• Antique furniture is functional first, ornate second.antique maple bar stool image by James Phelps from Fotolia.com
  
  Furniture styles are often talked about, but trying to distinguish what furniture piece falls in what style category can become confusing. The influence of shapes in the styles of furniture is the common element in furniture design around the world. Shapes inspired furniture pieces, beginning as early as the 15th century.
  
  

American Antique

• Antique furniture is influenced by furniture pieces found throughout 16th and 17th century Europe and Colonial America. The focus of this furniture design is practicality; they are built to last for many years. Even though there are some fancy detailing elements, the fashion aspect is secondary to functionality with this style of furniture.
  
  

American Modern

• Modern furniture is made from modern elements and is known for its cleanliness and sleek look. It screams "change" from the antique furniture pieces found during the colonial days. It is stylish and functional, in that order. Common materials use to craft this style of furniture are vinyl, chrome and plastic.
  
  

American Rustic

• Rustic furniture uses natural material and handmade designs. It is made from whatever abundant material is found in a particular region. Due to its coarser appearance, it reflects a more comfortable and casual atmosphere.
  
  

English

• English furniture designs incorporate a lot of woods, such as mahogany, walnut and oak, and can range from hand crafted rustic to imposing and heavy. It is not focused on the fancy and decorative details; the focus is more on durability and use of dark, natural colors.
  
  

French

• The French furniture style reflects the French tendencies to be fancy and elaborate. Lush fabrics, ornate patterns and detailed carvings are all found in this decorative style of furniture. A country feel that comes with French furniture pieces, but its main foundation is still mainly ornamental.
  
  

Italian

• Fine arts greatly influenced Italian furniture found throughout Italy, especially Rome. Italy is world famous for its stunning sculptures and architecture, and it reflects in the furniture style deriving from this part of the world. Italian furniture makes use of many materials such as marble, wood and fabric, and often includes ornate pedestals, columns and bases.