Traditional Mongolian Furniture
Traditional Mongolian Furniture: A Look Inside the Nomadic Ger
When you visit a nomadic family in a Mongolian ger (also known as a yurt), one of the first things you’ll notice is the beautifully handcrafted traditional furniture. The layout and design are not just for aesthetic appeal—they are deeply practical, symbolic, and adapted to the nomadic lifestyle.
Almost all pieces of furniture are box-shaped to allow for easy stacking and transport when families move with the seasons. These include:
- Beds
- Storage chests (Avdar)
- Tables
- Stools and chairs
- Cupboards and drawers
Each item is often richly decorated with brightly painted patterns and symbolic motifs, including animals, plants, and geometric shapes, with traditional colors like orange, red, yellow, and green dominating the designs.
Chests (Avdar): Guardians of Fortune
The avdar is a traditional storage chest considered one of the most important pieces of furniture in a Mongolian ger. It’s not only practical but symbolic:
- Mongolians believe the avdar accumulates and stores the family’s fortune and good deeds.
- It is often used in pairs, symbolizing balance, duality, and partnership—reflecting traditional values of harmony in family life.
- The avdar is always placed on the northern side of the ger, the most honored and sacred spot, directly opposite the door.
- The chests typically feature lion motifs, symbolizing strength and protection, but also show dragons, deer, flowers, and intricate geometric patterns.
- Used to store precious items such as books, ceremonial clothing (like the festive deel), religious items, and family heirlooms.
Table & Seating: Multipurpose and Artistic
There is typically only one central table in a traditional Mongolian ger, and it’s used for multiple purposes: Dining, serving tea or airag (fermented mare’s milk), worship and offerings, reading and writing
Chairs are rare in traditional nomadic homes; instead, people sit on: Stools, low benches, raised platforms or thrones for special guests or elders
The tables and stools are usually placed between the avdar and the central pillars (bagana). Each piece is intricately painted with vibrant motifs, and often smaller than what modern visitors may be used to. The low height reflects the traditional seated floor lifestyle.
Beds: More Than a Place to Sleep
Beds in the Mongolian ger are multi-functional and come in several forms: Folding beds, Detachable or demountable beds, Fixed wooden beds with storage compartments
Beds are used for: Sleeping, Sitting and socializing during the day, Storage, with drawers underneath for clothing, tools, or textiles
Traditionally:
- A saddle and tack—symbolizing the nomad’s pride—are often placed next to the bed, usually on the west side, which is the man’s side of the ger.
- The east side is considered the woman’s domain, where cooking tools and textiles are kept.
- Beds are placed on the side walls of the ger, flanking the central table, usually one on the west (male) and one on the east (female).
A Symbolic Interior
The interior of a Mongolian ger is deeply symbolic, with every piece of furniture and its placement reflecting social structure, spirituality, and practical needs:
- North side: Most honored position, for the family altar and avdar.
- West side: Man’s area—tools, saddle, and weapons.
- East side: Woman’s area—cooking utensils, food, and textiles.
- Center: Hearth (stove) and table.
✨ Travel Tip
When visiting a ger:
- Don’t step on the threshold of the door—it’s considered disrespectful.
- Ask before sitting—seating order often reflects hierarchy or guest status.
- Always admire and compliment the craftsmanship—many of these items are handmade and passed down through generations.
