All the movable household articles of equipment fall under the category of furniture. Furniture can be made out of metal, plastic, wood, glass, or marble. Whether it is an ordinary pine chest, country chair, or an elaborate ornamental cabinet, all are included in the wide range of furniture. Furniture is a decorative item that serves a purpose. Therefore it can be treated both as an item of necessity and luxury. Moreover, furniture is not restricted to the common stuffs like bed, chair and table only. In fact, other home furnishing materials like rugs, lamps, and mirrors etc are also counted as furniture.
The style of furniture has been changing as civilization has progressed. Various techniques of inlaying, woodcarving, painting, veneering, gilding and marquetry have been used to decorate furniture and make it look attractive. Furniture in the western culture is embellished in the styles followed by the Egyptians, Chinese, Gothic and Greeks.
It is logical to assume that the idea of making furniture must have originated from the human needs. Perhaps, the chest was the first piece of furniture designed by man because of his need to hide his belongings. Followed by...