Renaissance

The Renaissance is considered the revival interest in classical design, beginning in Italy during the 14th century and continuing to spread throughout Europe until the 17th century. Renaissance furniture design is simple in structure with a generous use of classical ornament, such as the acanthus leaf, animal forms, and pilasters. Renaissance furniture typically has moderate ornamentation and decoration consists mostly of wood carvings. Renaissance furniture is usually dark in color and common materials consist of walnut and chestnut. The canopy bed and marriage chest are two popular pieces of furniture produced during the Renaissance style.

Damask

A linen, cotton, rayon, or silk fabric with a reversible jacquard weave. Damasks are woven on a jacquard loom using predominantly monotone fibers and a combination of weaving techniques most commonly satin and twill variants creating a tone on tone pattern that is produced by the contrast of matte and reflective surfaces. Prior to the invention of the jacquard loom in the early 1800s, damasks were woven by hand and considered a luxury fabric, but the loom's ability to produce bulk yardage allowed for more widespread access to damask fabrics within middle-class households in the 19th Century.