'Antique furniture' is the term for collectible interior furnishings of considerable age; often its age, rarity, condition, utility, or other unique features makes the
furniture desirable.
Antique furniture may support the human body (such as seating or beds), provide storage, or hold objects on horizontal surfaces above the ground. Storage furniture (which often makes use of doors, drawers, and shelves) is used to hold or contain smaller objects such as clothes, tools, books, and household goods. Furniture can be a product of artistic design and is considered a form of decorative art. In addition to furniture's functional role, it can serve a symbolic or religious purpose. Domestic furniture works to create, in conjunction with furnishings such as clocks and lighting, comfortable and convenient interior spaces. Furniture can be made from many materials, including metal, plastic, and wood. Cabinetry and cabinet making are terms for the skill set used in the building of furniture.
The earliest furniture was understandably very
primitive and only practical, but gradually the furniture also began to have more importance and it became
decorated. At this point, furniture became an early
status symbol. Wealthy homeowners became more refined and demanded that their furnishings reflect their status and
lifestyles.
See also
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Furniture
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List of furniture types
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Tallboy (furniture)
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Bergere
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Knoll sofa
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Watchman's chair
External links
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Hunt For Antiques, Your Link To The European Market Of Quality Antiques, Decorative objects and architectural pieces
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Antique Furniture Timeline covering the period 1650 to 1950.
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About.com Guide to Antique Furniture
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Fred Taylor, antique furniture expert & columnist
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English Periods and Styles of Antique Furniture.
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Furniture Timeline.
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How To Collect Antique Furniture
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Antique Furniture Care