Painted decoration of a delicate character, the details including ribbons, borders and medallions, was applied to table-tops, harpsichord cases, chair-backs and other objects. The names of Angelica Kauffmann and Cipriani are associated with this form of decoration.
Hepplewhite and Sheraton were apparently influenced by the work of the brothers Adam, which was a distinct departure from the earlier style. The cabriole leg was rarely used, its place being taken by gracefully tapered forms.
Sheraton
Although some of Sheraton’s furniture had painted detail, he more often used marqueterie and inlay of fine design.
Panels were treated in marqueterie, with ovals or other simple shapes surrounded by narrow bands or lines of contrasting colour.
Sheraton sideboards were usually without backs, and were sometimes furnished with brass rails on top.
Bookcases had glass doors with well designed and finely worked sash bars.
The general tendency was towards elegance and refinement, and led to simplicity of treatment rather than over enrichment.
Indeed this may be taken as the culminating period for the finest production of furniture, not only with regard to design and exquisite workmanship, but in carefully studied utility. This consideration may be seen in the dressing-tables and secretaires, which were full of ingenious devices, and secret drawers and contrivances for hiding papers and valuables were quite a feature of the work.