May 30th, 2009

Most Common and Elaborate Styles of Piano Chairs

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People have antique piano benches for a vast array of reasons. Some are family heirlooms filled with memories while others are cherished antiques. The earliest antique piano seating was actually the piano stool. This three legged stool is what we see in old western movies in scenes from saloons. When we look at piano stools before the 1840s we see that they were either made from wood and had either a very simple style or intricate carvings.

Over the decade which followed this we see the introduction of serpentine shaped seats, delicate floral motifs, and beautifully carved cabriole legs. In America and England three legged Victorian piano stools featured seated with fabric cushions and legs which had elaborate carvings.

It is during the 1860s when we first see the use of the piano chair. Piano chairs initially had three legs just like piano stools and intricately carved backs. The piano bench which is most familiar to our modern eyes was first introduced in the 1870s. Some of these first piano benches include a storage box located under the seat cushion which enabled you to store your sheet music.

The seat cushions of these early piano benches often feature delicate embroidery or needlepoint work. When it comes to piano benches we see that there remains the influence of the Victorian style up into the 1920s. The piano benches of this time will often have beautifully turned legs and glass ball and claw feet. Piano benches were made by a company other than the piano manufacturer, using specifications provided by the piano maker.

There are three main types of antique piano benches that you can locate. The rectangular piano bench is the most common. These come in standard heights and are not adjustable. The height of a concert piano bench can be adjusted using circular knobs. Concert benches will usually also feature a plush padded seat. The most unusually type of piano bench is the piano chair. These were not a regular choice with the purchase of a piano and were found to be uncomfortable by many pianists.