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

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
Upholstered Easy Chair with Calamander Wood, Europe 20th Century
Located in Utrecht, NL
This exquisite easy chair, crafted from calamander wood - one of the most valuable decorative hardwoods - epitomises the refinement of 20th century European craftsmanship. The rounde...
Category

20th Century European Mid-Century Modern Armchairs

Materials

Fabric, Wood

Pair of Wooden Armchairs with Upholstered Cushions, Europe 20th Century
Located in Utrecht, NL
With wedge and hammer, the chair-maker slowly creates shorter pieces to be worked into the seat, spindle, crest rail, and legs. This pair of wooden armchairs stands as a proud example of traditional design practice; their solid nail-free joints highlight the skill and artistry of its makers. This construction method enhances the armchairs’ structure and presents the reverence it deserves. This set borrows from great past examples, such as the Windsor chair or - more broadly - the spindle models widely used throughout Europe during the 20th century. These elements render this specific design truly timeless. They are among the most recognisable models of mid-century chairs in Europe. The spindle chairs are a ubiquitous classic that does just as well in the living room, dining room or even the hall, drawing every eye to it. The proportions are well-thought-out, and the see-through design adds a simple and airy touch. Each chair of this set has fifteen symmetrically arranged wooden slim spindles that form the back and armrests. A continuous arm and bow-back frame the slim spindles, offering a seamless joint from the seat and the back. The legs splay outward and run into the seat, which is a single wood piece slightly inclined to assist a more comfortable seating experience combined with the custom-made cushion upholstered in premium bouclé fabric. This model’s design is a classic that goes beyond trends, a product of a deep-rooted desire to showcase impeccable craftsmanship and a stylish aesthetic without compromising the quality of production or materials. This spindle chair set...
Category

20th Century European Mid-Century Modern Armchairs

Materials

Fabric, Wood

Set of Upholstered Solid Wood Mid-Century Armchairs, Europe 1960s
Located in Utrecht, NL
Mid-Century Modern, a design movement devoted to timeless functionalism, established itself in the post-war period with furniture that appealed to the senses. Furniture design was gu...
Category

Vintage 1960s European Mid-Century Modern Armchairs

Materials

Fabric, Wood

Iron Armchair with Upholstered Cushions by Georg Toth, Europe 1998
Located in Utrecht, NL
This armchair draws inspiration from the aesthetics of Postmodernism; a period defined by its eclectic approach, where designers often mixed unconventional materials and colours. The...
Category

1990s European Post-Modern Armchairs

Materials

Iron

Rustic Solid Wood Dining Table, Europe 19th Century
Located in Utrecht, NL
In most mid-century European design, there was an early emphasis on wood as it connected everyday objects, such as furniture to nature. This rustic, solid wood table is a perfect exa...
Category

Antique 19th Century European Mid-Century Modern Dining Room Tables

Materials

Wood

Mid-Century Modern Armchairs, Europe Late 20th Century
Located in Utrecht, NL
In the midst of the swinging 1960s a remarkable design style emerged, a kind of mature mid-century modernism that captivated the essence of the era's design trends. These lounge chai...
Category

Late 20th Century European Mid-Century Modern Armchairs

Materials

Fabric, Wood

You May Also Like

Late 19th Century European Arm Chair
Located in Chappaqua, NY
Late 19th century European Arm Chair. Tall back upholstered chair with lovely silk fabric in like-new condition. Finely carved front apron...
Category

Antique Late 19th Century European French Provincial Armchairs

Materials

Upholstery, Wood

19th Century Swedish Late Baroque Style Upholstered Arm-Chair with Originalpaint
Located in Boden, SE
19th century Swedish late Baroque style arm-chair from Skelleftea Vasterbotten, Northern Sweden. Charming unusually armchair with fantastic hand-carved upper part & colorful color. ...
Category

Antique Early 19th Century Swedish Baroque Armchairs

Materials

Pine

19th Century French Upholstered Chair
Located in High Point, NC
This elegant 19th-century French chair showcases the charm of classical craftsmanship with its intricate woodwork and sophisticated upholstery. The chair features a beautifully carve...
Category

Antique 19th Century French Armchairs

Materials

Upholstery, Wood

Late 19th Century Antique Carved Wood Throne Chair
Located in Stamford, CT
Late 19th Century antique very decorative carved throne chair with amazing details. This antique carved throne chair has full carved figures and masks similar to R.J.Horner & Co. The...
Category

Antique Late 19th Century Armchairs

Materials

Wood

Late 19th Century Japanese carved wood arm chair
Located in Brighton, Sussex
A very good quality late 19th Century Japanese carved wood arm chair with a pair of wonderful mythical dragons to the back rest and arms. Having a serpentine shaped seat and raised o...
Category

Antique Late 19th Century Japanese Chinoiserie Armchairs

Materials

Softwood

Antique armchair, Northern Europe, late 19th century.
Located in Chorzów, PL
Antique armchair from around 1880. Furniture in very good condition. Dimensions: height 98 cm / seat height 38 cm / width 63 cm / depth 62 cm
Category

Antique 1880s Swedish Louis Philippe Armchairs

Materials

Walnut

Recently Viewed

View All