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The Fascinating History of Furniture Production
Although the art of furniture stagnated with the collapse of the Roman Empire, it continued its existence in the Middle Ages with its Heavy, Solid and Functional structure. Middle Age (5th century - 15th century) furniture was generally heavier, more solid and aimed at the needs of churches or castles. Functionality was at the forefront. Chests (for both seating and storage), tables and simple beds were common. Wood carving was adorned with religious motifs under the influence of the Gothic period.
Then, with the Renaissance and Baroque Periods, Elegance, Detail and Power returned to furniture designs. With the Renaissance (14th century - 17th century), the rise of human-centered thinking allowed furniture to regain its value as a branch of art. This movement, which started in Italy, reinterpreted classical Ancient Roman motifs. Elegant lines, detailed carvings, inlays and marquetry (mosaic work done with different types of wood) came to the fore. The Baroque (17th century - early 18th century) period, with the rise of absolute monarchies, turned furniture into a symbol of power and magnificence. Curved lines, exaggerated carvings, gold leaf and ostentatious fabrics are characteristic features of Baroque furniture. The Louis XIV period in France was the peak of this magnificence.
The heaviness of Baroque brought a return to elegance and simplicity with the Rococo and Neoclassical periods. Rococo (mid-18th century) turned to lighter, more playful and asymmetrical forms. Pastel colors, seashell motifs and natural forms define Rococo furniture. In the Neoclassical (late 18th century - early 19th century) period, with the revival of interest in Ancient Greece and Rome, simplicity, symmetry and straight lines came to the fore in furniture design. Classical columns, friezes and geometric patterns were frequently used.