Images for private devotion were to be found increasingly in Italian houses from the 14th century onwards. Inventories of more wealthy homes indicate that they contained religious items including devotional images. They were located in bedrooms, which at that time functioned as the heart of the household, being used not only for night-time sleeping but as a centre of activity during the daytime.
The bed was a major item of furniture in any house, its absence being an indication of poverty, and its luxuriousness a sign of prestige. Beds were often large, in order to accommodate a number of people, and covered with patterned spreads. They were surrounded by chests, not only for storage of clothes and valuables, but also acting as benches.
Halls/living rooms were used for more special occasions and were more sparsely furnished. Affluent urban houses contained more furniture, including tables, stools and benches.
