniale

A Perfect Colonial Style Setup: Antique Animal Print Lampshades, Seychelles Charger Plates, Plants, and Wicker in a Spacious, Well-Ventilated Area

How Can La Corallina Help You?

For a truly authentic colonial décor, La Corallina has designed several furnishings that can be very useful for your needs.

For lighting, you cannot go wrong with animal-themed lampshades, such as our elephant, cockatoo, or the quintessential parrots with an Oriental touch. Explore our entire collection through this link.

For the table setting, you can choose from a wide range of wooden charger plates with numerous decorations: floral, like the Kenzie or the Flowers; animal-themed, featuring our Nightingales, Elephants, or colonial-era reprints. And why not dare to personalize a gold tray with your favorite print? Or perhaps a tray in natural wicker?

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