About Antique Bedroom Furniture
Collecting antiques is a hobby for many people and learning about antique bedroom furniture can be a focus for some. Antique bedroom furniture has gone through various changes from where the bedroom is located to the amount of pieces needed for a bedroom. Learn about antique bedroom furniture to help you choose where to focus your collection.
History
Bedroom furniture began as a pile of material in the corner of a room. Eventually, bedroom furniture evolved into a mattress on top of a frame. In some ways, it is difficult to look at the history of bedroom furniture, because as late as the 17th century, there were not separate rooms for sleeping. Bedrooms were more along the lines of what we would call a living room or parlor. Sleeping in these rooms occurred out of necessity. As more people gained wealth, and mass-production came into play, moving beds into rooms of their own became common. Mass-production also allowed for the creation of armoires, dressers and night stands for storage.
Function
The function of antique bedroom furniture was different before the 18th century. Before this time, expectations were that would double as living area furniture. In many places, beds were used for sleeping and for sitting while entertaining. Eventually, defined sleeping areas led to creating bedroom furniture to hold personal items, such as clothes, inside these rooms.
Significance
The bed was the first piece of antique bedroom furniture. The bed signified the wealth of the family. Because this large piece of furniture was placed in the main living area and seen by visitors, it was the most ornate and expensive piece in the house. The movement to bedrooms and bedroom furniture also signified a rise in wealth among peoples as a whole. The separate room stated the owner had enough money to build the room. The amount of furniture, such as armoires and dressers, stated they were not only wealthy enough to buy the furniture but needed it to store other items they had purchased.
Types
The many types of antique bedroom furniture are similar to what we still use today. Antique bedroom furniture can consist of a bed and dresser much like you may have in your own room. A significant difference is in the use of armoires, or wardrobes. Used today as media centers and desk, the previous function of armoires was as clothing storage. Building homes with closets was unheard of, so making furniture to hold clothing and other items was required.
Identification
The identification of antique bedroom furniture can vary based on the time period in which the furniture was made. The type of wood used, such as oak or mahogany, can help you reference when a piece was made. Mahogany, for instance, was popular in the 18th century. The look of the bedroom furniture, such as curved legs or large heavy pieces, can help you identify the antique furniture style.
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