To add a subtle touch of Royal-inspired elegance and decadence to your interiors, Regency styled furnishing is ideal. The term “Regency” describes a brief period in British history, which followed the excessive and gaudy decoration of the Baroque era. The Regency age was defined by refinement and elegance, in both style and manner, and this translated to interior design too. Nowadays, Regency style furnishings are still very popular, and their sleek and charming looks continue to be attractive to contemporary designers.
The Regency style often emulated the classical grace of Roman and Greek design. Buildings echoed the long, flowing gowns of classical statues, with a minimalistic elegance. Wrought iron was crafted into floral shapes, and graceful, ornamental curves characterised much of the furnishing style.
For a contemporary take on this look, a gently distressed finish on a classic styled dressing table or dining table gives a beautiful vintage touch to any room. The graceful curves of classic Regency furnishings continue to look attractively elegant. To prevent looking too costumey, mix things up with on trend colour schemes that complement the furnishing, and bright, photographic prints to decorate wall space. Or try a beautiful vintage looking kitchen dresser, to showcase special ornament and crockery, or antique collectibles.
Another way to introduce a Regency look is the use of brocade and jacquard. Ornate and stylised floral shapes look fresh and modern in monochrome tones. A glamourous feature chair in black can create a stand out piece in a main room or bedroom, against rich, jewel tone coloured walls or look amazing fresh in white, with a clean minimalist white space.
As well as looking to the Greeks and Romans, Regency style also took inspiration from the luxurious opulence of the Orient and Egypt. Gilt and gold finishes were often used to create a refined, majestic look. Bring a touch of luxury to your home with a cosy leather effect sofa finished in touches of black and gold. A velvet footstool looks both retro and elegant, and adds a quirky touch to a bedroom.
Dark woods also look opulent and subtly extravagant, especially when paired with expensive looking golden accessories and lighting fixtures. A long dark wood table can create a stunning impact in a dining room, draped in a golden dining cloth. Overhung by a beautiful crystal chandelier, you can create a regal and inviting dining room, without having to spend a royal fortune.
For the little princesses in your home, you can create a fun and practical way of incorporating the Regency style into children’s bedrooms, with pretty pink chairs, shapes like mini thrones. A princess style bookcase is a useful and clever way to create storage space and organise books, dolls and favourite cuddly toys, while also making the little princess of the castle feel quite special!
Regency style furnishing doesn’t have to be stuffy or archaic, instead it looks attractive and elegant in a contemporary home. Combined with modern touches of decorative design, Regency furnishings can bring a wonderful touch of elegance and refinement to modern life.