How do monk's benches work?

The upper back panel of the bench pivots on wooden pins or metal hinges, allowing the back to swing down flat over the armrests. This action transforms the backrest into a table surface positioned above the seat. Beneath the seat, many examples feature a storage compartment accessed by lifting the lid. This clever duality provided both a hall seat and a dining or writing surface in compact spaces.

What are metamorphic library steps?

Metamorphic library steps are pieces of furniture that conceal a set of folding stairs inside an armchair or small table frame. By unfolding the concealed sections, the user accesses high bookshelves without needing a separate ladder. Regency cabinet makers specialised in these ingenious designs, ensuring the steps looked like conventional seating when closed. Brass hinges and locking catches secure the parts in both configurations.

How were chair-tables used?

Chair-tables served as primary seating by day and were tilted to act as dining or work tables by evening. Their heavy construction kept them stable in either position. Common in vernacular settings from the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries, these pieces maximised utility in modest rooms. The pivot mechanism relied on sturdy wooden pegs connecting the chair arms to the table top.

Are child's convertible chairs safe?

Period child's high chairs often featured multi-part constructions that converted a high chair into a low chair and table combination. While historically functional, modern buyers typically treat them as decorative display items rather than for active infant use. The joints and folding mechanisms should be handled with care to preserve the antique wood and original structural integrity.

Home > Antiques For Sale > Convertible Furniture > Page 2

Antique Convertible Furniture

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Antique convertible furniture transforms in form, shifting from a bench to a table or a chair to library steps.

Large Finely Carved Victorian Oak Monks Bench

19th century

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Large Finely Carved Victorian Oak Monks Bench

From Georgian Antiques

£1,190

FOR SALE

furniture

19th century

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Antique Child’s Chair

From Deva Antiques

£345

FOR SALE

chairs

A Very Original Mahogany Child's Chair on Stand Circa 1820.

19th century

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A Very Original Mahogany Child's Chair on Stand Circa 1820.

From Atropos Antiques

£875

FOR SALE

chairs

1900 - 1920

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Antique Quality Carved Oak Monks Bench

From Unique Antiques by Emma Jade

£975

FOR SALE

furniture

Regency Stamped J.jarvis Mahogany Library Steps

19th century

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Regency Stamped J.jarvis Mahogany Library Steps

From John Howkins Antiques

£695

FOR SALE

miscellaneous

An Original Georgian Painted Antique Pine Vernacular Country Lambing Chair/table

18th century

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An Original Georgian Painted Antique Pine Vernacular Country Lambing Chair/table

From D & J Hunt Antiques

£2,295

FOR SALE

furniture

19th century

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George III Childs Chair on Stand

From Georgian Antiques

£675

FOR SALE

chairs

19th century

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Victorian Metamorphic Library Steps

From Antiques Decorative

£640

FOR SALE

chairs

19th century

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Victorian Carved Oak Monks Seat Bench

From Affordable Old Furniture

£250

FOR SALE

furniture

18th century

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Rare 18th Century Child's High Chair in Mahogany

From Stalham Antique Gallery

£650

FOR SALE

chairs

Listings feature convertible furniture spanning the seventeenth century through the 1930s, constructed predominantly in oak and mahogany with brass and iron mechanisms.

18th century

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A Georgian Mahogany Child’s High Chair

From Robert Dee

£195

FOR SALE

chairs

1900 - 1920

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Carved Oak Monks Bench

From Georgian Antiques

£700

FOR SALE

furniture

Late Georgian Mahogany Child's Chair on Stand

18th century

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Late Georgian Mahogany Child's Chair on Stand

From Georgian Antiques

£675

FOR SALE

chairs

Antique Carved Oak Monks Bench Hall Seat

19th century

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Antique Carved Oak Monks Bench Hall Seat

From John Howkins Antiques

£750

FOR SALE

furniture

18th century

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Rustic Catalan Shepherd’s Bench

From Andros Antiques

£2,250

FOR SALE

furniture

19th century

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Antique Swedish Highchair

From Nikki Page Antiques

£400

FOR SALE

chairs

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Antique Convertible Furniture

Large Finely Carved Victorian Oak Monks Bench

Antique Child’s Chair

A Very Original Mahogany Child's Chair on Stand Circa 1820.

Antique Quality Carved Oak Monks Bench

Regency Stamped J.jarvis Mahogany Library Steps

An Original Georgian Painted Antique Pine Vernacular Country Lambing Chair/table

George III Childs Chair on Stand

Victorian Metamorphic Library Steps

Victorian Carved Oak Monks Seat Bench

Rare 18th Century Child's High Chair in Mahogany

A Georgian Mahogany Child’s High Chair

Carved Oak Monks Bench

Late Georgian Mahogany Child's Chair on Stand

Antique Carved Oak Monks Bench Hall Seat

Rustic Catalan Shepherd’s Bench

Antique Swedish Highchair

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