Furniture Styles and Periods

General Furniture History

Furniture is something that many of us take for granted. The ideas and concepts behind different types of furniture stem from many different places, however the first furniture can be traced as far back as the Neolithic period. Scientists have discovered stone seating areas and beds, as well as shelving and dressers. During the 8^th century B.C., humans began integrating other items into their living areas like carpets and decorative items like vases. Kings and Queens often had elegant furniture like gilded beds, and the Ancient Greeks used a variety of different pieces of furniture like the kilismos chair, which was found among the ruins of Mount Vesuvius. In Early Modern Europe during the Middle Ages, furniture was often made from oak and other heavy woods. The Baroque designs of furniture infused a scrolled design and fruits or vegetables. Over time, furniture has maintained the same purpose, but the looks and materials used to manufacture it have changed.

The Furniture History Society – Organization that studies all types of furniture, from all periods.
Furniture Styles – Offers a dictionary and description of different furniture styles throughout history.
American Furniture History – A few examples of furniture throughout American history.
Furniture in Ancient Rome – Article about the furniture used during the Roman period.
History of Furniture – This resource includes materials, design, and the basic history of furniture throughout time.
Museum Furniture – Pictorial resource with antique furniture photographs and styles.
History of the Rocking Chair – From the 1700's to today, the rocking chair has only changed moderately.
Furniture History – the National Gallery of Art showcases a history of furniture from 1650 - 1850.

Furniture of the Seventeenth and Eighteenth Centuries

The 17^th and 18^th centuries, particularly in Europe, were a time of decadence and seduction, and this attitude came through in the furniture of that period. This furniture was often referred to as Baroque, and carried over from the 1600s. Intricately carved wood was often used, and integrated into the arms of chairs, the feet of tables, and into the headboards of beds. Oak and walnut were used since it was found to be a sturdy wood that could easily be carved. Accessories included detailed woven Oriental rugs, silver teapots, and luscious paintings with hand carved wooden frames. Pedestal tables, oak bureaus, and clothing armoires could be found in the bedrooms and living rooms of the wealthy during this time period.

The Baroque Style – Information about furniture from France, England, and Italy during the 17^th and 18^th centuries.
Techniques - A few photos and examples of gold scrollwork and fine furnishings from this time period.
French 18^th Century Furniture – An article from the New York Times about the golden age of furniture.
Queen Anne Furniture Style – Article with information about Queen Anne style furniture.

Furniture of the Nineteenth and Twentieth Centuries

New styles and materials were introduced in the 19^th and 20^th century, as furniture began to take on a more modern feel. The early 19^th century saw an art deco feel, where designs began to modernize and streamline. In the 20^th century, different material was being used including plastic, cloth, and even foam for the inside of mattresses and cushions. Modern styles of furniture were pioneered by designers like Charles Eames who is considered to be the father of the new modern furniture and décor design. Danish modern and "space age" furniture was extremely well received from the late 1950s through the 1970s. Boxier styles of dressers and tables began to take over the more rounded edges of the past. New ideas were springing forth in terms of chair design and shelving in particular. Contemporary furniture took hold, especially in the United States, where it still sells and is common in most households today.

The Arts and Crafts Movement – Information and resources on the movement that changed furniture and architectural design forever.
Gustav Stickley – A major pioneer of the Arts and Crafts Movement who created the first true American style furniture.
TV Cabinets – The evolution of entertainment brought about the need for new pieces of furniture to effectively display televisions, radios, and other entertainment devices.
1960s Furniture Styles – Some examples and photos of popular design styles in the 1960s.
Modern Wood Furniture – Modern furniture designs using wood, along with links to other examples.
Inspired By China – A look at how ancient Chinese tradition has inspired modern furniture makers.

Furniture Glossaries

Illustrated Furniture Glossary – Online glossary with large selection of furniture styles, definitions, and photos.
Basic Furniture Glossary – Some common and not-so-common furniture related terms.
Furniture & Interior Design Glossary – Also includes definitions of interior design related terms.
Glossary – More furniture-related terms and definitions.
Modern Furniture Terms – Brush up on modern furniture terms and designers.