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:
    Fabric,Wood
  • Place of Origin:
    Europe
  • Period:
    Late 19th Century
  • 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 SellerView All
  • European Armchairs Upholstered in Bouclé Fabric, Europe Late 20th Century
    Located in Utrecht, NL
    What connected European seating models of the mid- and later 20th century was that comfort and functionality were often the main priority. As this pair of armchairs exemplifies, stro...
    Category

    Late 20th Century European Mid-Century Modern Armchairs

    Materials

    Bouclé, Wood

    European Armchairs Upholstered in Bouclé Fabric, Europe Late 20th Century

    European Armchairs Upholstered in Bouclé Fabric, Europe Late 20th Century

  • 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

    Set of Upholstered Solid Wood Mid-Century Armchairs, Europe 1960s

    Set of Upholstered Solid Wood Mid-Century Armchairs, Europe 1960s

  • Mid-Century Modern Wood Lounge Chair with Upholstered Cushions, Europe 1940s
    Located in Utrecht, NL
    There is a clear decorative feel to this lounge chair with indulgent shaping and a sophisticated, sartorial attitude.‎ Not only the quality is apparent, but also the subtle influence...
    Category

    Vintage 1940s European Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs

    Materials

    Cowhide, Wood

    Mid-Century Modern Wood Lounge Chair with Upholstered Cushions, Europe 1940s

    Mid-Century Modern Wood Lounge Chair with Upholstered Cushions, Europe 1940s

  • 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

    Rustic Solid Wood Dining Table, Europe 19th Century

    Rustic Solid Wood Dining Table, Europe 19th Century

  • 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

    Mid-Century Modern Armchairs, Europe Late 20th Century

    Mid-Century Modern Armchairs, Europe Late 20th Century

  • Six Brutalist Solid Oak Dining Chairs with Upholstered Cushions, Europe 1960s
    Located in Utrecht, NL
    In the European design landscape of the mid-20th century, Brutalism emerged as a distinct architectural and artistic movement, influencing not only buildings but also furniture desig...
    Category

    Vintage 1960s European Brutalist Dining Room Chairs

    Materials

    Linen, Oak

    Six Brutalist Solid Oak Dining Chairs with Upholstered Cushions, Europe 1960s

    Six Brutalist Solid Oak Dining Chairs with Upholstered Cushions, Europe 1960s

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

    Late 19th Century European Arm Chair

    Late 19th Century European Arm Chair

  • 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 Swedish Late Baroque Style Upholstered Arm-Chair with Originalpaint

    19th Century Swedish Late Baroque Style Upholstered Arm-Chair with Originalpaint

  • 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

    Late 19th Century Japanese carved wood arm chair

    Late 19th Century Japanese carved wood arm chair

  • 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

    Antique armchair, Northern Europe, late 19th century.

    Antique armchair, Northern Europe, late 19th century.

  • Late 19th Century Chippendale Mahogany Needlepoint Upholstered Armchair
    Located in Germantown, MD
    Late 19th Century Chippendale mahogany needlepoint Upholstered armchair with carved cabriole legs terminating with ball and claw feet. Measures 26" in width, 23" in depth and 38.75" ...
    Category

    Antique Late 19th Century Chippendale Armchairs

    Materials

    Upholstery, Mahogany

    Late 19th Century Chippendale Mahogany Needlepoint Upholstered Armchair

    Late 19th Century Chippendale Mahogany Needlepoint Upholstered Armchair

  • 19th Century Biedermeier Armchair Solid Cherrywood, New Upholstered
    Located in Darmstadt, DE
    Biedermeier armchair from south Germany, very good restorated condition. Solid cherrywood and completely new upholstered.
    Category

    Antique Early 19th Century German Biedermeier Armchairs

    Materials

    Cherry

    19th Century Biedermeier Armchair Solid Cherrywood, New Upholstered

    19th Century Biedermeier Armchair Solid Cherrywood, New Upholstered

Recently Viewed

View All

More Ways To Browse

Iron Curved Back Chairs
Iron Chair With Seat Cushion
Carved Sitting Chair
Prefabricated House
China Chair Cherry
Irish Library Chair
Chippendale Faux Bamboo Armchair
Silver Lion Chair
Unusual Shaped Chairs
Prefab Space
Sella Carlo De Carli
Sella Carlo
Black South Asian Armchairs
Borge Mogensen Bm62
Butaca Vintage
Butacas Vintage
Cassina 849
Finn Juhl Model 209
View All Popular Armchairs Searches