Tudor Furniture

The tudor period in English history begins with the ascent to the throne of King Henry VII in 1485, this event signifying the end of the Middle Ages in Britain and supposedly the historic beginning of the English Renaissance. The tudor era, for our purposes, continues through the reign of King Henry VIII and ends with the crowning of Queen Elizabeth I in 1558.

The tudor era of sixteenth century England saw many interesting developments in the arts, fashion, architecture, theater, and of course also in the realm of home decor and furniture to a certain extent.

Tudor Furniture Characteristics
Early tudor furniture, what there was of it, was little distinguished from the medieval furniture and gothic furniture periods preceding it. Ordinary, poor people had very little furniture possessions and even in the large houses of the wealthy there would only stand beds, benches, stools, tables, and chests. Chairs were reserved for the owner of homes when presiding over meals in the hall - their guests made do with stools, perhaps with cushions, as a small nod to comfort.

Furniture & Interiors
Such Tudor English furniture as existed in this era was made of oak, was imposing, heavy, strong, and uncomfortable. Tudor interiors, in contrast to the lack of grace and quantity in furniture, were often beautifully decorated with tapestries, embroidery, carpets, and fabrics.


Tudor table

The Tudor English furniture reproduction is availabe at Jan's Wood Furniture website.