This month's furniture feature is similar to the various types of domestic benches and settle beds common in early 19th century Upper Canada. Settle-like benches were used for church or meeting house seats, but this traditional pew-like style was also common in homes. The double panel back was a British tradition, characteristic of settles from places like Lanark County. The storage area under the seat was popular in 18th and 19th century Germany; settlers in the Waterloo area of Ontario used this feature in their settles.
This Lattimor House adaptation of a traditional settle has been shortened from the original 6 or 8 feet in order to be practical in modern homes. This piece is popular as a hall bench, with the added usefulness of a seat that lifts for storage space below.
home page | back to gallery | back to monthly feature