The Gothic Revival movement (also called Victorian Gothic or Neo-Gothic) emerged in Britain in the 1740s, and reached its height in the late-19th century. Gothic Revival furniture's characteristics include such decorative flourishes as pointed arches, floral details, finials, heraldic motifs and linenfold carving.
The movement was rooted in religious and social conservatism. Gothic Revival's proponents, who included Charles Barry and A.W.N. Pugin, the architects of London’s Houses of Parliament (designed in 1840), believed that the art and architecture of the Middle Ages were authentically spiritual and inherently moral.
In the United States, the Gothic Revival movement shaped both public buildings and private houses. Numerous American schools were built in the early-19th century in a style now called Collegiate Gothic. Many builders and craftsmen were inspired by Andrew Jackson Downing’s widely read 1850 book Architecture for Country Houses, which posited that a family’s home should exemplify their values — and that the Gothic Revival style was particularly well-suited to scholars and clergymen. Furniture with detailing that mirrored that of Gothic Revival buildings appeared in the same period. Such pieces typically feature dark, intricately carved wood, and upholstery in velvet or leather.
Much like the castles or cathedrals that inspired them, Gothic Revival chairs, bookcases and beds make a bold design statement. And while you probably don’t have to cross a moat or raise a portcullis to get through your front door, a Gothic Revival piece will declare that your home is indeed your castle.
John Pollard Seddon Attri, Probably for C. Seddon A Gothic Revival Nursing Chair
Located in London, GB
John Pollard Seddon attributed, probably made by C. Seddon in collaboration with Kenton and Co. A well designed architectural Gothic Revival oak upholstered nursing or low chair with...
Oak
$3,500 / set
American Gothic Revival Mahogany Side Chairs
Located in Queens, NY
Pair of mid-19th century american Gothic Revival mahogany (slipper) side chairs with spindle & spool design back and legs with finial on back t...
Mahogany
$4,950 / set
H 33.86 in W 17.52 in D 17.33 in
Pair Of Regency Gothic Revival English Oak Hall Chairs Circa 1825
Located in Norwich, GB
A superb pair of Regency oak Gothic Revival hall chairs. English - Circa 1825. Excellent examples with architectural influence, having lancet arched shaped tops with fabulous quatre...
Oak
Pair of Slipper Chairs by Edward Wormley for Dunbar
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Middlesex, NJ
Pair of slipper chairs by Edward Wormley for Dunbar. Chairs are reupholstered in a Maharam Mohair.
Louis XVI Style Side Chair, 19th Century
Located in Spencertown, NY
A Louis XVI style 'Boudoir' chair.
Wood
One Vintage Jens Risom for Knoll Lounge Chairs
By Jens Risom, Knoll
Located in Pasadena, TX
One mid-century modern armless lounge chair designed by Jens Risom for Knoll originally in 1946. This early design has a hard maple frame with new linen upholstery.
Fabric, Maple
$2,680Sale Price / set|20% Off
H 43.71 in W 15.36 in D 19.69 in
20th Century Pair of Spanish Polychromed Sgabello Carved Side Chair or Stool
Located in Miami, FL
Spanish Sgabello carved side chair or stool depicting shields from Spain. Original polychrome It has a large crest featuring a crown.
Walnut
Lounge Chair by Florence Knoll for Knoll
By Florence Knoll, Knoll
Located in Sagaponack, NY
A lounge chair formed by an armless button-tufted upholstered seat resting on a matte steel, rectilinear architectural frame.
Steel
Florence Knoll for Knoll International Lounge Chair in Teak
By Florence Knoll, Knoll
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Florence Knoll for Knoll International, lounge chair, model '51', teak, fabric, United States, 1955 This slipper chair model 51 is designed by Florence Knoll. The teak frame of the chair is sleek in form. The angled seat is placed upon the squared-off frame. Maximum seating comfort is ensured by the wide seat and tilted backrest. Florence Knoll (1917-) was trained as an architect and had a sense of style from a very young age. In 1936 she met Alvar Aalto and was trained by Marcel Breuer, Walter Gropius and Mies van der Rohe. This meant that although she was barely out of her teens, she was educated by the best of the European modernists. When she arrived in New York Knoll worked on interior projects (being the only female) which is how she came to know Hans Knoll. When Florence joined Knoll, the planning unit started. Florence also made sure that the designs where more 'American Modernist' instead of Scandinavian, When Hans Knoll died she...
Fabric, Teak
$1,500Sale Price|46% Off
H 37 in W 23.25 in D 21 in
Late 19th Century Victorian Gothic Revival Leopard Upholstery Arm or Side Chair
Located in Plainview, NY
A rare late 19th century Victorian gothic revival chair. The chair is made of solid mahogany skillfully carved in gothic motifs featuring figural design on both arms and on each side...
Upholstery, Mahogany
Gilbert Rohde Side Chair
Located in New York, NY
Linen blend upholstery with wood legs.
Upholstery, Wood
Edward Wormley Slipper Chairs for Dunbar
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Dallas, TX
Edward Wormley slipper chairs for Dunbar with dark mahogany bases and original black velvet upholstery. The upholstery has faded to an interesting shade of aubergine. Includes downfi...
Upholstery, Mahogany
Gothic Revival Hand-Carved Side Chair, 1930s
Located in Amsterdam, NL
Stunning and rare Gothic Revival side chair. Striking Dutch design from the 1930s. Solid oak frame with original hand-carved elements. This wonderful Gothic Revival side chair is in ...
Oak
$3,700 / set
H 32 in W 24 in D 29.5 in
Vintage Grosfeld House Ebonized Wood, Upholstered Side or Slipper Chairs MCM
Located in North Miami, FL
These elegant vintage Grosfeld House Hollywood Regency side or slipper chairs have an unusual beaded wood detail, that is pierced carvings to the apron of the front of the chairs. Th...
Upholstery, Wood