The Bench
21st Century and Contemporary Balkan Modern Benches
Stainless Steel, Iron
2010s Contemporary Paintings
Paper, Pastel, Gouache
1980s Modern Figurative Sculptures
Bronze
2010s Abstract Expressionist Paintings
Oil
2010s Benches
Epoxy Resin
Antique 19th Century British Victorian Benches
Walnut
2010s Italian Benches
Leather, Upholstery
2010s Italian Modern Benches
Textile
Vintage 1960s Mid-Century Modern Benches
Upholstery, Wood
Vintage 1950s Mid-Century Modern Benches
Brass
21st Century and Contemporary European Modern Benches
Concrete
Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Benches
Naugahyde, Lucite
Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Benches
Fabric, Mahogany
2010s Benches
Epoxy Resin
21st Century and Contemporary American Benches
Wood
Vintage 1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Benches
Metal
1990s American Brutalist Benches
Bronze
Antique Late 18th Century Swedish Folk Art Benches
Pine
Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Benches
Fabric, Rosewood
2010s Romanian Benches
Oak
Antique Early 19th Century Italian Rustic Benches
Wood
Vintage 1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Benches
Wood
Antique 19th Century British Victorian Benches
Walnut
Antique 19th Century German Biedermeier Benches
Fabric, Cherry
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Benches
Metal
Vintage 1950s French Mid-Century Modern Benches
Beech
Mid-20th Century Swedish Mid-Century Modern Benches
Pine
Mid-20th Century Anglo-Indian Benches
Teak
Antique 19th Century British Victorian Benches
Walnut
Antique 19th Century Italian Rococo Benches
Leather, Giltwood
Vintage 1970s Mid-Century Modern Benches
Upholstery
Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Benches
Steel
Vintage 1940s French Louis XVI Benches
Walnut
Late 20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Benches
Oak
Antique 19th Century British Victorian Benches
Walnut
Vintage 1980s Hollywood Regency Benches
Iron
Vintage 1960s American Chinese Chippendale Benches
Walnut
20th Century Unknown Country Benches
Iron
Antique Mid-19th Century Swedish Country Benches
Pine
2010s British Benches
Wool, Ash, Oak
21st Century and Contemporary Belgian Benches
Iron
Antique 19th Century British Victorian Benches
Mahogany
Antique 1890s French Rustic Benches
Wood
Antique Early 1900s German Rustic Benches
Wood
Vintage 1960s French Rustic Benches
Pine
Antique Late 19th Century Belgian Rustic Benches
Iron
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Benches
Fabric, Wood
21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Benches
Oak
Antique Early 1900s French Louis XVI Benches
Linen, Wood, Paint
Vintage 1980s Mid-Century Modern Benches
Brass
Vintage 1950s French Directoire Benches
Leather, Velvet, Wood
Vintage 1940s Louis XIV Benches
Fabric, Walnut
Vintage 1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Benches
Metal, Brass
20th Century French Louis XIV Benches
Upholstery, Beech
Antique 19th Century French Louis XV Benches
Mahogany
2010s Belgian Benches
Steel
Vintage 1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Benches
Wood
Antique Mid-19th Century Swedish Country Benches
Pine
Vintage 1960s Mid-Century Modern Benches
Wood, Faux Leather
21st Century and Contemporary Asian Mid-Century Modern Benches
Stainless Steel
- 1
- ...
The Bench For Sale on 1stDibs
How Much is a The 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.
- What is a mission bench?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022A mission bench is a long rectangular bench, often with a mid-height back and open arms. The bench is made out of wood, oak to be specific, and sometimes even animal skin. You’ll find a collection of mission benches from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.
- What is a cobblers bench?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertAugust 17, 2021A cobbler’s bench is a low-to-the-ground wooden bench that has a backless seat on one end and a workstation on the other.
- What is a shoe bench?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022A shoe bench refers to a bench that can also be utilized as a shoe storage compartment underneath the seating. Some shoe benches feature shelving, while others may have compartments to keep your shoes sorted. Shop a selection of vintage and contemporary shoe benches on 1stDibs.
- What is a settle bench?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertAugust 17, 2021Settle benches are long wooden benches with arms and tall backs. They were common in Europe during the first half of the 18th century.
- What is a teak bench?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertSeptember 28, 2021A teak bench is a bench that is constructed from teak, which is a kind of tropical hardwood which is mostly used for making chairs, seats and even boats. Appreciated for its dense grain and rich luster, old-growth teak was a sought-after material among mid-century modern designers. With proper care, a teak bench can last for nearly 70 years! Find your long-lasting teak bench on 1stDibs.
- What is a Windsor bench?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022A Windsor bench is typically a two-seater chair built with solid wood and round-tenoned legs with seats that are a shallow dish or saddle shape for comfort. Windsor chairs grew in popularity during the 16th century with the design being fashioned after wheel spokes. Shop a selection of Windor-style seating on 1stDibs.
- What is a waterfall bench?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertMay 5, 2023A waterfall bench is a bench that has rounded corners, which gives the illusion that the lines of the seating solution flow like water. Waterfall benches and other waterfall furniture were popular during the 1930s and 40s. Shop a collection of waterfall furniture on 1stDibs.
- What is a bench seat?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertOctober 26, 2021Benches can be used in nearly every space, from the foyer to the bedroom to the living room. The perfect option to create a warm, welcoming atmosphere in entryways, benches can also transform dining areas, making it possible to host several guests with limited space. On 1stDibs, find benches and other seating today.
- What is a prayer bench?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022A prayer bench, also known as a hassock or prie-dieu, is a piece of furniture that you can kneel on when praying. It helps to keep your knees feeling comfortable and elevated off the floor. Shop a variety of prayer benches from top sellers on 1stDibs.
- What is a parametric bench?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022A parametric bench is a long seating solution made out of evenly spaced rows of wood. Because of the precision required to create the complex pieces, construction of parametric furniture normally uses computer-controlled manufacturing machinery. Find a collection of parametric furniture on 1stDibs.
- What are some types of benches?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022Some types of benches designed primarily for indoor use include storage benches, entry benches, backless benches, settee benches and dining benches. Garden benches, memorial benches and planter benches are three types commonly displayed outdoors. On 1stDibs, find a selection of vintage and antique benches.
- What is a deacon’s bench?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022A deacon’s bench is a long bench with a back, and often arms, made up of spindles or slats. It is typically crafted from wood and often used as an entryway bench or at the foot of a bed. On 1stDibs, find a range of deacon’s benches.
- What is a telephone bench?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022A telephone bench, sometimes called a gossip-bench, is a bench that features an attached side-table at one end. These styles became popular after the telephone was invented in the 19th century. On 1stDibs, you’ll find a collection of vintage and contemporary telephone benches from some of the world’s top sellers.
- 1stDibs ExpertMarch 31, 2023To identify a Coalbrookdale bench, look on the seat. Authentic pieces will have "C-B-DALE" stamped into the metal. If you're unsure whether a particular bench is authentic, a certified appraiser or knowledgeable antiques dealer can assist you. Shop a selection of Coalbrookdale benches on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertSeptember 25, 2019
Benches are typically between 16 and 20 inches tall.
- What is a bench seat sofa?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertSeptember 28, 2021A bench seat sofa is a seating system that can seat two to three people at a time. Generally, a bench seat sofa does not have a backrest. Find a collection of antique and vintage bench seat sofas on 1stDibs today.
- What is a live edge bench?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022A live edge bench is a piece of furniture that features a live edge seat. This means that the top is a slab of wood that shows off the edges of the tree trunk, allowing you to admire its natural patterns and imperfections. Find a collection of live edge benches on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertSeptember 25, 2019
Bench seats are typically around 18 inches deep.
- Are piano benches necessary?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022No, piano benches are not necessary. You can sit on any stool or chair that is the appropriate height to play the piano. However, some pianists find them more comfortable or prefer how they look in front of the instrument. You'll find a selection of antique and vintage piano benches on 1stDibs.
- What is a swinging bench called?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertOctober 19, 2021A swinging bench might also refer to a porch swing. It is a long, typically wooden seat for several people that hangs from the ceiling of a porch. Shop a range of antique and vintage swinging benches on 1stDibs.
Read More
The 21 Most Popular Mid-Century Modern Chairs
You know the designs, now get the stories about how they came to be.
Fred Rigby’s Modular Seating Can Be Configured in So Many Handy Ways
The plush Cove Slipper 2.5 Seater sofa is just one of many convenient combinations from the London-based maker.
This Chubby-Chic Quilted Stool Stands on Its Own Two Feet
Sam Klemick's cool stool is edgy, cozy and environmentally sustainable all at once.
Riotous Shapes and Colors Have Made Uchronia’s Designs the Toast of Paris
Julien Sebban’s energetic design collective is radically reshaping the look of 21st-century European furniture and interiors.
Is Lionel Jadot the Willy Wonka of Upcycled Belgian Design?
From his massive collaborative workshop in a former paper factory, the designer concocts funky furniture from disused materials, as well as luxe hotel interiors like the new Mix Brussels.
Rock Your Cares Away on This Sunny Hand-Crocheted Swing
The boho-chic Enchanted Forest Swing, handmade by marginalized women from Turkey and Syria, is uplifting in every way.
Learn Why Designer Maarten Baas Set This Charles Rennie Mackintosh Chair on Fire
What happens when you do something to a piece of furniture that you shouldn’t? It becomes an entirely new object.
Eileen Gray’s Famed Cliffside Villa in the South of France Is Returned to Its Modernist Glory
After years of diligent restoration, E-1027, the designer-cum-architect’s marriage of romance and modernism, is finally complete.