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Evening Standard
Evening Standard
Lifestyle
Saskia Kemsley

Best Regency-style furniture for adding grandeur to your interiors

Once upon a time, the pinnacle of luxury was considered to be Tuscan-style McMansions in the heart of the Hollywood Hills.

They’d have spiralling stone staircases, wrought-iron medieval gates and cross-hatched bars over tiny faux windows. Ideally, there’d also be a turret or two, massive four-poster beds and trailing ivy from top to toe.

Thank goodness the interiors world has moved on. Now trends range from Mid-century modern obsession and farmhouse nostalgia to 70s-inspired velvet-clad spaces. Yet no matter how much time passes, it seems we’ll always return to vintage styles.

Interior-wise, it doesn’t get more vintage than Regency. Despite the enduring popularity of the opulent aesthetic, the Regency period spanned a mere nine years. The years between 1811 and 1820 are named as such because George, The Prince of Wales, was named Prince Regent as his father, George III, was declared too mentally unwell to rule. The Prince Regent officially ascended to the throne as George IV in 1820.

The ‘Morning Room’ set from Netflix’s Bridgerton (Netflix / Bridgerton)

While Regency style continued into 1820 and beyond, those nine years are credited with starting an upheaval in popular fashion, architecture and style. During his temporary governance, the Prince Regent commissioned John Nash to design terrace houses at Regent’s Park, build the Royal Pavilion in Brighton, and even remodel Buckingham Palace.

In furniture, the Regency period favoured neoclassical designs inspired by ancient Egypt, Greece and Rome. Ornate carvings and metalwork complemented the furniture with designers showcasing symmetry and straight, unobtrusive lines.

Rebecca Hessel Cohen’s take on the Morning Room (AD/ Rebecca Hessel Cohen)

Netflix’s Bridgerton series has sparked a resurgence in the extravagant, palatial style of the Regency era. However, it was the founder of LoveShackFancy Rebecca Hessel Cohen’s NYC townhouse tour that sealed the deal for most folks.

Feeling inspired? Embrace the lavish, sumptuous stylings of Regency-inspired interiors by shopping our furniture edit below.

Cabbages & Roses Wardour Bed Toile

Nothing says bedroom elegance like an upholstered bed frame. This scalloped option from Love Your Home features a delicate French Toile on natural linen. The extra-high headboard is finished with beautiful blue piping, which separates the repeated floral pattern which is featured in reverse colours on the border.

Buy now £2992.00, Love Your Home

Bridgerton Lady Whistledown Soft Blue Rug

For truly on-the-nose Bridgerton style, look no further than Ruggable’s dedicated Regency-inspired collection. The Lady Whistledown rug looks as though it’s been plucked straight from the Bridgerton’s Morning Room. The highly embellished design features subtle, ornate crowns and romantic floral motifs and a slightly weathered vintage feel.

Buy now £349.00, Ruggable

Louis XV Dressing Table Mirror

We know, Louis XV Versailles-esque interiors aren’t the same as Regency interiors – but they are remarkably similar, and both rely on classical influences. This luxury wooden tabletop mirror is crafted from hand-selected, premium hardwood timber. It’s polished in an antique pecan finish with a finely distressed patina for a true vintage aesthetic. The dressing table is sold separately.

Buy now £1290.00, And So To Bed

Alwinton Footstool

No Regency-inspired space is complete without a footstool. We love the cranberry cloth stripes which adorn Sofas & Stuff’s classic Alwinton footstool, which is complete with handy wheels.

Buy now £1148.00, Sofas & Stuff

Antique Regency 19th Century Armchair Desk Chair

Though it’s likely been reupholstered, this is a true antique from the Regency period which would make a unique addition to any living space.

Buy now £279.40, Etsy

Bookplate Shells III

When embracing Regency-inspired interiors, it’s all or nothing for real impact. That means opting for historical artwork to complete the aesthetic. Though reproduced, we love the classic Anthropological plate style which was popular throughout the 19th century.

Buy now £23.99, Wayfair

Epoca Lampadari 1365 Pink Bow Metal Table Lamp

Delightfully feminine, this table lamp features a pretty pink, sculpted metal bow. It’s also complete with hand-decorated gold leaf detailing for a truly luxe finish.

Buy now £205.00, Artemest

Antique Swedish Gustavian Style Lindome Painted Dining Chairs/ W Beige Leather - Set of 6

Indulgent and effortlessly charming, these true vintage Swedish Gustavian-style antique chairs will instantly transform your home into a Regency-era mansion.

Buy now £1396.00, Etsy

18th century Gustavian Sofa

Though dated a little earlier than the Regency period, this Gustavian sofa would look wonderful in any Palace-inspired home – no matter the era.

Buy now £7700.00, 1st Dibs

Toulouse Wardrobe

Embody the spirit of the French countryside with this vintage-inspired wardrobe by Cox & Cox. Adorned with fabulous decorative details right down to the feet, it’s a storage solution fit for a true romantic. Crafted from solid mahogany, it includes a hanging rail and a spacious bottom drawer.

Buy now £2995.00, Cox & Cox

Rustic Wooden Bookcase with Ladder

Dreaming of a fairytale library which you can traverse with the help of a majestic, moveable ladder? Look no further than CFS. You won’t have to employ carpenters and in-built furniture specialists as this beautiful rustic bookcase is brilliantly designed to accommodate an extensive collection of literature and miscellaneous knick-knacks. Crafted from white cedar wood with a closed-back design, this wonderful piece of furniture is equipped with 12 shelves.

Buy now £2495.19, CFS

VASAGLE Corner Shelf, 5 Tier Plant Stand

Made of tempered glass and a gold-coloured frame, this slight but sturdy stand can be used for housing just about anything. Think plants, your fragrance collection, precious photos. It’s an easy way to add storage with style to your home.

Buy now £44.99, Amazon

Ruskin Cotton Pencil Pleat Curtains

A value-for-money dupe of William Morris’ iconic Strawberry Thief pattern, the Ruskin Cotton Pencil Pleat Curtains from Dunelm are sure to add some sophisticated elegance to your home. Crafted from 100 per cent cotton face fabric with polycotton striped lining, arts and crafts enthusiasts will rejoice in these lovely soft furnishings.

Buy now £35.00, Dunelm

Pavilion Wooden Side Table

This gorgeous, pale blue side table by Birdie Fortescue offers classic style. Complete with a natural cane finish and hand-carved leaf detailing, if Lady Bridgerton were a real person, we’re sure she’d covet it.

Buy now £450.00, Birdie Fortescue

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