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Friday, May 19th, 2017
The Belvedere Chest
One of the few materials used by humankind is wood. Since this is so, woodworking history is a bit more difficult to trace. In the earliest days, wood was just used for tools as well as weapons. Later on, even instruments were being made out of wood. Even the roughest forms of furniture were made of wood which is a far cry from the earliest stone furniture pieces.
Tracing the History of Wooden Furniture
It was not till 3,000 BC that the Ancient Egyptians started using wood in order to create furniture, though. Chairs, beds and tables were soon made with the most ornate designs. Some were even preserved up to our time as is evidenced by the furniture found in tombs for royalty.
Approximately 2000 BC, the Greeks were able to pick up. They also began using wood in creating their furniture pieces. Though the Greek types weren’t as ornate. Theirs had boxy frames so this says a lot about the influence that Ancient Egyptians have had with regard to their furniture framework.
As their furniture making developed, the Greeks began showing different designs. The pieces became less rectangular, thus, less stiff. They soon made furniture that was more apt to the shape of the human body, taking into consideration the curves and gentle lines of the human form. Rounded edges also became the new style to beat.
From 500-1450 AD or the Medieval times, wood furniture pieces turned out to be starker. The pieces were boxy and squarish, much like the earlier furniture. While the framework wasn’t too exciting, it was the furniture’s intricate and decorative carvings that made a whole lot of difference.
The Renaissance paved the way to a whole new level of furniture design. Art was at an all-time high especially during 1350 to 1550 AD. The furniture pieces showed a lot of curvature in their frames. Floral designs and scroll carvings were also born.
The Wooden Furniture in the U.S.
By 1500 to 1754 AD, wood furniture pieces have already reached the U.S. This was not surprising as new settlers were also pouring in during that time. Known as colonial furniture, these pieces came from different parts of the world from France, Great Britain and Spain. Their styles varied just slightly and there was also still a lot of curvature but less than the carvings seen during the Renaissance, the Medieval era and the Ancient Egyptian furniture phase.
Hooker Furniture Bedroom Vintage West California King Wood Panel Bed features lovely carvings on its headboard.
Woodworking: The Modern Times
Between the time when wooden furniture reached the U.S. and today, furniture making has really gone a long way. Throughout the Rococo period, the furniture pieces became ornate once more. These pieces were not just simple furniture anymore. These were also considered as a form of art. In fact, even up to today, they are still art pieces in the sight of many.
Still later, more and more furniture have been manufactured. Pretty soon, furniture making was being done in bulk, with more and more houses investing in wooden pieces. These were able to follow the trends of every new period. Even home decorating has become renowned.
Bauhaus and Art Deco were born and modern, wooden furniture has become less pricey and more accessible. Through the years, more and more mass-produced pieces were created. While this is so, people still look for the same things in furniture – they should be sturdy and beautiful. Some even look for those that they can pass on to their descendants.
At McCreery’s Home Furnishings, we offer only the best, most durable and stylish furniture that will surely stand the test of time. And our promise is this – our furniture will surely not disappoint.
Tags: history of wood carvings, history of wood furniture, McCreerys, McCreerys Home Furnishings, wood furniture, wooden furniture
Posted in Furniture, Interior Design 101, Interior Design Elements | Comments Off on Furniture Wood Carving: Traveling in Time
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