India is a country which is exceptionally rich in culture and traditions. Just like, other countless things, our furniture also has some strong traditional roots. India has a long and storied history of furniture design, and today’s cultural furniture pays homage to that tradition. From wood to metal, ropes to bamboo, glass to stones, Indian furniture brings together the best of traditional craftsmanship and contemporary style.
Traditionally, Indian furniture was crafted from only natural materials, such as wood, metal, bamboo, ropes, glass and stones like marble. Wood was often the main material used in furniture design, as it was seen to possess a spiritual significance.
Today, furniture makers have embraced a combination of natural and synthetic materials, allowing them to create more modern designs while still respecting Indian tradition.
No matter what material is used, Indian furniture has a unique aesthetic that is distinct from other cultures. For example, many Indian furniture pieces are intricately carved or feature intricate patterns. Some are colorfully painted and some are weaved.
This is especially true for pieces crafted from wood, which often feature intricate carvings that depict religious or spiritual motifs. Cities like Saharanpur and Jodhpur are famous for manufacturing this kind if furniture.
Indian furniture also often features vibrant colors and bold patterns, such as vivid reds, blues, and greens.
Many furniture pieces feature cushioned seating and support, making them ideal for relaxing in. Indian furniture is also built to last, with many pieces featuring strong, sturdy construction that is designed to last for generations.
In this article, we’ll explore the aesthetics and design of some of India’s most iconic furniture pieces, and celebrate the artisans that bring them to life. From bed frames to chairs, Indian furniture is renowned for its beauty and craftsmanship.
DINING ROOM FURNITURE
In ancient India people used to sit on the floor and eat. To respect the food and maintain the hygiene, they used to use a small low heighted wooden stool in square shape to keep the food and very low and broad wooden stool to sit. Some people preferred a mat made with river grass/rice straw/madur-kathi big enough to accomodate one person, to sit instead of low wooden stool we mentioned above. Each person used to have a separate set of their own dining seating.
Indian culture believes in eating fresh untouched food and having small separate dining space for each person made it possible.
We all know that in the past, families used to sit down and eat together at dinnertime. However, with our traditional seating arrangement—keeping a distance from others while eating one’s own meal in the correct manner while having a conversation—families used to enjoy their everyday life in a simple yet elegant way.
Meenakari Table or Chowki
These traditional Indian dining furniture piece are called the meenakari dining table or chowki. This table is often crafted from wood and features intricate carvings and patterns. It is often finished with a vibrant color, such as red or blue, and can add a luxury touch to any dining room.
Chowki Chair
Another traditional Indian dining furniture piece is the chowki chair. This chair frame is usually crafted from wood and to create a seating space, the weaving is done with soft ropes or jute Niwar. It, mostly has a frame in natural colour or any dark wood colour while in weaving colorful ropes and Niwars can be used. It adds a touch of style to any dining room.
Indian dining rooms also often feature storage pieces, such as sideboards and cabinets. These pieces are often crafted from wood and feature intricate carvings and patterns.
Almirah
Indian traditional storage almirahs are beautiful and functional pieces of furniture. These almirahs are often crafted from wood and glass, and feature intricate carvings and patterns. The glass panels are often finished with a vibrant color, such as red or blue, and can add a touch of luxury and sophistication to any space.
The glass panels also provide an elegant display for crockery and other items, making them both practical and stylish. These almirahs are a popular choice for homes that want to add a touch of traditional Indian style. They are both durable and long-lasting, and are sure to be enjoyed for many years to come.
They mostly come in dark colour such as black or red, and can add a touch of elegance to any dining room. No matter what type of Indian dining furniture piece you choose, it is sure to bring a unique and stylish touch to any home.
BEDROOM FURNITURE
Metal bedroom furniture has long been a part of Indian culture, and today’s metal furniture pieces are just as stunning as their traditional counterparts. Metal furniture is often crafted from brass, a material that is both durable and easy to work with. Brass furniture pieces often feature intricate designs and patterns, and can be finished with a variety of colors, such as gold and silver.
Jali Bed
One example of an iconic metal bedroom furniture piece is the Jali bed frame. This bed frame is crafted from brass and features intricate patterns and designs. It is often finished with a vibrant color, such as red or blue, and can add a luxury touch to any bedroom.
Canopy Bed
Another example of classic Indian bed is canopy bed. It was a common pick due to its beauty and functionality. Canopy beds provided perfect setting to hang mosquito net which not only turned your sleeping space into your personal cocoon, it also provided the complete safety from all type of insects who could disturb one’s sleep.
Deewan
Another popular choice was Deewan. A Deewan, a single bed which used to be in our grandparents’ living room and was commonly used as a spot for napping during the day.
Our grandparents, who never had a habit of sitting in their bedrooms all day, used to have their meals and take naps on Deewan during the day. It was also where they entertained guests and read newspapers.
This Deewan placed in a common area in our ancestors house was the main reason nobody ever felt alone in the family and the elders of the house knew everything about everybody.
LIVING ROOM FURNITURE
Sofa
Only the rich had sofas with elaborate designs carved into the wood. Most people used simple wooden chairs and a table as seating in their living rooms. The table was often used as a place to put food, newspapers and other items. The chairs were made from wood with woven cane seats. This furniture was comfortable, easy to maintain and long-lasting.
Showcase
In olden times, people often placed showcases in their homes. Resembling its name, these rectangular boxes were built into walls and had glass shutters that slid open and closed.People used to display family photos and other small items in the showcase.
Wood Rocking Chair
Another living room furniture piece was a wood rocking chair. It was another resting place for elders. This chair had a wooden frame. the seat though, mostly made of canvas, was very comfortable. People could sit on the chair for hours, rocking back and forth as they told stories to their grand-kids or just simply relaxed.
Peacock Throne
An iconic metal furniture piece is the Peacock Throne. This throne is crafted from brass and features intricate carvings and patterns. It is often finished with a vibrant color, such as gold or silver, and can add a regal touch to any living room or entryway.
No matter what type of furniture piece you choose, it is sure to bring a unique and stylish touch to any home.
INDIAN STORAGE FURNITURE
Indian storage furniture is noted for its beauty and craftsmanship. From cabinets, sideboards, and chests to trunks—traditional pieces are designed to bring a touch of elegance into any home or office space.
Traditional Indian storage pieces often feature intricate carvings and patterns, and are usually crafted from wood. With them in any room you don’t need to bring in any extra decor pieces. They played the role of a decor and had the capacity to store a lot of stuff. These furniture pieces were multifunctional hence always stayed a integral part of every household.
Many storage pieces also feature locks and hinges, making them both secure and practical. Storage pieces are also often used as decorative pieces in the home.
Many Indian storage pieces feature intricate designs and motifs. They can be used to add beauty and spirituality to any space—and are sure to bring a unique touch that’s both stylish and colorful!
INDIAN TRADITIONAL OUTDOOR FURNITURE
Old Indian bamboo outdoor furniture is a classic style of furniture that has been used for centuries in the India. Made from bamboo, these pieces of furniture are light, durable, and weather resistant, making them a great choice for outdoor use.
Old Indian bamboo outdoor furniture is also incredibly affordable and can be found in many different styles, making them a great addition to any outdoor space.
In old India, outdoor bamboo furniture was usually handmade using traditional techniques. Bamboo canes were cut to size, dried and split open, then flattened and woven together to create unique and intricate designs.
The pieces were then joined together using natural fibers such as rattan, jute, and coir. Carving and cutting techniques were used to create intricate details, and often the pieces would be finished with a natural oil or wax to protect them from the elements.
This process resulted in beautiful and durable pieces of furniture that could withstand the weather and be enjoyed for many years.
Indian furniture is an important part of the Indian culture, and it’s easy to see why. From its beautiful designs to its comfort and durability, Indian furniture is an integral part of the culture and the home.
Whether it’s for a living room, bedroom, or dining room, Indian furniture is sure to bring a unique and stylish touch to any space. So if you are a fan of traditional furniture and want to bring a bit of culture into your home, Indian furniture is an excellent choice!
With all that said, we can safely conclude that Indian traditional furniture is known for its timeless beauty, intricate designs, and durability. It has always been a integral part of every Indian household and played a great roll in our everyday family and social life. It has also made all our special events more special by providing the comfort, beauty and help it was supposed to.
When we look at photos of our grandparents or other older relatives, how fondly we remember the furniture they sat on when their pictures were taken. It was made by hand with high quality materials and gave such comfort!
It transports us back in time and make us long to live the life our elderlies lived.
We still consider traditional furniture to be valuable, and by bringing in one piece of this history we can sometimes feel a connection with our past that would otherwise seem unimaginable.
So if you are a fan of traditional furniture and want to bring a bit of culture into your home, Indian furniture is an excellent choice!
