The earliest furniture was made when nomadic people began to settle in one place.
Furniture design and production developed according to social, cultural, political and economic issues. For example, peasants during the Middle Ages owned a few, simply made pieces of furniture such as a trunk and a few stools. During the time of Louis XIV, the Baroque era, the king had tables and thrones made from silver.
Egyptian, Greek and Roman Furniture
Early furniture was made mostly for the wealthy and nobility. Seating furniture and tables were most common. Painted and carved decoration depicted religious and political images.
Furniture from the Middle Ages
During the Middle Ages (fifth through 16th centuries), the most sophisticated furniture was created for churches and high-level church personnel. Carved or painted decoration showed motifs related to church and nature.
Renaissance and Baroque Furniture
The Renaissance and Baroque eras (1450 to 1750) utilized more elaborate furniture construction techniques. Furniture makers created more types of furniture such as large armoires, cupboards for storage. Carved and inlaid decoration was popular.
Rococo Furniture
Rococo furniture (1735 to 1775) included smaller chairs and tables. Furniture was lighter in weight and color, and the nature-based decoration was very feminine.
Neoclassical Furniture
Neoclassical furniture (1765 to 1840) used straight lines and simple decorations. The geometric shape was prominent in all furniture types. Large bookcases became popular.
Nineteenth-Century Revival Furniture
Nineteenth-century furniture mimicked earlier furniture styles. Egyptian revival, Gothic revival and rococo revival were a few of the styles. Mass production techniques were introduced. The construction and decoration used new materials.
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