This bench speaks to one of a less stressful era when there was time to sit and linger, gazing at a sunset or children at play. The original brown paint is worn off of the bench seat, revealing the warm aged pine beneath.

It is the original hand-painted finish, worn dramatically over time yet whispering of days gone by that drawn one to sit and linger on this wonderful European country bench. Dark blue paint, accented with earth tones, dark, burnt red accented with white flowers were traditional folk art design.

It is the soft, dove gray paint that has been rubbed and distressed over time that adds both character and grace to this lovely gustavian settee or bench from Sweden. Notice the hand-carved details that add a romantic touch to the bench as well

This delightful country bench has a scalloped back accented by curved arms and legs, adding a slight romantic touch to it. The black painted was added at some point in time, which allows it to be used and enjoyed in a variety of ways in today's modern home.

The gently curved arms and small carved element at the center back are the only decorative elements to this primitive country bench. The black painted finish was added to the pine at some point in time, which makes it quite versatile in today's modern home. 

Sometimes beauty is found in simplicity, such as this long pine bench from Hungary. At 8' long, its has 3 support legs and long stretchers to add stability to the entire seat. We have left it as we found it in Europe, with raw, natual pine.

Bright and cheerful, this 6' bench has hidden storage under the hinged seat which was a traditional element in this style of bench throughout the 1800's in Europe. Unique to this pine bench is the 5 compartments one discovers inside, perfect for organizing family belongings if so desired.

While benches were a traditional item to be found across the Swedish countryside, this is an unusual find as it is a Pair of matching benches that are also very narrow at only 10" deep. The original white paint has been distressed and worn by years of use, adding to the vintage country charm of the

This bench has a romantic country feel to it thanks to the original hand-painted details that still remain and the gently curved back and arms. The brown painted faux wood finish (traditional for the era) is highlighted wth traditional floral details.

This late 19th century storage bench from Romania still maintains its original hand-painted finish with a faux wood background accented with a simple flower garland motif. The hinged seat lifts to reveal ample storage inside with a divider in the middle.

This delightful pine bench is a great example of the folk-art tradition found in the1800's. Notice the quaint red and white painted flowers stenciled on top of the "faux wood painted finish" which was a traditional style element of the era. In addition, the name Margareta & date 1864.

The lovely, soft colors of the Gustavian period are well displayed in this exquisite bench. Where the new off white painted finish is worn away, the light natural wood comes through, enhancing the exceptionally carved apron and rails of this original mid-19th century antique sofa.

The enduring beauty of Swedish styling is timeless; simply change the fabric and you will have a elegant sofa to bring a touch of grace to your home. The white painted finish and carved finials and floral details add to its charm as well. 

This Swedish white painted bench or settee has a removable seat which makes recovering with your choice of fabric very easy.  The existing  vintage satin covering complements the gold painted details found on the carved back crown as well as the legs and spindled back and arms.

Antique storage bench from Sweden, circa 1840-1860, with white paint. The padded seat lifts off and the base pulls out to expand the space inside. Originally this was used to store a mattress and used as an extra bed.

The hinged seat lifts to expose the large storage space in this circa 1860, high back country bench from Hungary.

This bench is loaded with character, and almost whispers the stories that have been told while sitting upon it.  The original & naturally distressed paint is a challenge to describe, almost a faded, soft salmon with brown undertones of the pine beneath.

Reminiscent of a ginderbread house, there is something whimsical about this bench due to the multiple red painted spindles, finials and open "X" back against the original black paint. The bench seat lifts to reveal a storgage area below.

It is the tall back and warmth of th natural pine that draws one to this very narrow yet tall bench.

This wonderful pine bench started life as a spare bed in a Swedish country home. Notice the two extra "feet" along the front panel? This lower storage section pulls outward, which originally allowed for a trundle mattress to fit inside and serve as a spare bed in the 1800's.

The years of use have deepened the warm patina of the pine, aging gracefully through the years. The turned spindles along the back and arms add to its appeal. Notice the seat is hinged, creating great storage space for items that need to be discretely tucked away.

It is the warm patina of the aged pine that draws one to this pleasant bench from Sweden's countryside. Notice the simple panels along the back and sides, while gentle curves accent the top and feet. It is small in scale compared to most benches of the era, giving it great versatility.

Antique Pine Swedish Bench with Hidden Storage Under Seat. The upholstery can easily be changed out if desired.  This style of bench originally served as a type of spare bed as the bottom could pull out  revealing a type of "trundle" bed inside.

The eye-catching cobalt blue paint is all original in this long bench. Where the paint has been gently worn off due to age and use over the past 100 years, the warm pine shows through. You will also note the white hand-painted date of 1920 along with a simple tulip motif.

Long, worn and wonderful, this original painted bench still has the original hand painted flowers with reds, greens and blues which were the favorite traditional colors used throughout Eastern Europe in the 1800's.

There is something endearing about simple country benches that have past the test of time, such as this delightful original white painted bench. The high back bench has a solid paneled back with a center leg support making it quite sturdy.

The ornate carvings and cabriolet legs add a romantic air to this dark oak sofa from Sweden. The upholstered seat and cushions may easily be re-upholstered with modern fabric.

Antique Karl Johan Swedish bench with storage under the seat made of yellow birch. This style of bench originally served as a type of spare bed as the bottom could pull out revealing a type of "trundle" bed inside. The seat cushion is removable and the upholstery can easily be changed out if desired

Italian oak bench with upholstered seat, carved with remarkable details in relief. The back rest is embellished with a number of carved motifs from ribbons, flowers and masks to pairs of human figures.  The rich, caramel colored oak shows through the black finish adding to the deep patina. 

The baroque styling is revealed in the high relief carving of these cathedral chairs. The tall back and sides allowed for privacy, while in this example the two seats are joined together almost as a bench, likely for two affluent family members to share.

 

This dramatic sofa catches ones eye due to the impressive Biedermeier style seen in the deeply curved arms and carved sun ray motif extending along the base. The stunning mahogany brings elegance to the sofa as well.

This handsome, original antique sofa almost has an architectural feel to it due to the strong, heavy lines and vertical grain of the dark mahogany wood. There is simple, elegant black trim along the sides and decorative element in the front/center that add a classic touch to this settee as well. 

Antique birch bench sofa in the classic Karl Johan style with upholstered seat and beautifully curved sides and applied carving on the back and arms. The stunning birch comes alive in this elegant sofa from Sweden. 

 

Enhanced with flame birch veneers that make the wood come alive, this Swedish sofa features fine inlay, arms exceptionally carved creating a ram's head cornucopia, and removeable baluster pillow cushion.

 

This stunning mahogany sofa still maintains the beautiful, hand-carved floral inlay that sets it apart from other antique settees. The carved floral and leaf motifs are delicate, adding a romantic touch to this elegant sofa, while the accent at the feet add a dramatic flair.