How was parquet floor created?
How was parquet floor created?
Parquet flooring can be discovered in any of the modern interior design magazines. When viewing sophisticatedly designed rooms, most of the time, you will come across parquet for the floors. One may think that, parquet is a modern invention; however, this is not true. Parquet flooring has a long and interesting history, about which we will be telling you today.
What is parquet?
In Europe, during Middle Ages, common houses switched from piano nobile (or bel étage) type of arrangement to multi-storey ones; this led to a more frequent use of upper-floor rooms and there became a need for installing wooden floorboards. The society quickly moved from initial usage of harsh boards to more delicate models. Such a process, very likely, was developing in various European regions and countries simultaneously, across centuries. What we call a parquet flooring today is the result of these developments.
Types of parquet models
A wide range of models, or patterns, of parquet have existed throughout centuries. The most well-known among them, are:
- Herringbone (English spruce-like style);
- Basketweave;
- Chevron (French spruce-like style);
- Brick-like arrangement;
- Straight flooring pattern.
History of parquet
It is supposed that, what is known today as ‘parquet’, was created in a French château in 16th century. As specialists suggest, parquet may have been a French invention; or, it may have entered into France from Italy in 1530s, through Catherine de’ Medici and her immediate circle, thus via the influence of Italian culture. We know for certain that, during this period, Italian architects worked at Catherine’s palace in Fontainebleau; they decorated the place in Renaissance style. Although there is no definite evidence, it is still proposed that these Italian architects were the ones who weaved in the parquet flooring found in the palace.
Later, in 1620s, Marie de’ Medici installed a sophisticated parquet, weaved in with Italian style, in the closet of her newly-built Luxembourg Palace in Paris. This palace was considered one of the most influential and refined palaces in Europe; undoubtedly, such popularity of the Luxembourg Palace contributed to the rapid spread of parquet.
Parquet - from the 19th century to the present
In terms of interior design, the 19th century is best known by the Battle of the Styles. This time period was characterised by the diversity in architecture and in decorations, among some of the styles being:
- Neo-Gothic
- Neo-Greek
- Neo-rococo
- Egyptian
- Pompeian
- etc.
During this time, entrepreneurs, who aimed to maximise their production, desired to provide the public with parquet. As a result, individuals would not be restricted in terms of the style they could use the parquet for; instead, it could even be used in very unique areas, such as a library designed in Egyptian style. Fortunately for the entrepreneurs, parquet remained the best flooring alternative in any type of interior, which was what made it appealing.
X of the Battle of the Styles did not go unnoticed for fashion experts. Reformers, like Charles Eastlake, severely criticised machine-woven carpet which was extensively produced at that time and was actively offered to the customers. It is surprising to note, however, that Eastlake approved of basketweave style parquet, considering it as a more discreet design and as an expression of a fine taste.
Argument goes that, due to Eastlake’s strong influence in shaping fashion, parquet flooring became even more popular after his positive review; and it can be said that parquet occupied a permanent place in every house. In this way, we reach the 21st century and today’s trends speak for themselves - parquet is no less popular in the modern world.
A varied selection of parquet in Georgia
Those who are interested in purchasing parquet, they can acquire quality and elegantly designed flooring at trade centre Ideali. Ideali offers its customers a wide array of three-layered parquet. Currently, the showrooms of the trade centre present a broad range of products from a famous Norwegian brand BOEN; these models will create a sophisticated, cosy, and a modern atmosphere in your house or office.
