Basic history of furniture

A brief look at the history of furniture

The earliest furniture was understandably very primitive and only practical, but gradually the furniture also began to have more importance and it became decorated. At this point, furniture became an early status symbol. Wealthy homeowners became more refined and demanded that their furnishings reflect their status and lifestyles.

By the time of ancient Greeks and Romans, furniture began to take on the shape and style of pieces we still see today: stools, footstools, easy-chairs, forms of the chaise lounge, tables with one to four legs, beds and cabinets and chests.

Before 1600, chairs were used only by the master and mistress of the house, while others were required to sit on stools or benches, or low chests which doubled as seats.

Look at different types of furniture

Site map pages | Other home articles | Terms Of Use | Resources