A Brief History of 20th Century Depression Era Veneered Furniture- How a Bad Economy Influenced Design Styles
The furniture term Depression era has come to mean a piece dating from the ‘20s, ‘30s or early 1940s. The stock market crash that occurred on that black Tuesday, October 29, 1929, soon became better known as the Great Depression. The Depression was a rapidly spreading worldwide economic downturn that was not easily recovered from for over a decade. Not yet antique, it is usable, collectible and usually affordable. Often depression era furniture is the “antique” handed down to a young person’s first starter home. Depression era furniture is usually a great starter for people wanting an easy intro in to collecting vintage pieces.
Now that the world economy is once again in distress people are looking for deals. Once shunned by antique dealers and buyers, Depression furnishings have began to come in to its own and is seeing some demand because the prices are much better deals that other types of “antique” furniture. Another bonus is that there was so much massed produced and it is still so inexpensive that reproductions are virtually unheard of. As the population ages and more estates are liquidated, the stream of Depression furniture will increase in the marketplace and more home owners will be incorporating it in to their designs.
Unlike the solid wood used by our Amish craftsmen, depression era furniture makers engaged in lots of veneer work. While solid wood is always preferred not all veneer furnishings are low-end such as that produced pre-Great Depression. During the Depression era, however, manufacturers had to make furniture attractive to consumers and keep costs low. By layering a thin slice of ornate veneer over less desirable wood the goal was attained. Since there was such a heavy use of veneers Depression-era furniture it is wise to always check out pieces for glue failure. To make sure the veneer is solid; simply tap with your finger. If the thump is solid, the veneer is fine. If the thump is more of a paper-clicking sound it is not. Also watch for any signs of lifting or peeling away.
Furniture manufacturers not only coupled veneers with lower quality woods but also used bleaches, stains and fillers to alter and enhance the characteristics of the wood. Styles were copied from those in style in the 17th, 18th and 19th centuries. Although costs were being cut some are exact replicas; only identified by closely examining the woods used.
Because most pieces from this era don’t compete with the decorative furnishings and accent pieces already in existing in your home, it is an acceptable supplement to your custom built Amish design pieces.
Tags: amish craftsmen, Amish Furniture Styles, Black Tuesday, Collecting, Depression, economy, glue, solid wood, veneer, vintage furniture
