What is the History of Antique Furniture?
In today’s fast-paced world, it is easy to take common things, such as furniture, for granted. We tend to use each piece without questioning the origins, assuming that very little has changed. However, furniture has a long and rich history that dates back to the early ages of human civilization.
The Origins of Furniture
Furniture and furniture design has been part of the human experience ever since the early humans started settling into agricultural societies. Evidence of furniture traces back to the Neolithic period (approximately 5,500–2,500 B.C.), where beds, cupboards, and dressers carved from stone were found in Scotland. Murals, paintings, and sculptures have also been excavated from Egyptian Pyramids and tombs found in Turkey.
Greece’s Influence on Early Furniture Design
The ancient Greek civilization has transformed the furniture styles, although the original concept of their furniture designs was borrowed from the Egyptians and other surrounding cultures. Greek furniture stood out as unique, ornamental, softer in style, and with more attention given to the furniture’s functional elements.
By the 6th Century B.C, the Greeks had invented a variety of hand tools to work with wood and finishing methods that mostly included veneer, paintings with geometrical decorations, and oil polish. The furniture styles used in ancient Greece continue to influence modern furniture design.
How Egypt Helped Us Understand Ancient Furniture
Evidence of ancient furniture designs is predominantly dependent on wall paintings, artwork, and pottery decorations since most of the surviving furniture has rotted away over the centuries. However, Egypt has some of the only surviving examples of actual antique furniture.
Egyptian pyramids and tombs have played a crucial role in preserving ancient furniture history. As a people, Egyptians are well known to have buried their loved ones with their possessions, including furniture, as they believed that these items would be useful in the afterlife. This has consequently preserved a variety of Egyptian antique furniture.
Ancient Furniture Styles Throughout China and The East
Contrary to modern times, ancient furniture designs grew independently and were entirely influenced by the territory’s customs, traditions, and materials that were readily available in the region.
China, in particular, is known for its seasoned bamboo craft that was and still is used to design various pieces of furniture.
Furniture Design in Medieval Times
Only basic and essential furniture was produced during the Medieval age. This period followed the fall of the Roman Empire and led to the decline of artistic furniture production. Medieval pieces were mostly made from wood, decorated in Gothic style, had religious significance, and featured heraldic imagery.
Renaissance Furniture in Europe from the 14th to 17th Centuries
There was a bounce-back in creativity and design during this era, with more attention being given to the general appearance of furniture pieces. This was driven by a desire for more ornate and finely decorated furniture, as these pieces were considered luxurious. More elaborate materials such as marble were used, and decorations such as intricate scrollwork and foliage were fashionable.
Classic French Furniture in the 17th and 18th Centuries
During the 17th century, furniture was prized as decorative art, and the popularity of fine furniture rose. This was largely influenced by European royals, who extravagantly spent on furniture and interior decoration. This spending is most accurately represented during the reign of King Louis XIV. In this period, the production and use of gilt bronze began and was incorporated into furniture production.
The Evolution of French Furniture in the 19th Century
Fondly referred to as the golden age, furniture in the 19th century showed a masterful re-invention of the earlier styles under the reigns of Louis XIV, XV and XVI. Furniture from this period is still regarded as the most exquisite antique furniture and is highly sought after. These pieces exhibit a celebration of styles from years past and draw inspiration from the creative flow across continents, such as varnishing.
Innovative Furniture Creations in the 19th Century
Furniture makers in the 19th century sought to experiment more with new materials and diversify their pieces. In addition to the traditional beds and cupboards, during this era, items such as vitrines (glass display cases) and the bonheur du jour (a writing desk) were invented. Antique furniture pieces from this period were distinctively and lavishly decorated, and therefore quite expensive.
Furniture Development in the 20th Century
Industrialization took over the 20th century, leading to mechanical development and the invention of artificial materials such as plastics. This lowered the cost of manufacturing furniture, making it more affordable for everyone.
In addition to the shift of style towards Art Deco and then Modernism, there was also a reduced need for handcrafted labour. Mass production was possible, as designs were fed into machines that did most of the work. Furniture design in this era was notably minimalistic, featuring simple but classical designs. This was notably different than the intricate details and heavy materials characteristic of furniture from the 18th and 19th centuries. Many of these antique furniture pieces were now valued as unique works of art and are collected and passed down through generations.
Collecting Antiques in the Modern Age
The evolution of furniture from the beginning of civilization to now has witnessed many changes. Furniture began as purely functional items and developed into expensive luxury pieces only the wealthy could afford. With the dawn of new technology and the modern age, furniture has once again become accessible and affordable for everyone.
Antique pieces are still considered valuable, and many antique furniture creations are regarded as precious pieces of art. The tradition of collecting and accumulating antique furniture in Toronto and throughout the world is alive and well. It will continue through generations as a celebration of the rich history of furniture and its significance in the human experience.
