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Finding Chinese Antique Furniture

In Western homes, a Chinese bench is an often found antique, since the form of a Chinese bench is uncomplicated. The antique bench from China works well with contemporary pieces and can be used in many ways as well. Benches are often repurposed into use as decorative end tables for a sofa. One frequently finds that benches are used as side tables next to armchairs. Benches are often seen utilized as attractive and functional cocktail tables. Another way to say it is that the same diversity of function may be found between antique Chinese benches found in Western-style homes and the benches at use in China today.

What are the differences between benches and stools? This question has multiple correct answers. The simple answer that seems to make most sense is that a stool is designed for one person, a bench for two or more.

There is something else to be said about benches as well as other Chinese furniture . Not long ago, antique furniture from China was just referred to as furniture that was old. In this culture, old furniture was just that and was not labeled under the heading “treasured antique.” Antique furniture did not receive the same level of care that it would have in other cultures. Keep in mind that the Chinese don’t make use of hardwood flooring very much. Moisture absorption from the skin is more common with indoor furniture; also, since the availability of indoor heating varies more in the East than the West, furniture is exposed to a greater range of temperatures. These observations are true, of course, for all Chinese antique furniture, and they are mentioned here only because many of the old benches available in the West have repairs and evidence of moisture having been absorbed through the legs. It is common to find evidence of repairs in most pieces of Chinese furniture.