Sheraton

furniture

Written by

The Information Architects of Encyclopaedia Britannica

Last updated

July 13, 2026

Quick Summary

Thomas Sheraton was an English cabinetmaker and a leading figure in the Neoclassical style of furniture design around 1800. His work is characterized by a refined, delicate, and feminine aesthetic, often featuring straight lines and graceful proportions. Sheraton's most significant contribution was his influential publication, The Cabinet-Maker and Upholsterers' Drawing Book (1791), which provided designs that greatly impacted English and American furniture styles. While he was a prolific author and designer, it is believed that he primarily supported himself through his writings rather than extensive furniture manufacturing. The term "Sheraton" is now used generically to describe furniture from the late 18th century that embodies this distinct style.123

Summary created from Britannica articles using AI. AI can make mistakes, so verify using Britannica articles.

3 Britannica Sources

Ask Britannica AI about this topic

Britannica doesn't have a full article on this topic, so we've curated a list of our relevant coverage.

Duncan Phyfe
…executing delicate furniture in the Sheraton, Regency, and French Directoire styles. By 1825, as taste changed, his pieces had developed into the Empire style. His Sheraton chairs, tables, and sofas often had delicate, reeded legs, and his Empire pieces had massive claw feet. His furniture, with its low relief carvings…
Read More
…executing delicate furniture in the Sheraton, Regency, and French Directoire styles. By 1825, as taste changed, his pieces had developed into the Empire style. His Sheraton chairs, tables, and sofas often had delicate, reeded legs, and his Empire pieces had massive claw feet. His furniture, with its low relief carvings…
Read More