What are the Different Types of Egyptian Furniture?

What are the Different Types of Egyptian Furniture?

Ancient Egyptian furniture showcases cultural values and artistry of one of the most influential civilizations. There are different types of Egyptian furniture present which symbolize social status and spiritual beliefs. Egyptians also innovated through craftsmanship and trade to create symbolic and functional furniture. Egyptian furniture which is made simply, often meets daily needs, while ornate pieces adorn tombs and temples. Each piece of furniture offers insight into ancient rituals. You will come to know the significance of materials, designs of Egyptian furniture through this blog.

The Usage of Wood and Other Materials Used in Making Furniture

Native wood in Egypt had made its importance in ancient times and influenced furniture production. Here’s name of primary local woods: acacia, sycamore, dom palm, and tamarisk – all of them were of poor quality and unsuited for fine craftsmanship. To supplement these types of materials, Egypt started importing luxurious hardwoods like ebony from Kush and Punt and cedar from Lebanon as early as the Old Kingdom.

This trade started growing robustly during the Middle Kingdom and reached its zenith in the New Kingdom. Artisans started using imported materials to include complex details into furniture, including inlays of ivory, turquoise, gold, and lapis lazuli, which added symbolic significance. Cedar coffin was the notable example of imported wood usage and complex gilded chairs were also found in the tomb of Tutankhamun.

What Kind of Furniture Did Ancient Egypt have?

• Beds in Ancient Egyptian Households

Ancient Egyptian beds were built from a simple rectangular wooden frame using woven flax or leather cords for support, dating back to the First Dynasty. By the New Kingdom, beds like those of Tutankhamun had gilded frames and lion-shaped legs, which reflect royalty.

• Stools in Ancient Egyptian Households

Stools are the most common pieces of furniture, ranging from basic three-legged designs used by commoners to folding stools with goose-shaped legs and leather seats for the elite. Folding stools were found in the 18th Dynasty.

• Chairs in Ancient Egyptian Households

Chairs emerged during the Second Dynasty. One of the earliest high-backed chairs has been shown by a stele depicting Prince Nisuheqet. By the 4th Dynasty, chairs had animal-shaped legs, which later became prominent, one example is King Khafre’s chair which was adorned with lion motifs.

• Tables in Ancient Egyptian Households

The earliest tables were simple stone stands, used in the Old Kingdom. During the New Kingdom, wooden tables became more common, which were supported by intricately carved legs or figures of captives symbolizing conquest.

• Chest and Storage in Ancient Egyptian Households

For storage, wooden chests with painted designs were used. The tomb of Queen Hetepheres I had a chest decorated with gold leaf which indicated its royal use.

• Daybeds and Headrests in Ancient Egyptian Households

Daybeds often featured animal-shaped legs and were adorned with cushions, offering a place for leisure. Crescent-shaped headrests have been used since the Old Kingdom, serving both ceremonial and practical purposes.

Animal Motifs on Egyptian Furniture

Animal designs were chosen for their symbolic features, such as:

• Lion legs: They represented authority, protection, and strength, and were commonly used in royal furniture to focus on the pharaoh’s power.
• Gazelle legs: They represented agility and elegance and were usually found on Middle Kingdom pieces.
• Bull legs: They denoted vigor, fertility, and resilience, usually adorning ceremonial furniture.
• Birds: Indicated spirituality and freedom. They come with goose or duck motifs appearance in folding stool for their versatility.

What was the Most Common Furniture Form in Egypt?

The most common furniture form in Ancient Egypt was the stool. It was widely used across all social classes because it was simple, practical, and easy to construct, typically made of wood with three or four legs and a woven reed or leather seat. Stools were lightweight and portable, making them suitable for everyday domestic and work activities.

Conclusion

Ancient Egyptian furniture combined practicality with artistic and symbolic meaning. From simple everyday pieces to richly decorated royal furnishings, each item reflected social status, trade, and spiritual beliefs. Although many forms existed, the stool remained the most common, highlighting its essential role in daily life across all levels of Egyptian society. If you are interested in exploring amazing places and materialistic things in Egypt, you can book your Egypt tour through Nile Cruisen with Egypt River Cruise.