How did mortise-and-tenon joints improve furniture making in the 15th century?

In the 15th century, the introduction of more efficient joints, such as the mortise and tenon, significantly advanced furniture making by enabling the development of framed panelling.12

Prior to this period, furniture construction—such as chests—often relied on heavy planks that were prone to warping and splitting. The mortise-and-tenon joint allowed craftsmen to create a sturdy framework that supported the main structural strain, while thinner panels were fitted into grooves. This innovation provided several key improvements:21

• Reduced Weight: By shifting the structural load to the frame, furniture could be constructed with thinner, lighter materials.2
• Increased Stability: The framework design allowed for natural wood movement, reducing the likelihood of panels splitting if the wood warped.2
• Expanded Design Possibilities: The ability to construct larger surface areas using framed panelling facilitated the development of new types of storage furniture, including more sophisticated cupboards and desks.12

These technical improvements, alongside the mitre joint, helped transition furniture construction toward greater sophistication and durability during the later Middle Ages.12