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
$5,006 / 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 Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Middlesex, NJ
Pair of slipper chairs by Edward Wormley for Dunbar. Chairs are reupholstered in a Maharam Mohair.
Pair of Jens Risom Scoop Chairs for Hans Knoll
By Jens Risom
Located in San Francisco, CA
Pair of Jens Risom scoop chairs for Hans Knoll A pair of very early Knoll post war design scoop chairs by Jens Risom. Each has been completely restored in a luxurious Sandra Jordan ...
Alpaca
$6,200 / set
H 29.14 in W 24.41 in D 24.81 in
Matched Pair PK22 Lounge Chairs by Poul Kjærholm for E Kold Christensen
By Poul Kjærholm, E. Kold Christensen
Located in Buffalo, NY
Matched pair early PK22 lounge chairs by Poul Kjærholm for E Kold Christensen.. retain original black naugahyde, one chair top corners in need or repair (see photo), E. Kold Christe...
Stainless Steel
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Slipper Chairs
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Chicago, IL
Early Edward Wormley for Dunbar slipper chairs. Lacquered mahogany legs with newly reupholstered button tufted seat and back. ...
Mahogany
One Vintage Jens Risom for Knoll Lounge Chairs
By Knoll, Jens Risom
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
Gilbert Rohde for Herman Miller Upholstered Slipper Chairs
By Herman Miller, Gilbert Rohde
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Wonderful pair of art deco, slipper, lounge chairs by Gilbert Rohde for Herman Miller features a rounded profile with upholstered seat and back in a woven blue linen blend.
Fabric, Mahogany
$8,420 / set
H 31.11 in W 24.02 in D 27.56 in
Swedish Lounge Chairs by Hans-Harald Molander for Nordiska Kompaniet, NK
By NK (Nordiska Kompaniet), Hans Harald Molander
Located in Stockholm, Stockholms län
Rare lounge chairs designed by Hans-Harald Molander. Manufactured by Nordiska Kompaniet (NK) in Sweden during the 1950s. Made from black lacquered steel base with upholstered seats. ...
Steel
$19,000 / set
H 31.75 in W 28.25 in D 30 in
Pair of Ib Kofod-Larsen Wenge Lounge Chairs for the Megiddo Collection
By Ib Kofod-Larsen, Selig
Located in New York, NY
Pair of Ib Kofod-Larsen Wenge lounge chairs for the Megiddo collection of Israel. These lounge chairs are part of the Megiddo collection series of fu...
Suede, Wenge
$14,500 / set
H 34.5 in W 29.25 in D 33.25 in
Vintage Leather Lounge Chairs by Allan Gould for Thayer Coggin
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Discover a rare opportunity to own a piece of mid-century design history with this exceptional pair of lounge chairs by Allan Gould for Thayer Coggin. Created in the 1950s during the...
Leather, Wood
Edward Wormley Slipper Chairs for Dunbar
Located in Brooklyn, NY
This comfortable pair of Mid-Century slipper chairs feature the iconic design of Edward Wormley for Dunbar. Vintage fabric on simple modern frames make an impressive addition to home...
Upholstery, Wood
$3,500 / set
H 28.5 in W 21.5 in D 18 in
Pair of Mid-Century Modern Side Chairs by Milo Baughman for Thayer Coggin
Located in Brooklyn, NY
This gorgeous pair of vintage modern lounge chairs feature splayed walnut legs. A slipper style design covered in a vintage blue fabric ensures ple...
Fabric, Walnut