I cataloghi della cosa

The Gentleman and Cabinet-Maker’s Director, 1754

Cabinet-making and upholstering were important manufacturing trades during the second half of the 18th century, notable for their lavish exploration of Neoclassical and Rococo styles. Perhaps the most eminent among the host of cabinet-makers active at this time was Thomas Chippendale (1718-1779), whose products reveal that he had consciousness of a growing public, interested in luxury goods to decorate apartments and houses.

Chippendale published his book of influential designs, The Gentleman and Cabinet-Maker’s Director, in 1754. This famous illustrated furniture catalogue was the first of its kind and proved highly successful and influenced high-class tastes in furniture for many years.

In the following images we can see the bed illustrations from this catalogue.

Sears Household Catalogue, 1914

Catalogo IKEA 2019

IKEA is a global private company of swedish origin, specialized in the sale of "low cost" household furniture, which main feature is that its products are designed to be assembled by the customers themselves. IKEA was founded in 1943 by Ingvar Kamprad and originally sold pens wallets, picture frames, watches, jewellery and nylon stockings, meeting needs with products at reduced prices. Furniture was only introduced into the IKEA range four years later. The response was positive and the line expanded. In 1951, the first IKEA catalogue was published, as an opportunity to sell furniture on a larger scale. In 1953, a showroom opened in Älmhult, Sweden, followed by the opening of the first IKEA store in 1958. At the time, it was the largest furniture display in Scandinavia. Nowadays, the company distributes its products in many countries and is known worldwide. In the following pages of the 2019 catalogue we can see the presence of the bed.