Introduction
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| Furniture has existed throughout
history for many reasons. Obviously, the first is that of function and
practicality. Chairs were designed to be sat upon; tables and stands for
putting things on; beds and couches to rest upon; chests and wardrobes
to store things in. Historians contend that furniture also played a very
important role in indicating ones social status. Comfort and
practicality often took a backseat to form and beauty. Only within the
last century has technology had a drastic effect on furniture making
techniques and even materials than ever before. Everyone has their
favorite piece of furniture. Your choice may be inspired by form,
function, comfort, craftsmanship, price tag or a combination of any of
these. This virtual history of furniture is intended to help provide a
basis for your appreciation of furniture. Be
sure to pay attention to the images and their captions throughout this
site. After finishing this virtual peek into the history of furniture,
complete the quiz that follows and click the submit button to send it to
your instructor. Good luck and enjoy! |
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Ancient
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Prehistoric Stone House
at Skara Brae, Orkney Scotland with built-in benches and sleeping
places. Furniture: a Concise History, Edward Lucie-Smith, Oxford
University Press, New York and Toronto, 1979 |
| Very few examples of
furniture from ancient Egypt, Western Asia, Greece, Rome and prehistoric
times have survived to be studied. Articles which have survived have
been preserved in the tombs of kings and high dignitaries. Native woods
used for furniture of this age included acacia, sycamore-fig, tamarisk
and sidder. Some imported woods like cedar, cypress, juniper and ebony
were also used. Other materials used for ancient furniture included
stone, ivory and precious metals like gold for inlaying. The x-framed
folding stool was a very popular design which is used even today. To the
right is the Golden Throne of Tutankhamen
discovered by Howard Carter in 1922. (Cairo Museum) |
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Middle Ages
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Sir Norm
and Ye Old
Yankee Workshop?
Nope, it's a
Mid-fifteenth century master-carver's workshop. Check out the
hand-carved linen fold panel inserts! (Ecole des Beax Arts, Paris)
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Throne of Dagobert, about seventh century A.D. Notice the
x-framed design. Furniture: a Concise History, Edward Lucie-Smith,
Oxford University Press, New York and Toronto, 1979 |
Furniture of this time reflected that of
a nomadic culture. Wealthy land owners and nobles never lived long in
one place. They traveled constantly throughout their domains which
discouraged bulky household goods. Anything left behind one of many
dwellings was either built-in or very large and difficult to move to
deter thieves. Furniture was designed with mobility in mind and usually
could be disassembled. The chest was the most widespread article of
domestic furniture. It was used for transporting goods and then storing
them once the destination had been reached. Three legged stools, trestle
tables and benches were also popular. Joinery methods included mortise
and tenon, dovetail and tongue and groove joints. Primary material used
for furniture of this time was predominately oak but pine was also used. |
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Medieval Spanish iron-bound chest. The rounded top helped
to shed water to keep contents dry during a move. Furniture: a Concise
History, Edward Lucie-Smith, Oxford University Press, New York and
Toronto, 1979
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1500-1600
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| Some important changes in
furniture construction took place in the sixteenth century. Panel and
frame construction allowed for lighter furniture which was easier to
move. This caused a separation from the methods of the turners and
carpenters and a joiners guild formed that helped set the standards of
quality furniture making. Oak was still used but was beginning to be
replaced near the end of this century by walnut as it had a finer grain
making it easier for carving. Carving was largely the favored method of
decorating furniture. The chest of drawers and upholstered furniture
were also introduced late in the 16th century. |
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French cabinet made in about 1550 in carved walnut with
marble inlay. Column and arch design incorporated into this design was
inspired by architecture and very common for furniture of this time
period. |
Canopy bed made in sixteenth century. Notice the
elaborately carved headboard and finials on top of the bed posts. The
bedding and draperies were often considered more valuable than the
furniture itself. |
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