Some of The Common Types of Piano Benches Through The Ages
There are a variety of reasons why someone would own antique piano benches. Some are family heirlooms filled with memories while others are cherished antiques. The first type of piano seating was the piano stool. We most often see this type of three legged stool in old western movies in scenes from saloons. Before the 1840s the two main types of piano stool were wood with a very simple design or elaborately carved pieces.
During the next decade we can see the introduction of serpentine shaped seats, delicate floral motifs, and beautifully carved cabriole legs. We often find piano stools from England and America produced during the Victorian era which featured elaborately carved legs and padded fabric seats.
The piano chair was introduced in the 1860s. Initially piano chairs had three legs and backs with beautiful carvings. The piano bench that many of us are familiar with today is first seen in the 1970s. Many of the first piano benches also included a storage area under the top cushion which was a convenient place in which to store sheet music.
The seat cushions of these early piano benches often feature delicate embroidery or needlepoint work. We see that piano benches are influcenced by the style of the Victorian era well into the 1920s. The piano benches of this time will often have delicate turned legs and beautiful glass ball and claw feet. Piano benches of that time were produced by a company other than the piano manufacturer, using the details provided by the maker of the piano.
There are three main types of antique piano benches that you can locate. The simple rectangular piano bench is the most common. These types are not adjustable and come in a standard height. A concert bench can be adjusted to various heights using circular knobs. These types of antique piano benches often feature plush upholstered seats. The most unusually type of piano bench is the piano chair. These were not a regular choice with the purchase of a piano and many pianists thought them to be uncomfortable.
