Antique benches and stools are one of the most coveted types of furniture, especially among avid collectors. These pieces of furniture are typically used as accent pieces. Hence, they are a valuable piece of décor for your home or any other living spaces. Furniture aficionados from all over the world take great interest in benches and stools that are beautifully and expertly crafted. At the same time, these stools are multi-faceted so they can be utilized for various purposes.
If you own a masterfully crafted antique bench or stool, you must take full advantage of its market value so you can maximize profit. Below, you will learn everything you need to know about valuing antique benches and stools.
What are the popular designs for antique benches and stools?
There are many designs and styles available for antique benches and stools on the market today. These designs are classified according to the period in which they were manufactured. Therefore, identifying the design style of your antique benches and stools is also a good way to date the antique piece of furniture.
Here is a glimpse to some of the most notable antique benches and stools over many centuries, according to when they flourished:
- Victorian – The Victorian antique benches and stools are some of the most widely available designs preserved today. The design for these antique benches and stools resemble some hint of Gothic and Rococo Revival styles. Many of these benches and stools were made with wrought iron and dark oak materials.
- Mid-Century – The mid-century benches and stools were manufactured approximately from 1933 to 1965. Hence, there is a debate among hard-core antique collectors if these can be considered ‘antique’ at all. Some would recommend using vintage to refer to this type of furniture instead. For the mid-century benches and stools, they were distinguished for the use of solid-colored fabric.
- Arts and Crafts – This particular style of antique benches and stools had a highly distinctive style. It became widespread in the 19th and 20th centuries. It was a rebuke style following the industrial age. It exhibited earthly designs with a folksy art touch to them.
- Louis XIII to XVI – This particular category of style for antique benches and stools were the ones manufactured during the reign of King Louis XIII in France. Even though the pieces of furniture that were manufactured throughout this time period have evolved slightly, they are largely similar. Oftentimes, the subsequent replacements improved upon the earlier design.
- Chippendale – Any furniture enthusiast will probably recognize this name. The Chippendale style in terms of its application to antique benches and stools is the use of ornate Gothic-style tracery and mahogany accents. These are signature elements that can be seen with many of the benches and stools that were made by Thomas Chippendale. This particular style became widespread in England in the 1700s.
What types of antique stools are available?
When in the market for antique benches and stools, you will find that there are plenty of them to choose from. It is therefore important to classify the various types of stools that are available since they differ in style, purpose, and market value. If you also own a specific type of stool, it is important to know what it’s worth in the market.
In general, there are two types of antique stools that were manufactured: bar and kitchen stools. First off, vintage bar stools are often used at home and in bars. They are used both for the practicality and for the aesthetic addition they bring. A vintage bar stool is traditionally made out of wood. However, many of the newer styles are made of metal such as chrome. They typically come with a padded seat for comfort and have no backrest. There are a few styles, though, that are equipped with a backrest. Other optional features include the swivel design and footrest.
On the other hand, kitchen stools are manufactured for use in a kitchen countertop. This particular type of antique stool comes in a variety of styles and design – they are often fitted to complement the design of the kitchen. The location of the kitchen is one factor to be considered when incorporating antique stools to this space. As mentioned above, there are plenty of styles of antique stools according to the period with which they were manufactured in. You must pick out which of these styles would complement your kitchen’s existing design for it to blend in well.
Antique kitchen stools might add a decorative flourish to your kitchen. However, you must choose the right size because it can make a small kitchen look crowded. This, together with the placement, can directly impact how you utilize the space in your kitchen.
Where can you use antique benches?
Benches are one of the most functional pieces known to man. They are present in every home and served a functional purpose. It would fit in with any room you place it. Hence, it contributed to their high level of demand when they were first introduced into the market. It can also be suited for indoor or outdoor use.
The foyer is one of the best places to put a bench in. It serves to welcome your guests into your home. Therefore, it should be aesthetically pleasing and provide a place for your guests to rest, too. The addition of vintage or antique furniture such as benches and stools can also make the space more warm and inviting. You can choose the style of bench you add according to the aesthetic style of your home.
You can also add the bench or stool to your living room. With the living room, comfort is of importance because this is where you will be spending most of your time in. Upholstered benches or those made with plush fabric or tufting are the ideal choice for your living room.
Finally, you can also use your antique benches in an outdoor space, such as your outdoor deck or porch. For this purpose, you can opt for benches that are casual in style. Ideally, you should opt for a long bench to optimize space. You can also mix and match your benches with stools.
With the many uses for antique benches, it is further proof of the versatility of this piece of furniture as an addition to your home.
Where to get your antique benches and stools valued?
At Mearto, we have expert and professional appraisers who can closely examine your items. These are expert appraisers of antique furniture across all categories. Therefore, we can help you accurately estimate the value of your antique benches and stools. They will evaluate numerous factors such as the type of bench or stool, condition, age, and presence of any signature that would indicate the rarity of the furniture.
Remember: only trust the opinion of a certified and professional appraiser. This will guarantee that you have honest and accurate appraisal for your antique benches and stools.
