Furniture making evolved from joinery, the traditions of which date back to the very old days. In 1597 Vilnius’ craftsmen were granted a privilege by the King Stephen Báthory, ordering to establish a joinery guild. It was indicated that members of the guild could produce all kinds of tables, wardrobes, chairs, window frames and other products, as well as sell them in Vilnius’ market. Craftsmen used to satisfy the citizens’ needs, while people in provinces used to make their furniture themselves or at local masters.
Furniture makers used to work at home or travel around. Villagers usually used to invite them to make their daughters’ dowry, because it included both furniture and chests.
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Furniture makers coming to someone’s home used to find all the wood they need already prepared. The furniture used to be decorated with paint and, if needed, metal binding. A traditional set of furniture that could be found in a villager’s house, consisted of benches, tables, beds, cradles, shelves, wardrobes, chairs, towel-hangers, chests, spoon-holders and chests-of-drawers.
Furniture used to be made of all kinds of wood: oak, pine, fir or birch. Some pieces of furniture used to be very ornate, decorated with painted, carved or turned ornaments. Chests, cupboards and wardrobes used to have abundant painted decorations, while towel-hangers and clocks usually featured carvings and openwork. Quite often wardrobes, beds and cupboards featured several types of decorations.
