History of Furniture Design

HISTORY OF FURNITURE DESIGN BC Chaise Longue 3000 BC Egypt While the name might make you think it originated in France, the earliest known chair and daybed combo was thought to have been made in Egypt from palm sticks and cord. 16th Century Divan 1500s Middle East Taking its name from the Persian word for 'government office', where they were found, the original form of a divan was a long seat made from a mattress laid against the wall with cushions to lean on. 17th Century Cassone 1600s Italy Sometimes called a 'marriage chest' the ornately decorated chest was originally a treasured item of furniture amongst the rich which would be given to the bride from her parents during a wedding. 18th Century Gateleg Table 1700s Windsor Chair United Kingdom 1700s The fold-down table, officially known as a gateleg table, United Kingdom is indispensable for many households. Hinges used on two segments of the table allow users to choose how long the table is and is great for storage purposes. While it isn't clear, it is generally thought the Windsor Chair made its first appearance in Buckinghamshire and was a development of 'stick-back' chairs which originated in the West Country, Wales and Ireland. Pie Safe -- O Coromandel Screen 1700s 1700s United States *: This cupboard-like item of furniture does exactly what China it says on the tin, acting as a storage place for pies and other foods. Before ice boxes came into use, the pie The wooden folding screen is coated in dark lacquer safe was a household item. that is carved before being painted with gold, while some are decorated with precious stones. Designer Coco Chanel was a big fan of the screens. 19th Century Futon 1800s Fauteuil Japan 7 1800s The traditional form of Japanese bedding consists of a padded mattress and quilt that can be folded away, France allowing the room to be used as a bedroom only when needed. French for 'armchair', traditionaly the fauteuil is upholstered with open sides. The chairs tend to have 'cabriole legs' with delicate carvings, and has seen various iterations, such as the 'fauteuil à la reine' (Queen's armchair). 20th Century Rocking Chair 1900s Ottoman United States 1900s Although Benjamin Franklin is often credited with inventing the rocking chair, historians actually trace its origins to North America during the early 18th century. They were originally used in gardens and were just ordinary chairs with rockers attached. Ottoman Empire The ottoman was first brought to Europe from the Ottoman Empire where it was the central piece of seating for families, and was piled high with cushions. They are now more commonly used as a stool or footstool. Murphy Bed Chabudai 1900s 1920s United States Japan Named after its inventor, William Lawrence Murphy, the fold-down bed is hinged at one end to be stored A traditional part of Japanese homes, the chabudai is a short-legged table used against the wall. Murphy came up with the idea when wooing an opera singer and convention frowned upon her entering his bedroom, thus 'removing' his bed turned it into a sitting room. as dinner table. Instead of chairs, people sitting at the table sit on zabuton or tamati (types of cushions or mats). Panton Chair 1960s Kreuzschwinger 1960s Denmark The 'S' shaped plastic chair is known as 'Pantonstolen' Germany in its native Denmark. The piece was the world's first moulded plastic chair and was seen as a design feat, with the stackability of the chairs helping to save space. The stainless steel seats designed by Till Behrens swing gently back and forth without mechanical help. The ergonomic design of the seats helps to relax the body, automatically adapting to posture changes. Bean Bag Chair 1969 Italy It may come as a surprise but the bean bag was an Italian invention made by the company Zanotta. The idea was said to come from the designers noticing that their employees would sit on bags filled with Styrofoam while on breaks. Sources antiques.about.com www.wikipedia.org furniturerepairguardsman.co.uk www.britannica.com GUARDSMAN IN-HOME CARE AND REPAIR Furniture Professionals dictionary.reference.com www.contemporary-japan.org