Medieval Decor and Ideas for Your Home
By Giorgina Devereaux
The Medieval era (from 476 AD to 1450 AD) was a time when furniture began to develop its modern features. At the time, the central focus of Medieval décor was textiles that were light, portable, and served multiple purposes. The textiles could be used as room dividers, wall hangings, and bed or floor coverings. The use of colorful fabrics brightened dark rooms with glassless windows that were deemed a necessity because it protected the house against the unkind weather.
Medieval furniture was mainly made of oak because it was readily available and durable. One of the most important pieces of Medieval furniture was the chest, which was originally made from hollow tree trunks banded with iron. A type of chest known as the hutch was used for containing household possessions while traveling, which also served as a seat, desk, table, and couch for sleeping. When not traveling, the hutch was simply used for storage purposes. Later on in the Medieval period, the buffet was used for storage in the dining hall.
With Medieval home decor and furnishings becoming popular, you will find that Medieval furniture replicas are in style. Decorating in the Medieval style is fun because of the choices of accessories, bright fabrics, and interesting lighting effects available.
For furniture, you can add metal hardware to give it a Medieval feel. Studs, brackets hinges, and handles can be bought in a variety of styles. You can also stencil the gothic arches, quatrefoils, fleur de lis, and other shapes using a bronze, silver leaf, or gold leaf finish on wood furniture or apply pre-cut wood designs in rich details, using a wood burner, or paint. Also, you may add wood molding onto edges of bookcases, benches, and tables using intricate wood moldings. A great way to dress up tables or chairs is to have them upholstered with brocade or tapestry cushions of your choice.
You can cover the walls using gorgeous tapestries in ancient heraldic designs, mille fleurs (a background with a pattern of flowers or plants), Medieval Brugges, Medieval tournaments, rabbits, crests, crowns, unicorns, scenery of daily Medieval life, great dynasties, mythical beasts, or hang a shield, armor, swords, or candle light sconces made from black metal. Medieval shields and wall crests have a great visual effect because of their stunning detail. Swords and other pole arms like halberds and maces draw attention to the wall because they are impressive and make great display items. You can hang swords crossed over doorways, in custom frames, fanned out as a collection, or even in an exhibit case. Also, you can hang a shield that has a family crest or historic symbol on larger walls as a way to coordinate themes and color. Another great touch is to create a glorious Medieval mural to add life to the room.
However, Medieval suits of armor make an even more dramatic decorative accessory. You can purchase replica pieces if you cannot afford to acquire a real antique suit of armor. Some replica pieces actually look like they could be from a museum. A knight makes a design statement when placed at a doorway entrance or foyer.
To give your walls that Medieval effect, you may paint them with bright designs or stencil gothic arches, quatrefoils, fleur de lis, and other shapes using a bronze, silver leaf, or gold leaf finish.
For window treatments, if you cannot afford stained glass, you can use a product called Gallery Glass to create a stained glass design. One way to do this is to apply this product onto a sheet of plexiglass and then place it against the window or hang it on rings that have suction cups. For curtains, you may purchase ones that have mille fleur patterns.
To accessorize, you may include tall candle holders made from wrought iron that can be used to flank the fireplace. For rugs, choose patterns that contain heraldic designs or mille fleurs. You may accent your bedroom using only a few items, such as placing a decorative knight statue on a side table or use a custom framed sword to fill in an area of the wall that is bare. For a side table, you can include a handsome helmet that is sure to draw attention. Over the doorway, you may add full length drapes that are pulled back with tassel tie backs for extra punch. A wonderful final accent to complete a room is to install crossed wood beams on the ceiling to give the room a warm feel.
Giorgina Devereaux is the creator of AskGiorgina.com, which features questions, answers, and ideas on home decor and furniture. For more information, please visit http://www.AskGiorgina.com
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