Medieval Soft Furnishing

Many people are surprised that wealthy medieval houses were filled with really colourful soft furnishings. Furniture and walls were not left bare. Walls were hung with fabric hangings that were woven or painted with bright colours and designs. Cupboards and tables were covered in fabrics or carpets. benches had coverings called bankers backed with canvas, presumably to stop them slipping.

Cushions were used in a variety of ways. They were used on wooden and metal seats, under the feet of seated people, on benches, chests and coffers and placed around reception rooms.

In the fifteenth century cushions were made differently for their particular usage. Seat cushions were thick, large, square or round. Those for under the feet were sometimes in the form of a ball. Those for the back of a bench were cut in such a way that the person leaning against them could put their elbows between the pillows.

Colours of the fabrics used were carefully matched and contrasted throughout the room. The more expensive colours were used more sparingly for effect.