Skip to main content
Want more images or videos?
Request additional images or videos from the seller
1 of 19

Solid Wood "Money Chair" with Upholstered Cushions, Europe late 19th century

$3,300
£2,494.39
€2,866.50
CA$4,595.23
A$5,112
CHF 2,679.78
MX$62,467.45
NOK 34,123.62
SEK 32,122.66
DKK 21,397.33
Shipping
Retrieving quote...
The 1stDibs Promise:
Authenticity Guarantee,
Money-Back Guarantee,
24-Hour Cancellation

About the Item

This chair is in many ways the definition of a unique piece both in visual terms and from a historic aspect. It hasn’t a single aspect that is usual, making it a fascinating and historic accent piece with a contemporary touch provided by the swish cushions. So-called “money chairs” have existed for centuries, and the saying “sitting on one’s money” is said to have originated from such chairs with a hidden compartment meant for safekeeping valuables. Secret compartments and spaces, crafted by furniture makers are prevalent among a variety of examples of antique furniture. In the 17th century, high-end furniture often contained secret compartments and although the compartments were often very small – only meant for some coins, precious jewellery or paperwork, they were very effective. In this chair, the functional compartment is used as a stylistic element as well, decorated with two large riveted iron bands in the front and back. The same element can also be found on the sides of the top, tying together the aesthetic. The dark bands contrast against the light wood and accentuate the soft curves masterfully carved from it. The elaborate frame features numerous unique elements, such as the spindles of the back and arms going through horizontal spindles, the sculptural base with sledge legs, and the tilted angle of the seat and arms and back. The latter especially sets the design in motion, and together with the stylish, upholstered seat and back cushions, it also provides great sitting comfort. The level of woodworking is unquestionable, with hand carved details and elements that evidently required artisan craftsmanship. The design is one-of-a-kind and eye catching, and its history leaves much to the imagination, making this chair a true conversation starter piece for any space. Condition: In good vintage condition. Wear consistent with age and use. The cushions have been reupholstered recently in a premium fabric. Each of our items can be re-upholstered by our in-house atelier in a fabric of choice. Please reach out for more information. Dimensions: 31.1 in W x 27.95 in D x 32.67 in H; Seat height 18.89 in; Arm height 28.34 in 79 cm W x 71 cm D x 83 cm H; Seat height 48 cm; Arm height 72 cm
  • Dimensions:
    Height: 32.68 in (83 cm)Width: 31.11 in (79 cm)Depth: 27.96 in (71 cm)Seat Height: 18.9 in (48 cm)
  • Style:
    Modern (Of the Period)
  • Materials and Techniques:
  • Place of Origin:
  • Period:
  • Date of Manufacture:
    late 19th century
  • Condition:
    Reupholstered. Wear consistent with age and use. The cushions have been reupholstered recently in a premium fabric. Each of our items can be re-upholstered by our in-house atelier in a fabric of choice. Please reach out for more information.
  • Seller Location:
    Utrecht, NL
  • Reference Number:
    Seller: 888801471stDibs: LU2947335590122

More From This Seller

View All
Modern Wooden Lounge Chair with Upholstered Cushions, Europe Mid-20th Century
Located in Utrecht, NL
This lounge chair is a stunning embodiment of the design movement that revolutionized interiors during the mid-20th century. The mid-century modern era celebrated clean lines, simpli...
Category

Mid-20th Century European Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs

Materials

Fabric, Wood

Armchair in Solid Wood with Upholstered Seating, Europe 20th Century
Located in Utrecht, NL
Rooted in the refined lineage of 20th-century European modernism, this armchair reflects the elegant restraint found in Scandinavian and Italian design of the mid-century era. It emb...
Category

20th Century European Mid-Century Modern Armchairs

Materials

Wood, Fabric

Armchair in Pine with Cowhide Seating, Europe 1950s
Located in Utrecht, NL
The 1950s saw brilliant designers working to create furniture of the highest quality that explored modern shapes and forms. These designers experimented with new materials and constr...
Category

Vintage 1950s European Mid-Century Modern Armchairs

Materials

Cowhide, Pine

Rustic Oak and Rush Armchair, Europe 1930s
Located in Utrecht, NL
This rustic armchair embodies the aesthetic, practicality and functional design that was valued in European homes of the early 20th century. Displaying artisanal techniques such as w...
Category

Vintage 1930s European Mid-Century Modern Armchairs

Materials

Rush, Oak

European Low Back Armchair with Upholstered Seat, Europe, ca 1950s
Located in Utrecht, NL
The modernist movement in Europe found its beginnings in the roots of the Bauhaus and Functionalist movements. Bauhaus design emphasized clean, pure lines, while Functionalism sought...
Category

Vintage 1950s European Mid-Century Modern Armchairs

Materials

Fabric, Wood

Mid-Century Turned Oak Armchairs in the style of Charles Dudouyt, France 1950s
By Charles Dudouyt
Located in Utrecht, NL
In the realm of mid-century furniture, there exist turned furniture with a historical charm that exudes timeless elegance and craftsmanship, harkening back to the design sensibilitie...
Category

Vintage 1950s French Mid-Century Modern Armchairs

Materials

Bouclé, Oak

You May Also Like

Charles Dudouyt Style Mid-Century Rush Oak French Armchair
By Charles Dudouyt
Located in London, GB
A mid-20th rush and oak armchair. France, c1950s. In the style of Charles Dudouyt. Wildly stylish with a great stance. The oak is worn in places with age and use, the rus...
Category

Vintage 1950s French Mid-Century Modern Armchairs

Materials

Rush, Oak

1930s, Danish Design, Armchair, Ash Wood, Velour, Original Condition
Located in Tarm, 82
Original Danish design from about 1930s, lounge armchair. Ash wood, furniture plait. Furniture velour with nice patina. Brass springs in seats. No smells, no stains. Original good co...
Category

Vintage 1930s Danish Scandinavian Modern Armchairs

Materials

Velvet, Ash

Arts & Crafts Upholstered Seat Armchair, c. 1902
Located in Kenilworth, IL
American Arts & Crafts armchair of stained hard yellow pine with leather upholstered seat. The frame is constructed entirely of 2” x 2” elements with mortice and thru tenons. Note th...
Category

Early 20th Century American Arts and Crafts Armchairs

Materials

Leather, Pine

Oak Arts & Crafts Art Nouveau High Back Armchair with Rush Seat, 1900s
Located in Amsterdam, NL
Stunning and rare Arts & Crafts Art Nouveau high back armchair. Striking Dutch design from the 1900s. Solid oak frame with original rush seat. Well designed tall back and elegant and...
Category

Antique Early 1900s Dutch Arts and Crafts Armchairs

Materials

Rush, Oak

Swedish Designer, Armchair, Wood, Velvet, Sweden, 1915
Located in High Point, NC
A handcrafted wood and green velvet armchair with hand-carved details, produced in Sweden, dated 1915. Seat height: 19”
Category

Vintage 1910s Armchairs

Materials

Velvet, Wood

Danish 1930 or 1940s Carved Mahogany Armchair with Rush Seat
Located in Bridgeport, CT
Great country style armchair made in Denmark in the early part of the 20th century. Hand carved from solid Mahogany and stained. Over time the c...
Category

Vintage 1930s Danish Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs

Materials

Rush, Mahogany