Eastlake Settee Value Guide

The Eastlake Settee is a hallmark of the late Victorian era, defined by the functionalist philosophy of English architect Charles Eastlake. These pieces are highly collectible for their departure from heavy Rococo curves in favor of sturdy, linear forms and intricate incised carvings.

What Is Eastlake Settee Worth?

The typical price range for Eastlake Settee is $250 - $300 based on recent sales. However, values can vary depending on the item's condition, rarity, and other factors such as:

• Condition of the original or period-appropriate upholstery fabric significantly impacts the $250-$300 price range.
• The intricacy and preservation of the characteristic geometric wood carvings on the crest rail.
• Structural integrity of the frame, specifically looking for stability in the joints of the cherry or oak wood.
• Provenance or manufacturer marks that link the piece to specific American workshops of the 1880s.

How to Identify Eastlake Settee?

• Look for geometric, shallow-incised carvings rather than deep, high-relief sculptural elements.
• Identify the wood species, which is most commonly oak or cherry, typical of American Eastlake production.
• Check for the signature linear silhouette and square-turned legs that define the 1870-1890 aesthetic.
• Examine the joinery for late 19th-century construction techniques consistent with 'Hints on Household Taste' principles.

History of Eastlake Settee

The Eastlake style, popular during the Victorian era, was named after Charles Eastlake, an English architect and furniture designer. His 1868 book, 'Hints on Household Taste', advocated for simpler, more functional furniture with geometric carvings, moving away from the elaborate curves of earlier Victorian styles. Eastlake furniture is characterized by its linear forms, incised carvings, and often features oak or cherry wood.