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Furniture has been used since the beginning of time. The oldest surviving pieces of furniture are from Egypt. Some were adorned in gold and others very were simple. Many of these pieces resemble the furniture of today in looks and construction. Roman and Greek furniture were found only in paintings and pottery. They too resemble Egyptian pieces with some differences in functionality. Stools called Kilsmos now had backs for comfort. Jewels and ornaments were also embedded in the borders of stools belonging to the wealthy. Roman furniture used bronze, marble and precious metals. Roman designs were more functional, practical and complex. Furniture was still a symbol of status and considered a work of art.

Italian Renaissance furniture combined heavy carving, stucco and painting in their decorations. Chair seats were upholstered with leather and tapestry and beds had ropes to support mattresses. The use of panels was introduced. French Renaissance pieces had less carving, used columnar legs and were more delicate. English furniture had even less carving with oak the material of choice.

The 17th century saw changes in furniture design with the use of spiral legs, curved fronts, and carvings. Chairs had high-caned backs and seats instead of upholstery. French Baroque was still elaborate and elegant for Louis XIV. Inlays of metal, wood and tortoise shell adorned tables, chairs and wardrobes.

William and Mary, Queen Anne, Chippendale, Hepplewhite and Federal designs identify 18th century furniture. This time period highlighted the cabinetmaker as an artist. Furniture was more finished and sophisticated in design.

The Industrial Revolution dictated designs in the 19th century with the arrival of mass production. Furniture was made less expensive for the working class. Revival styles were marketed as reproductions of earlier periods. Not always historically correct, they were very popular. Toward the end of the century, the Arts and Crafts movement began because of a need for handcrafted furniture.

The 20th century's furniture style was the most diverse. Using different processes and more materials than ever before set this period apart from any other time. An almost infinite number of styles could be created.

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