Forgotten Furniture Names – 14 Old Furniture Pieces We Barely Recognize Today
As our homes have evolved and our lifestyles changed, many old furniture pieces have fallen out of use, replaced by more modern and practical solutions. These pieces were once part of everyday life, but today they are mostly found in the memories of older generations or in antique furniture stores. While some names have faded into obscurity, many of these rustic furniture pieces still exist today—just under different names and in updated forms.
These traditional furniture pieces not only preserve the values of the past but also add unique character to a modern interior. A well-chosen vintage furniture piece can be the perfect complement to any elegant, rustic-style home. In the Italia Bútor collection, you’ll find many furniture pieces that evoke the style of the past while fitting seamlessly into contemporary homes. Discover the perfect fusion of historical design and modern functionality, and bring a touch of nostalgic elegance into your living space!
1. Almárium
The almárium is a traditional, enclosed storage cabinet primarily used for storing dishes, clothes, or other household items. It was most often made of wood and decorated with intricate carvings, painted patterns, or glass-paneled doors. In old country homes, the almárium was a defining furniture piece in the room. Its height varied but often stretched from floor to ceiling. Modern versions remain popular, especially among lovers of vintage and rustic interior styles. Today, the almárium is known as a cabinet, display cabinet, or storage cupboard.
2. Csapóágy
The csapóágy is a practical, space-saving furniture piece that can be folded against a wall or into a cabinet. It was particularly common in small apartments or guest rooms. The structure was designed to be easily pulled down and folded back up, keeping the space open during the day. It was also used in old country homes, often with wooden frames and simple mechanisms. Modern csapóágy designs include comfortable mattresses and built-in storage options.
3. Hencser
The hencser is a low, wide reclining piece used for resting, lying down, or even sleeping. It was most common in rural households, serving multiple functions. Its design was simple, typically with a solid wooden frame and a thick, fabric-covered cushioned surface. In some regions, the hencser was also used as a guest bed. Today, it can be considered a predecessor of modern sofas.
4. Kaszli
The kaszli is a drawer or shelf-based storage unit primarily used for organizing documents, small objects, or clothing. It ranged from simple designs to elaborate, hand-carved or painted versions. In the past, it was commonly found in both offices and homes. The name was particularly popular in folk furniture styles. Its function is similar to today's chest of drawers.
5. Kaszten
The kaszten is a large, enclosed wardrobe used for storing clothes and other personal items. Due to its sturdy structure, it was often passed down through generations as a family heirloom. The term originates from German and was widely used in rural Hungary. Its design varied, with some models featuring drawers, while others had shelves or hanging space. Today, it is a sought-after antique furniture piece.
6. Nyoszolyó
The nyoszolyó was a traditional sleeping piece, primarily used in bedrooms. It was originally a simple bed, often included in a bride’s dowry. In folk culture, it was associated with bridesmaids as well. Typically elevated and adorned with carved decorations, it is considered an ancestor of modern beds. Today, the nyoszolyó is known as a bed, double bed, or guest bed.
7. Pamlag
The pamlag is an elongated, cushioned seating or reclining piece of furniture used for relaxation. Considered a predecessor of the modern sofa, it usually had a simpler design, often without a backrest or with low side supports. Pamlag pieces were commonly placed in living rooms or bedrooms and could also serve as guest beds. More elegant versions were also found in bourgeois homes. Today, it has regained popularity in vintage interior design.
8. Szekreter
The szekreter is a storage unit that can also function as a writing desk, with an upper section typically featuring drawers or shelves. The lower part of the furniture contained lockable compartments for storing documents or personal belongings. The szekreter was extremely popular in bourgeois homes during the 18th and 19th centuries. It could be decorated with carved or inlaid details, making it not only a practical piece but also an elegant one. It remains a sought-after item among antique furniture collectors today.
9. Spanyolfal
The spanyolfal is a foldable room divider used primarily for separating interior spaces. It usually consisted of three or more panels connected by hinges. Spanyolfalak were often decorated with painted designs or fabric coverings, serving as both functional and decorative elements. In the past, they were frequently used in dressing rooms and bedrooms. They remain popular in modern interiors, especially in loft apartments or office spaces.
10. Stafírungos láda
The stafírungos láda is a traditional dowry chest where a bride's trousseau was stored. The chest could contain linens, clothing, decorative items, and other personal belongings. It was often richly decorated with carvings or painted motifs and passed down through generations. Particularly common in rural areas, it played an important role in wedding traditions. Today, it is mostly found as an antique furniture piece.
11. Sublót
The sublót is a low, drawer-based cabinet primarily used for storing clothes, small personal items, and documents. It was commonly placed in bedrooms or living rooms, often with decorative objects, mirrors, or lamps on top. Typically made of solid wood, sublóts ranged from simple designs to more elaborate, carved variations. They were popular in both bourgeois and rural homes. Its modern equivalent is the chest of drawers, which serves a similar function but features a more streamlined design. Today, the sublót is also known as a sideboard or storage cabinet.
12. Szuszék
The szuszék is a large, lidded storage chest primarily used for storing grain and other food supplies. Its robust construction helped protect its contents from moisture and pests. Often decorated with intricate carvings or painted motifs, the szuszék was a staple piece in traditional farmhouses. Some versions were also used as seating, as their flat tops provided a convenient surface. Today, it is a sought-after antique and decorative item.
13. Téka
The téka is a small, enclosed storage cabinet primarily used for storing books, documents, or valuable items. It was a common piece of furniture in both rural households and noble residences. Many were wall-mounted, offering a space-saving storage solution. Téka cabinets were often decorated with carvings or painted designs, making them both functional and aesthetically pleasing. They are considered the predecessors of modern shelves and small bookcases.
14. Tálas
The tálas is an open-shelved cabinet designed specifically for storing dishes, plates, and other kitchenware. It was especially common in rural households, often mounted on the kitchen or dining room wall. Tálas cabinets could be simple or elaborately carved and painted, depending on the setting in which they were used. Due to its practicality, it remains a popular furniture piece, especially among fans of rustic and vintage interior styles. Modern variations include open shelving units or glass-fronted display cabinets.
Our Journey Through Furniture History Continues
The names of old furniture pieces not only preserve tangible memories of the past but also offer insight into the lifestyle, traditions, and interior design of our ancestors. While some names have faded from common use, many of these traditional furniture pieces are still in use today—just under different names and updated designs. These pieces fit perfectly in modern homes, especially for those who appreciate classic interiors, vintage style, or rustic decor. In the next part, we will discuss old furniture names that are still known today but under different terms. If you know of any interesting, forgotten, or unique furniture names, feel free to share them with us at webshop@italiabutor.hu!
If you want to furnish your home with a unique ambiance and timeless style, visit the Italia Bútor website, where you can browse a selection of classic, vintage, and rustic furniture pieces. These furniture pieces not only add elegance and unique character to your home but also blend seamlessly into modern interiors. Let the fusion of past and present inspire your home decor—explore our collection and find the perfect furniture piece for your space!
