What is the name of the furniture period characterized by deeded, rounded legs and ring turnings?

The furniture period characterized by deeded, rounded legs and ring turnings is known as the Sheraton style. This design emerged in the late 18th and early 19th centuries, primarily attributed to the English cabinetmaker Thomas Sheraton, who published a design book in 1791 that showcased these stylistic elements.

Sheraton furniture is noted for its elegance and simplicity, often featuring tapered legs that are rounded at the bottom, complemented by ring turnings that add a decorative touch. This stylistic choice reflects the transitional phase of furniture design between the more elaborate forms of the late Baroque period and the cleaner lines of Federal and Regency styles that followed.

Conversely, the other styles—Federal, Chippendale, and Jacobean—feature distinct characteristics that do not align with the rounded legs and ring turnings that define the Sheraton period. For instance, Chippendale is known for its intricate carvings and cabriole legs, while Federal furniture tends to exhibit more neoclassical influences with straight lines and ornamentation. Jacobean is marked by heavier, more robust designs, often with wooden carvings and darker finishes. Understanding these differences helps to clearly identify Sheraton as the correct answer.