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Which kinds of furniture were designed to be folded or dismantled in the Middle Ages?
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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.
In the Middle Ages, furniture was often designed to be portable because noble families frequently traveled between dwellings, carrying their belongings with them. Because furniture was scarce, these designs were essential for domestic life.1
The following types of furniture were commonly designed to be folded or dismantled:
- Tables: These were primarily of trestle construction, featuring a braced frame that supported a long, rectangular tabletop that could be easily dismantled.1
- Chairs and Stools: Folding chairs and stools were common. One notable type was a folding chair with an X-shaped frame, constructed from wood or metal, with a seat and back made of strong fabric or leather.1
- Beds: Beds were often designed with collapsible frameworks to facilitate transport between different houses.1
Additionally, the chest served as the most versatile piece of medieval furniture, frequently functioning as a portable trunk for travelers, which could then serve as a stationary seat, table, or desk upon arrival.12