Pre-History
We explore the prehistoric past in the first chapter of Mark Hinchman's "History of Furniture," delving into the history of furniture design. This historical period, which spans from the first human societies to the invention of written records, displays the first attempts at both useful and ornamental furniture. Early humans made crude furniture out of natural materials including wood, stone, and animal hides throughout the prehistoric era. These were mostly utilitarian pieces that met demands for storage, sleeping, and seating. The simple designs were influenced by the materials that were available and the semi-nomadic or nomadic lifestyles that were prevalent at the time. Simple seats, stools, and sleeping platforms are examples of artifacts from this era that show the early attempts at combining comfort and functionality. Archaeological evidence from places like prehistoric cave shelters and burial grounds indicates that early furniture had ceremonial and symbolic imp...