Determining the value of Chippendale-style furniture can be difficult. There are pieces that sell for thousands or even millions of dollars, while others go for under $1,000. The date and maker, as well as the condition, rarity, and ornate details will all factor into what a single chair, table, chest, or mirror of this popular style will sell for. To help you get started in valuing your antiques, this guide represents a variety of Chippendale-style furniture pieces that have sold at auction in the past. Use it as a base in your research as you look for similarities with pieces that you may own or spot on the market.
Corner Chairs
The piece above is an English Chippendale-style corner chair from the mid-1800s. It features pierced splats, a deeply shaped apron, and molded squared legs. At 31 3/4 inches tall, it’s actually a converted commode chair that was sold by Morphy Auctions in 2008 for $517.50.
Chippendale Mahogany Chair
This style of chair is classic Chippendale and you will find many similar chairs on the market. When it was listed for auction in 2008, Morphy Auctions listed it as being made in the 18th century in either England or America. Though the mahogany chair was estimated to bring $300 to $500, its actual selling price was just $143.75.
Chippendale English Oak Hanging Corner Cupboard
This Chippendale English oak hanging corner cupboard is a very interesting piece. It features a broken arch pediment with brass rosettes over a double raised panel door enclosing three scalloped shelves. It measures 46 5/8 inches tall, 29 inches wide, and 17 inches deep. In 2008, it sold for $747.50. However, Morphy Auctions had it valued between $1,500 and $2,500.
Chippendale Philadelphia Mahogany Daybed
Made in Philadelphia during the 1700s, this is a wonderful Chippendale mahogany daybed. It has a scrolled crest and ears, pierced splat, and six molded square legs joined by box stretchers. The piece measures 36 1/4 inches high and 69 1/2 inches long. Originally estimated to bring between $3,000 and $4,000, the selling price was $862.50 through Morphy Auctions in 2008.
Chippendale Massachusetts Mahogany Dressing Table
Dated to around 1760, the auction house placed the maker of this Chippendale mahogany dressing table in Massachusetts, possibly in Boston or Salem. Featuring fan carving and a scalloped skirt supported by cabriole legs with ball and claw feet, it is a beautiful example. This is a restored piece with replaced brasses and stands 31 1/4 inches tall. The original estimate for the 2008 auction was $6,000 to $8,000. The actual selling price was $3,737.50 through Morphy Auctions.
Chippendale American Mahogany Tea Table
The top of this Chippendale American mahogany tea table tilts and turns on a birdcage support. The shaft is ball-turned and the piece finishes up with three cabriole legs and slipper feet. The piece has been dated to the mid-18th century and was refinished some time in its life. The table measures 28 1/4 inches tall and 30 1/4 inches wide. The selling price was $2,875 in 2008. Morphy Auctions had estimated the piece between $4,000 and $7,000.
Chippendale New England Tiger Maple Chest
Made around 1760 in New England, this Chippendale chest is made of a stunning tiger maple wood. It features a molded edge top over four drawers supported by a straight bracket with spurred feet. Considering its age, the replaced brasses and minor restoration to the feet are understandable. The chest measures 33 inches tall and 37 3/4 inches wide. It also has a provenance of Bernard & S. Dean Levy, a famous New York City antique and art house known for working with very fine pieces. Morphy Auctions sold this particular piece in 2008 for $3,162.50 with an estimate between $4,000 and $6,000.
Chippendale American Mahogany Dumbwaiter
A unique piece, this Chippendale mahogany dumbwaiter was made in the 1700s by an American craftsman. Measuring 50 1/2 inches tall, its three tiers are supported by a tapered column with ring and lower urn turnings. The tripod base has cabriole legs terminating in pad feet. Though it lacks the casters, the original spider was still with the piece. A desirable lot at the 2008 auction, this piece was estimated at $1,500 to $2,500. However, Morphy Auctions actually sold it for $3,450.
Chippendale English Mirror With Candlearms
Mirrors in the Chippendale style tend to be very ornate because they were often the focal point in front entrances. This is English mirror with the original brass candle arms is a perfect example. Made of mahogany and parcel gilt, its thought to be from 1740 to 1760. Over the years, it has seen restoration to multiple ear scrolls and carvings. The piece measures 35 inches tall and 25 3/4 inches wide. The estimate from Morphy Auction in 2008 was between $2,000 and $4,000. It sold within that range at $2,070.
Chippendale Mahogany Mirror
With an unknown origin, this Chippendale mahogany mirror was dated to around 1790. The mirror is framed with beautiful scrolls and is crowned with a gilt phoenix carving. Two of the scrolls have been replaced, there some minor veneer cracking, and a couple of replacements. The overall size is a relatively modest 31 3/4 inches tall and 17 1/4 inches wide. Estimated at $500 to $800, the actual selling price in 2008 was $575 through Morphy Auctions.
Chippendale New England Maple Slant-Front Desk
Made in New England around 1770, this maple slant-front desk is another classic design in the Chippendale style. It has a fall-front lid that reveals an array of compartments and small drawers for a writer to store useful items. The piece had the brasses and hinges replaced, some repairs to the lid, and does not have the candle slide knobs. It measures 41 3/4 inches tall and 36 3/4 inches wide. In 2008, this desk was sold by Morphy Auctions for $1,265. It was estimated at a value of $3,000 to $4,000.
Chippendale Pennsylvania Walnut Tall Chest
A tall walnut chest, this piece measures 65 1/16 inches tall and 39 1/4 inches wide. It was made in Pennsylvania sometime in the 18th century and is another classic Chippendale example. Under the cove cornice, the chest has three short drawers and five long drawers flanked by fluted columns. The brasses and ogee bracket feet have been replaced. Morphy Auctions sold this piece in 2008 for $3,162.50, with an estimate between $3,000 and $5,000.
