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How did framed panelling improve medieval chests and cupboards?
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Furniture
Card table, mahogany (primary wood) with original gold patina and gold stenciling, maker unknown, c. 1828; in the Indianapolis Museum of Art. 70.48 × 91.74 × 91.44 cm.
The reintroduction of framed panelling in the 15th century significantly improved medieval furniture by overcoming the limitations of using single, heavy planks, which were prone to warping and splitting.1
By adopting a system where a structural framework of stiles and rails supported thinner panels, craftsmen achieved several key benefits:
- Structural Integrity: The framework bore the primary strain, allowing for the construction of larger surface areas for items like chests and cupboards without relying on the width of a single piece of timber.1
- Reduced Weight: Because the panels could be cut thinner, the overall weight of the furniture was reduced, making it more manageable.1
- Durability: By fitting panels into grooves rather than fixing them tightly, the wood was less likely to split if it underwent natural warping.12
This construction method allowed for the development of a new range of storage furniture and provided a surface that was frequently decorated with linenfold or other Gothic motifs.1