Who was one of the most important portrait painters of the 19th century?

British artist John Singer Sargent was one of the most important portrait painters of the 19th century. Other notable portraitists from the period include James Abbott McNeill Whistler, Eugène Delacroix, Théodore Géricault, Gustave Courbet, Édouard Manet, Mary Cassat, Claude Monet and Pierre-Auguste Renoir. On 1stDibs, find a wide variety of portrait paintings.

What art style was used by the 19th-century French painters?

The French painters of the 19th century worked in two styles. Neoclassicism dominated the first half of the century, and Impressionism was the most common style during the second half. On 1stDibs, you can find a variety of French paintings.

Were there cannons in the 16th century?

Yes, there were cannons in the 16th century. The history of the weapon dates back to 12th-century China. Historical records suggest that the first cannons appeared in Europe during the Islamic wars in Iberia in the 13th century. Find a range of antique cannons on 1stDibs.

Was there glass in the 16th century?

Yes, the history of glass-making goes back much further than the 1600s. It’s believed that they were making glass in different parts of the world at least 3,600 years ago, maybe even longer. During the late Bronze Age in Egypt and in Western Asia, glassmarking advanced significantly and was manipulated extensively to produce vessels, jewelry, and works of art. Shop a range of antique and vintage glass on 1stDibs.

Did they have wedding rings in the 18th century?

Yes, wedding rings have a long history, stretching back to ancient Egypt. The first diamond engagement ring was created in 1477 by Archduke Maximillian of Austria. Browse a wide array of vintage and contemporary wedding rings on 1stDibs.

How did art change in the 18th century?

In the 18th century, art changed in style from Baroque to Rococo and Neoclassicism. Art became more ornamented and idealized during the Rococo period and then shifted toward a style that emulated the artwork of ancient Greece and Rome near the end of the century. You’ll find a variety of fine art on 1stDibs.

How do you identify 18th-century furniture?

To identify 18th-century furniture, you can research your piece in the context of the prevailing styles of the period or consult a certified appraiser or experienced antique dealer. To identify your item on your own, look over it for maker's marks, such as carvings, stamps, brands and labels. Researching the marking can help you determine the maker of your piece, and from there, you can search further to learn more about your particular item. Without a maker's mark, the best approach is to consider the characteristics of the dominant furniture styles during the 18th century. In England, these included William and Mary, Queen Anne, Georgian, Chippendale, Hepplewhite and Sheraton. Some French furniture styles of the 1700s include Louis XV, Louis XVI and Régence. Find a diverse assortment of 18th-century furniture on 1stDibs.

What is the most important painting of the 20th century?

What painting is the most important of the 20th century is largely a matter of personal opinion. Some notable works produced during the period include Paul Cézanne's Mont Sainte-Victoire, Pablo Picasso's Les Demoiselles d'Avignon, Henri Matisse's The Dance and Jackson Pollock's Lavender Mist. Shop a large selection of 20th-century paintings on 1stDibs.

What furniture was used in the 16th century?

A variety of furniture was used during the 16th century. Items commonly found in homes include high-backed armchairs, chests, stools, benches and cupboards. Most European artisans active during the time period produced pieces out of oak wood. Find a large collection of antique furniture on 1stDibs.

What is 17th-century furniture called?

What 17th-century furniture is called varies. The general term for all furniture produced 100 years ago, including 17th-century pieces, is antique furniture. You may also choose to be more specific and describe a piece by its style. Theatrical and lavish, the Baroque style was prevalent across Europe from the 17th to the mid-18th century and spread around the world through colonialism, including in Asia, Africa and the Americas. Baroque furniture was extravagant in all aspects, from shape to materials. 17th-century pieces from England often feature characteristics of the William and Mary style, such as crisp lines, maple and walnut veneers, inlaid bands and C-scroll ornaments. On 1stDibs, explore a variety of antique furniture.

How can I identify 18th century brass candlesticks?

One way to check if your brass candlesticks are from the 18th century is to look for the two seams running lengthwise on either side. This is from when the candlestick was molded in two halves and then soldered together. You’ll find a variety of candlesticks of all shapes and sizes from some of the top sellers on 1stDibs.

Who invented the reflector telescope in the 17th century?

Sir Isaac Newton invented the reflector telescope in the 17th century. He created it as a replacement for the refracting telescope, which tended to have poor optics. Find a collection of antique and vintage telescopes on 1stDibs from some of the world’s top sellers.

What are the major features of Dutch 17th century portraiture?

17th-century Dutch portraiture has many similarities to other Baroque paintings, including rich colors, dark shadows and intense lighting. Many famous Dutch Baroque works lean toward realism. In Dutch portraiture, props and detailed backgrounds are uncommon. You'll find a collection of Dutch Baroque paintings from some of the world’s top art dealers on 1stDibs.

Which individuals are considered the Big Three of 18th-century cartoons, and why?

The individuals considered the Big Three of 18th-century cartoons are William Hogarth, James Gillray and George Cruikshank. Although the 18th century saw a widespread increase in illustrations in newspapers, these three illustrators were particularly well-known for their work. Hogarth's work was extremely diverse, ranging from serious, realistic paintings and portraits to satirical and moralistic illustrations filled with symbolism. A British caricaturist, Gillray is remembered today for his artworks representing political and social satires, like his political cartoons against George III of England. Despite being a prolific caricaturist, Cruikshank is now most famous for illustrating the works of Charles Dickens. On 1stDibs, find a wide variety of illustrations.

What kinds of figures elevated the use of porcelain in 18th century Europe?

At the end of the 17th century, Europe went into a frenzy over porcelain. Asian porcelain was highly sought after, and spurred the foundation of the Meissen factory in France, where hard porcelain went on to be made. You’ll find a large collection of porcelain pieces from many of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.

19th Century Settle

Tavern Settle

Great British Pine Mine

Victorian Oak Settle

Swedish Settle Bench

Settle Seat

Austrian Painted Furniture

Box Settle

Antique Oak Bench

Category

Antique 19th Century American Children s Furniture

Materials

Maple

19thc Childs Settle Bench From New England W/original Rush Seat

$1,850

Antique French Carved Hall Bench Settle Renaissance Knights Brittany Pew Chest

Located in Shreveport, LA

Antique French Carved Hall Bench Settle Renaissance Knights Brittany Pew Chest. Direct from France

Category

Antique Late 19th Century French Renaissance Benches

Materials

Oak

Antique French Carved Hall Bench Settle Renaissance Knights Brittany Pew Chest

$7,250

Antique French Carved Oak Hall Bench Chest Gothic Settle Pew Renaissance

Located in Shreveport, LA

Direct from France, a heavily carved dark oak antique French pew or bench , stunning detail and superb quality!~ ~Definitely a statement piece for any room, with a height of almost ...

Category

Antique Late 19th Century French Renaissance Benches

Materials

Oak

Antique French Carved Oak Hall Bench Chest Gothic Settle Pew Renaissance

$5,345

Swedish Biedermeier Carved Three-Seat Sofa Couch Settle Setee, Late 1800s A

Located in Lewes, England

Lovely antique Swedish Biedermeier carved three-four-seat sofa in Classic darker French polish finish that brings out the figure in the top grade mahogany quilted veneers. It featur...

Category

Antique Late 19th Century Swedish Biedermeier Sofas

Materials

Wood

Swedish Biedermeier Carved Three-Seat Sofa Couch Settle Setee, Late 1800s A

$4,342

Antique French Carved Oak Hall Bench Black Forest Boar Hunt Hound Dog Settle Pew

Located in Shreveport, LA

commissioned for an aristocratic French lodge/estate in the 19th century. ~Upper back features a carved edge

Category

Antique 19th Century French Renaissance Benches

Materials

Oak

Antique French Carved Oak Hall Bench Black Forest Boar Hunt Hound Dog Settle Pew

$6,275

Antique Handmade Minimalistic Spanish Chestnut Wood Bench, Early 19th Century

Located in Eindhoven, Noord Brabant

This early-19th century rustic Fruitwood Spanish large settle bench was handcrafted on Spain's

Category

Antique Early 19th Century Spanish Rustic Benches

Materials

Fruitwood

Antique Handmade Minimalistic Spanish Chestnut Wood Bench, Early 19th Century

$4,283

Carved Oak English 19th century Monk s Bench

Located in Stamford, CT

Beautiful 19th century Victorian carved oak English settle bench. Sometimes referred to as a monk's

Category

Antique Late 19th Century English Benches

Materials

Oak

Carved Oak English 19th century Monk s Bench

$1,975

19th Century American Pine Settee

Located in Los Angeles, CA

19th century pine settle bench or loveseat from New England. This plank seat has a wonderful worn

Category

Antique 1860s American Settees

19th Century American Pine Settee

$1,995

Antique 19th Century Bench or Pew, English, circa 1890

Located in Hele, Devon, GB

This is an antique settle, a 19th century bench or pew, English, circa 1890. Solid teak plank

Category

Antique 19th Century Great Britain (UK) Victorian Benches

Materials

Teak, Pine

Antique 19th Century Bench or Pew, English, circa 1890

$1,092

19th Century Large Pine Country Bench with Lattice Back and Three Hinged-Seats

Located in Miami, FL

19th century large pine country bench, settle with lattice back and three hinged-seats A

Category

Antique Early 19th Century Spanish Renaissance Benches

Materials

Pine

19th Century Large Pine Country Bench with Lattice Back and Three Hinged-Seats

$3,800

Original Painted Bench

Located in Leamington Spa, Warwickshire

Large 19th century original painted box settle/ bench, 1860. Dimensions: 87.5 inches (222 cms

Category

Antique 19th Century Danish Benches

Materials

Pine

Original Painted Bench

$2,886

Swedish Empire Settee

Located in Leamington Spa, Warwickshire

Lovely early 19th century Swedish empire settle bench. Original paint finish, 1820. Seat height

Category

Antique 19th Century Swedish Settees

Materials

Pine

Swedish Empire Settee

$4,466

Swedish Bench or Table

Located in Leamington Spa, Warwickshire

Very unusual 19th century original painted Swedish settle or table, 1820 The depth of the seat

Category

Antique 19th Century Swedish Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Pine

Swedish Bench or Table

$1,717

Boat on the river and small bridge

Located in Genève, GE

Germany at the beginning of the 19th century, before settling in Yverdon in 1831, where Yan-Georg

Category

Mid-20th Century Modern Landscape Paintings

Materials

Oil

Gabriel Eduard Haberjahn
Boat on the river and small bridge

$963

French Art Nouveau Bust of a “Breton woman” alabaster wood

By French House Garden

Located in Valladolid, ES

that encouraged groups of painters in the second half of the 19th century to settle in different

Category

Antique Early 1900s French Art Nouveau Busts

Materials

Alabaster

French Art Nouveau Bust of a “Breton woman” alabaster wood

$3,483

Early 19th Century Settle Bench from Portugal

Located in Round Top, TX

A charming early 19th century settle bench from Portugal. The seat lifts to expose a storage area

Category

Antique Early 19th Century Portuguese Benches

Materials

Chestnut, Pine

Early 19th Century Settle Bench from Portugal

$2,188

19th Century Settle Original Yellow Paint

Located in Wiscasset, ME

Mid-19th century, most likely from England but could be American. Great old dry mustard yellow

Category

Antique 1850s English Folk Art Painted Furniture

Materials

Pine, Paint

19th Century Settle Original Yellow Paint

$3,900

19th Century English Pine Settle

Located in Chicago, IL

A charming 19th century English pine settle with deep wings on each side, scrolling arms and hand

Category

Antique 19th Century English Country Benches

Materials

Pine

19th Century English Pine Settle

$2,450

19th Century English Settle

Located in High Point, NC

19th century oak settle from England. The top has a lovely scalloped and hand carved decorated

Category

Antique 19th Century English Victorian Settees

Materials

Oak

19th Century English Settle

$2,895

19th Century English Pine Settle

Located in Houston, TX

A charming 19th century English pine settle with a tall back, and quirky arms with a well-worn

Category

Antique 19th Century English Benches

Materials

Wood

19th Century English Pine Settle

$7,400

19th Century English Oak Settle

Located in High Point, NC

19th century English oak settle with a molded edge at the top following down to two over three hand

Category

Antique 19th Century English Victorian Benches

Materials

Oak

19th Century English Oak Settle

$2,495

Small 19th Century Scandinavian Pine Settle

Located in Middleburg, VA

Small 19th Century Scandinavian Pine Settle, Unusual small size with Arched paneled back over

Category

Antique 19th Century Swedish Gustavian Benches

Materials

Pine

Small 19th Century Scandinavian Pine Settle

$3,400

19th Century American Pine and Mable Windsor Settle

Located in Atlanta, GA

The 19th century American Windsor settle/long bench in pine and maple with rectangular crest-rail

Category

Antique 19th Century North American American Colonial Benches

Materials

Maple, Pine

19th Century American Pine and Mable Windsor Settle

$2,485

19th Century Carved Oak Box Settle

Located in Chelmsford, Essex

For sale is a good quality 19th century carved oak bench. The top of the bench has four detailed

Category

Antique Mid-19th Century English Victorian Benches

Materials

Oak

19th Century Carved Oak Box Settle

$5,153

19th Century French Carved Oak Settle

Located in High Point, NC

19th century French bench made from oak. The back is exquisitely hand-carved with a central coat of

Category

Antique 19th Century French Baroque Benches

Materials

Oak

19th Century French Carved Oak Settle

$4,975

19th Century Georgian Elmwood and Pine Curved Settle

Located in Milford, NH

conforming seat and apron. Includes a custom seat cushion. English, probably dating to the early 19th century

Category

Antique Early 19th Century English Georgian Benches

Materials

Elm, Pine

19th Century Georgian Elmwood and Pine Curved Settle

$1,680

19th Century Country English Pine Paneled Hall Settle Bench

Located in Rio Vista, CA

Rustic early 19th century country English hall settle or bench. Constructed from pine with mortise

Category

Antique 19th Century English Rustic Benches

Materials

Brass

19th Century Country English Pine Paneled Hall Settle Bench

$4,500

19th Century Painted Gothic Continental Leather Upholstered Settle Bench

Located in Basingstoke, Hampshire

A unique 19th century Continental settle, featuring original folk hand painted leather inserts

Category

Antique 19th Century European Gothic Settees

Materials

Upholstery

19th Century Painted Gothic Continental Leather Upholstered Settle Bench

$5,772

19th Century Carved Walnut Folding Scissors Savonarola Bench/Settle

Located in Miami, FL

19th century carved walnut folding scissors Savonarola bench/settee Typical of the Italian

Category

Antique Mid-19th Century Italian Baroque Settees

Materials

Walnut

19th Century Carved Walnut Folding Scissors Savonarola Bench/Settle

$2,600

19th Century Pine Quebec Settle Bench in Original Paint

Located in Surrey, BC

Very rare documented Pine country settle bench with opening compartment for a visiting guest

Category

Antique Early 19th Century Canadian Country Benches

Materials

Pine

19th Century Pine Quebec Settle Bench in Original Paint

$2,600

Exquisite 19th Century Heavily Carved Oak Antique Box Settle

Located in Llanbrynmair, GB

A highly decorative carved oak box settle, English circa 1900 Nicely detailed with four foliate

Category

Antique Late 19th Century English Aesthetic Movement Benches

Materials

Oak

Exquisite 19th Century Heavily Carved Oak Antique Box Settle

$2,913

Early 19th Century Welsh High Back Carved Oak Box Settle

Located in Godshill, Isle of Wight

Early 19th century welsh high back carved oak box settle The settle has a superbly carved high

Category

Antique Early 19th Century Gothic Benches

Materials

Oak

Early 19th Century Welsh High Back Carved Oak Box Settle

$3,985

Late 19th Century Carved Primitive Spanish Catalan Settle Bench

Located in Miami, FL

A late 19th century primitive settle bench handcrafted in the Catalan region of Spain of mélèze, a

Category

Antique Late 18th Century Spanish Baroque Benches

Materials

Pine

Late 19th Century Carved Primitive Spanish Catalan Settle Bench

$4,200

Antique Carved Ebonised Oak Settle, Bench With Upholstered Seat, 19th Century

Located in Bristol, GB

ANTIQUE SETTLE Originally made to be used to sit next to fires to keep the warmth in homes and

Category

Antique Late 19th Century Benches

Materials

Wood, Oak

Antique Carved Ebonised Oak Settle, Bench With Upholstered Seat, 19th Century

$1,711

Original Painted Settle

Located in Leamington Spa, Warwickshire

Small 19th c original painted settle. 1860. Seat height is 19". Dimensions 47.5 inches (121

Category

Antique 19th Century Austrian Victorian Benches

Materials

Pine

Original Painted Settle

$1,992

19th Set of Four Century Carved Walnut Folding Scissors Savonarola Bench/Settle

Located in Miami, FL

19th century carved walnut folding scissors Savonarola bench/settee featuring a lion shield in the

Category

Antique Mid-19th Century Italian Baroque Settees

Materials

Walnut

19th Set of Four Century Carved Walnut Folding Scissors Savonarola Bench/Settle

$5,600

19th Century Pair of Carved Walnut Folding Scissors Savonarola Bench or Settle

Located in Miami, FL

19th century carved walnut folding scissors Savonarola bench or settee featuring a lion shield in

Category

Antique Mid-19th Century Italian Baroque Settees

Materials

Walnut

19th Century Pair of Carved Walnut Folding Scissors Savonarola Bench or Settle

$2,240

Georgian Settle Bench

Located in Mckinney, TX

A handsome 19th-century English pine settle with a beautiful patinated finish. The masculine lines

Category

Antique Early 19th Century English Georgian Benches

Materials

Pine

Georgian Settle Bench

$1,800

Austrian Narrow Settle

Located in Leamington Spa, Warwickshire

Unusual primitive narrow settle. 1820. Seat height - 18" Dimensions 86 inches (218 cms) Wide

Category

Antique 19th Century Austrian Benches

Materials

Beech, Fruitwood

Austrian Narrow Settle

$2,954

Barrel-Back Settle

Located in Greenwich, CT

Fine Welsh barrel back settle having shaped sides, unusual turned internal arms, tenoned seat with

Category

Antique Early 19th Century Georgian Benches

Materials

Oak

Barrel-Back Settle

$9,500

Painted Austrian Settle

Located in Leamington Spa, Warwickshire

Original painted Austrian primitive settle, 1820 Measure: Seat height 20" Dimensions 79

Category

Antique 19th Century Austrian George III Benches

Painted Austrian Settle

$1,511

Petite Late 19th Century English Pine Settle with Solid Back and Tall Arms

Located in Atlanta, GA

A petite English bench crafted of pine with solid back from the late 19th century. This charming

Category

Antique Late 19th Century English Benches

Materials

Wood, Pine

Petite Late 19th Century English Pine Settle with Solid Back and Tall Arms

$2,850

19th century French Carved Oak Hall Bench Pew Gothic Breton Renaissance Settle

Located in Shreveport, LA

Direct from France, a gorgeous antique French hall bench has some of the most intriguing carvings we have seen. It probably was commissioned by an aristocrat, and the carvings had sp...

Category

Antique Late 19th Century French Renaissance Benches

Materials

Oak

19th century French Carved Oak Hall Bench Pew Gothic Breton Renaissance Settle

$5,275

17th Century and Later Carved Oak Box Settle

Located in Debenham, Suffolk

Good quality 19th century Victorian Gothic influenced settle, made from 17th century elements

Category

Antique Mid-19th Century Great Britain (UK) Gothic Benches

Materials

Oak

17th Century and Later Carved Oak Box Settle

$2,741

Austrian Fruitwood Settle Bench

Located in Leamington Spa, Warwickshire

Stunning early 19th C Austrian fruitwood settle bench. 1820. Measures: Seat height is 20.5

Category

Antique 19th Century Austrian Benches

Materials

Fruitwood

Austrian Fruitwood Settle Bench

$2,817

Original Painted Austrian Settle

Located in Leamington Spa, Warwickshire

Pretty 19th C original painted Austrian settle bench. 1820. Measure: seat height is 17

Category

Antique 19th Century Austrian Benches

Materials

Pine

Original Painted Austrian Settle

$2,542

Pretty Painted Austrian Settle

Located in Leamington Spa, Warwickshire

Very pretty early 19th C Austrian painted pine settle. 1820. Measures: seat height is 15.5

Category

Antique 19th Century Austrian Benches

Materials

Pine

Pretty Painted Austrian Settle

$2,370

Original Painted Austrian Settle

Located in Leamington Spa, Warwickshire

Original painted Austrian settle with lift up lid. Great storage. 1880. Measure: Seat height is

Category

Antique 19th Century Austrian Benches

Materials

Pine

Original Painted Austrian Settle

$3,435

Original Painted Austrian Settle

Located in Leamington Spa, Warwickshire

Good Austrian original painted pine two seater settle with under-seat storage. 1890. Seat height

Category

Antique 19th Century Austrian Benches

Materials

Pine

Original Painted Austrian Settle

$2,679

Pine Bench or Settle

Located in Baltimore, MD

This long, low pine bench or settle has a gently scalloped camel back above three flat panels. The

Category

Antique Late 19th Century Hungarian Country Benches

Materials

Pine

Pine Bench or Settle

$1,395

Hand Carved 19th Century French Gothic Revival Oak Hall Bench or Settle

Located in London, GB

A hand carved and crafted oak 19th century French Gothic Revival bench or settle with an

Category

Antique 1870s French Gothic Revival Benches

Materials

Fabric, Oak

Hand Carved 19th Century French Gothic Revival Oak Hall Bench or Settle

$4,074

Rustic Swedish Farmhouse Pine Storage Bench or Settle

Located in Rio Vista, CA

19th century rustic Swedish farmhouse storage bench or settle made of pine. Features a painted

Category

Antique 19th Century European Country Benches

Materials

Pine

Rustic Swedish Farmhouse Pine Storage Bench or Settle

$3,500

Unusually Tall Pair of Sterling Silver Georgian (George III) Candlesticks

By John Thomas Settle

Located in New York, NY

, England, 1818, John & Thomas Settle, makers. Lovely design; removable bobeches. Each measures: 13 inches

Category

Antique 19th Century English George III Candle Holders

Materials

Sterling Silver

Unusually Tall Pair of Sterling Silver Georgian (George III) Candlesticks

$3,250

Pine Storage Bench or Settle

Located in Baltimore, MD

What a beauty! This outstanding pine box bench has fluted grooves running the length of the top and bottom back rails. A broad central stile with reeded decoration creates two “wind...

Category

Antique Late 19th Century Hungarian Country Benches

Materials

Pine

Pine Storage Bench or Settle

$1,995

Pine Box Bench or Settle

Located in Baltimore, MD

This outstanding storage bench has a beautiful color and considerable presence. With only a small cut-out at the corners of the otherwise straight top rail, the back rails and stiles...

Category

Antique Late 19th Century Hungarian Country Benches

Materials

Pine

Pine Box Bench or Settle

$1,895

Pine Box Bench or Settle

Located in Baltimore, MD

This lovely storage bench has a great deal of presence. The unusual top rail is beautifully scalloped with a tall arched crest in the center. A central rectangular splat separates si...

Category

Antique Late 19th Century Hungarian Country Benches

Materials

Pine

Pine Box Bench or Settle

$1,795

Painted Pine Bench or Settle

Located in Baltimore, MD

floor in a delightful curvilinear form. The thick seat is 19” deep with a height of 20”. In old worn

Category

Antique Late 19th Century Hungarian Benches

Materials

Pine

Painted Pine Bench or Settle

$995

Seating Under $2,000

Antique and Vintage Seating

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19th Century Settle For Sale on 1stDibs

With a vast inventory of beautiful furniture at 1stDibs, we’ve got just the 19th century settle you’re looking for. A 19th century settle — often made from wood, softwood and pine — can elevate any home. If you’re shopping for a 19th century settle, we have 765 options in-stock, while there are 6 modern editions to choose from as well. There are many kinds of the 19th century settle you’re looking for, from those produced as long ago as the 18th Century to those made as recently as the 21st Century. When you’re browsing for the right 19th century settle, those designed in Victorian, Georgian and mid-century modern styles are of considerable interest. François Linke, Pablo Picasso and Guillerme et Chambron each produced at least one beautiful 19th century settle that is worth considering.

How Much is a 19th Century Settle?

The average selling price for a 19th century settle at 1stDibs is $2,950, while they’re typically $95 on the low end and $595,000 for the highest priced.

Finding the Right Benches for You

Don’t underestimate a good bench — antique and vintage benches are storage pieces, stylish accents and statement-making additional seating.

Today, benches are a great option to maximize seating in your house and outdoor space. The perfect option to create a warm, welcoming atmosphere in foyers and entryways, benches can also transform dining areas, making it possible to host a hungry family with limited space. Whether you’re sprucing up your entertaining with upholstered Empire-style benches or adding more options to a dining room that’s seen a farmhouse makeover, this humble furnishing has only become more versatile over the years. Designers have recognized the demand for a good bench, crafting the convenient seating alternative from a range of materials, including wood, iron and even concrete.

Mid-century modern benches from George Nakashima, Charlotte Perriand and the pared-down Platform bench by George Nelson for Herman Miller are classics of innovation, but maybe you’re looking for an unconventional design approach to your home's seating. Opt for something totally outside the box — an antique pine church-pew bench paired with a vintage wool throw and stationed under the mounted coatrack in your mudroom is a distinctive touch.

For your outdoor oasis, a wrought-iron patio bench is the obvious choice but not the only option. An enclosed back patio would do well to inherit a rattan bench with cushions, but it can be susceptible to weathering and should be covered or moved indoors when not in use.

Whatever your seating arrangement needs are, find vintage, new and antique benches for every space on 1stDibs.

Questions About 19th Century Settle

Who was one of the most important portrait painters of the 19th century?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
British artist John Singer Sargent was one of the most important portrait painters of the 19th century. Other notable portraitists from the period include James Abbott McNeill Whistler, Eugène Delacroix, Théodore Géricault, Gustave Courbet, Édouard Manet, Mary Cassat, Claude Monet and Pierre-Auguste Renoir. On 1stDibs, find a wide variety of portrait paintings.
What art style was used by the 19th-century French painters?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
The French painters of the 19th century worked in two styles. Neoclassicism dominated the first half of the century, and Impressionism was the most common style during the second half. On 1stDibs, you can find a variety of French paintings.
Were there cannons in the 16th century?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022
Yes, there were cannons in the 16th century. The history of the weapon dates back to 12th-century China. Historical records suggest that the first cannons appeared in Europe during the Islamic wars in Iberia in the 13th century. Find a range of antique cannons on 1stDibs.
Was there glass in the 16th century?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
Yes, the history of glass-making goes back much further than the 1600s. It’s believed that they were making glass in different parts of the world at least 3,600 years ago, maybe even longer. During the late Bronze Age in Egypt and in Western Asia, glassmarking advanced significantly and was manipulated extensively to produce vessels, jewelry, and works of art. Shop a range of antique and vintage glass on 1stDibs.
Did they have wedding rings in the 18th century?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
Yes, wedding rings have a long history, stretching back to ancient Egypt. The first diamond engagement ring was created in 1477 by Archduke Maximillian of Austria. Browse a wide array of vintage and contemporary wedding rings on 1stDibs.
How did art change in the 18th century?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
In the 18th century, art changed in style from Baroque to Rococo and Neoclassicism. Art became more ornamented and idealized during the Rococo period and then shifted toward a style that emulated the artwork of ancient Greece and Rome near the end of the century. You’ll find a variety of fine art on 1stDibs.
How do you identify 18th-century furniture?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertNovember 13, 2024
To identify 18th-century furniture, you can research your piece in the context of the prevailing styles of the period or consult a certified appraiser or experienced antique dealer. To identify your item on your own, look over it for maker's marks, such as carvings, stamps, brands and labels. Researching the marking can help you determine the maker of your piece, and from there, you can search further to learn more about your particular item. Without a maker's mark, the best approach is to consider the characteristics of the dominant furniture styles during the 18th century. In England, these included William and Mary, Queen Anne, Georgian, Chippendale, Hepplewhite and Sheraton. Some French furniture styles of the 1700s include Louis XV, Louis XVI and Régence. Find a diverse assortment of 18th-century furniture on 1stDibs.
What is the most important painting of the 20th century?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
What painting is the most important of the 20th century is largely a matter of personal opinion. Some notable works produced during the period include Paul Cézanne's Mont Sainte-Victoire, Pablo Picasso's Les Demoiselles d'Avignon, Henri Matisse's The Dance and Jackson Pollock's Lavender Mist. Shop a large selection of 20th-century paintings on 1stDibs.
What furniture was used in the 16th century?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
A variety of furniture was used during the 16th century. Items commonly found in homes include high-backed armchairs, chests, stools, benches and cupboards. Most European artisans active during the time period produced pieces out of oak wood. Find a large collection of antique furniture on 1stDibs.
What is 17th-century furniture called?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertSeptember 23, 2024
What 17th-century furniture is called varies. The general term for all furniture produced 100 years ago, including 17th-century pieces, is antique furniture. You may also choose to be more specific and describe a piece by its style. Theatrical and lavish, the Baroque style was prevalent across Europe from the 17th to the mid-18th century and spread around the world through colonialism, including in Asia, Africa and the Americas. Baroque furniture was extravagant in all aspects, from shape to materials. 17th-century pieces from England often feature characteristics of the William and Mary style, such as crisp lines, maple and walnut veneers, inlaid bands and C-scroll ornaments. On 1stDibs, explore a variety of antique furniture.
How can I identify 18th century brass candlesticks?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
One way to check if your brass candlesticks are from the 18th century is to look for the two seams running lengthwise on either side. This is from when the candlestick was molded in two halves and then soldered together. You’ll find a variety of candlesticks of all shapes and sizes from some of the top sellers on 1stDibs.
Who invented the reflector telescope in the 17th century?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
Sir Isaac Newton invented the reflector telescope in the 17th century. He created it as a replacement for the refracting telescope, which tended to have poor optics. Find a collection of antique and vintage telescopes on 1stDibs from some of the world’s top sellers.
What are the major features of Dutch 17th century portraiture?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
17th-century Dutch portraiture has many similarities to other Baroque paintings, including rich colors, dark shadows and intense lighting. Many famous Dutch Baroque works lean toward realism. In Dutch portraiture, props and detailed backgrounds are uncommon. You'll find a collection of Dutch Baroque paintings from some of the world’s top art dealers on 1stDibs.
Which individuals are considered the Big Three of 18th-century cartoons, and why?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertJanuary 10, 2025
The individuals considered the Big Three of 18th-century cartoons are William Hogarth, James Gillray and George Cruikshank. Although the 18th century saw a widespread increase in illustrations in newspapers, these three illustrators were particularly well-known for their work. Hogarth's work was extremely diverse, ranging from serious, realistic paintings and portraits to satirical and moralistic illustrations filled with symbolism. A British caricaturist, Gillray is remembered today for his artworks representing political and social satires, like his political cartoons against George III of England. Despite being a prolific caricaturist, Cruikshank is now most famous for illustrating the works of Charles Dickens. On 1stDibs, find a wide variety of illustrations.
What kinds of figures elevated the use of porcelain in 18th century Europe?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
At the end of the 17th century, Europe went into a frenzy over porcelain. Asian porcelain was highly sought after, and spurred the foundation of the Meissen factory in France, where hard porcelain went on to be made. You’ll find a large collection of porcelain pieces from many of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.

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