French 19th Century Gilt Bench
Antique 19th Century French Napoleon III Patio and Garden Furniture
Iron
Antique 19th Century French Sofas
Wood, Giltwood
Antique 19th Century French Empire Stools
Wood, Fabric
Antique 19th Century French Footstools
Wood
Antique 19th Century French Louis XVI Ottomans and Poufs
Fabric, Wood
Antique 1880s French Louis XVI Ottomans and Poufs
Antique Mid-19th Century French Louis XIV Stools
Tapestry, Giltwood
Antique 19th Century French Stools
Antique 19th Century French Louis XVI Wall Mirrors
Mirror, Giltwood
Early 20th Century French Paintings
Canvas, Giltwood
Antique 1880s Decorative Boxes
Enamel, Bronze
Antique Late 19th Century French Napoleon III Religious Items
Walnut
Antique 19th Century Side Tables
Wood
Antique 1830s French Neoclassical Paintings
Paint
Vintage 1970s Italian Stools
Composition
Antique 19th Century French Stools
Giltwood, Zebra Hide
Antique 19th Century Wallpaper
Early 20th Century French Figurative Sculptures
Marble, Bronze
Antique 19th Century French Stools
Wood, Wool
Antique Late 19th Century French French Provincial Benches
Giltwood
Antique 19th Century French Empire Benches
Velvet, Giltwood
Antique Late 19th Century French Louis XVI Benches
Upholstery, Wood
Antique 19th Century French Neoclassical Benches
Burlap, Wood
Antique Late 19th Century French Louis XV Benches
Upholstery, Wood
Antique 19th Century French Rococo Benches
Upholstery, Wood
Antique Mid-19th Century European Louis XV Benches
Antique 1890s French Louis XV Benches
Wood
Early 20th Century French Neoclassical Benches
Wood
Antique Late 19th Century French Louis XV Benches
Cane, Giltwood
Antique Late 19th Century French Louis XIV Benches
Fabric, Upholstery, Wood
Antique Late 19th Century French Baroque Benches
Fabric, Wood
Antique 1870s French Louis XVI Benches
Cane, Wood
Antique 19th Century French Victorian Benches
Gold Leaf
Antique 19th Century French Louis XVI Benches
Giltwood
Antique 19th Century French Benches
Antique 19th Century French Louis XV Benches
Gold Leaf
Antique Early 19th Century French Louis XVI Benches
Gold Leaf
Antique Late 19th Century French Regency Benches
Wood
Antique Late 19th Century French Louis XV Benches
Cane, Wood
Antique 19th Century French Benches
Beech
Antique Late 19th Century French Louis XV Benches
Wood
Antique 19th Century French Benches
Cane
Antique Late 19th Century Benches
Fabric, Beech
Antique Late 19th Century French Louis XVI Benches
Antique Late 19th Century French Benches
Hardwood
Vintage 1920s French Rococo Benches
Tapestry, Wood
Antique 19th Century French Louis XVI Stools
Giltwood, Paint
Antique 1880s French Rococo Sofas
Giltwood
Antique 19th Century French Louis XVI Ottomans and Poufs
Antique Late 19th Century French Napoleon III Religious Items
Mother-of-Pearl, Tapestry, Wood
Antique Late 19th Century French Louis XV Ottomans and Poufs
Muslin, Wood
Antique 1880s French Louis XV Decorative Boxes
Enamel, Bronze
Antique Late 19th Century French Louis Philippe Religious Items
Walnut
Antique Late 19th Century French Louis XVI Armchairs
Beech
Antique Late 19th Century French Louis XV Stools
Giltwood
19th Century Victorian Portrait Paintings
Canvas, Oil
Antique Late 19th Century French Neoclassical Settees
Brass
- 1
French 19th Century Gilt Bench For Sale on 1stDibs
How Much is a French 19th Century Gilt Bench?
Finding the Right Seating for You
With entire areas of our homes reserved for “sitting rooms,” the value of quality antique and vintage seating cannot be overstated.
Fortunately, the design of side chairs, armchairs and other lounge furniture — since what were, quite literally, the early perches of our ancestors — has evolved considerably.
Among the earliest standard seating furniture were stools. Egyptian stools, for example, designed for one person with no seat back, were x-shaped and typically folded to be tucked away. These rudimentary chairs informed the design of Greek and Roman stools, all of which were a long way from Sori Yanagi's Butterfly stool or Alvar Aalto's Stool 60. In the 18th century and earlier, seats with backs and armrests were largely reserved for high nobility.
The seating of today is more inclusive but the style and placement of chairs can still make a statement. Antique desk chairs and armchairs designed in the style of Louis XV, which eventually included painted furniture and were often made of rare woods, feature prominently curved legs as well as Chinese themes and varied ornaments. Much like the thrones of fairy tales and the regency, elegant lounges crafted in the Louis XV style convey wealth and prestige. In the kitchen, the dining chair placed at the head of the table is typically reserved for the head of the household or a revered guest.
Of course, with luxurious vintage or antique furnishings, every chair can seem like the best seat in the house. Whether your preference is stretching out on a plush sofa, such as the Serpentine, designed by Vladimir Kagan, or cozying up in a vintage wingback chair, there is likely to be a comfy classic or contemporary gem for you on 1stDibs.
With respect to the latest obsessions in design, cane seating has been cropping up everywhere, from sleek armchairs to lounge chairs, while bouclé fabric, a staple of modern furniture design, can be seen in mid-century modern, Scandinavian modern and Hollywood Regency furniture styles.
Admirers of the sophisticated craftsmanship and dark woods frequently associated with mid-century modern seating can find timeless furnishings in our expansive collection of lounge chairs, dining chairs and other items — whether they’re vintage editions or alluring official reproductions of iconic designs from the likes of Hans Wegner or from Charles and Ray Eames. Shop our inventory of Egg chairs, designed in 1958 by Arne Jacobsen, the Florence Knoll lounge chair and more.
No matter your style, the collection of unique chairs, sofas and other seating on 1stDibs is surely worthy of a standing ovation.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022The 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.
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