Six striking seats at auction this summer

1. Lutyens garden bench

While the sun is still shining have you thought about a new garden bench?

Benches in the style first designed by architect Sir Edwin Lutyens remain popular. The Lutyens bench is also known as a Sissinghurst bench or Marlborough bench, and this 5ft 4in (1.65m) wide teak version is offered at Victor Mee on August 4 with an estimate of €350-550.

2. Arts & Crafts elbow chair

This interesting Arts & Crafts chair has Mackintosh-style upholstery and comes with a plaque stating 'Queen Alexandra Occupied This Chair Only On Her Visit To The North East Agricultural Associations Horse Show, Held at Balmoral, Belfast, July 27th 1903'.

It is estimated at £60-80 at Rogers Jones on August 3.

3. Victorian metamorphic chair

A Victorian walnut metamorphic side chair by James Shoolbred and Co is estimated at £600-800 at Bonhams on August 4.

This unusual chair is a Victorian walnut metamorphic side chair that can change into a set of steps. It was made by James Shoolbred and Co and has four needlework inset treads.

It is estimated at £600-800 at Bonhams on August 4.

4. 19th century elbow chair

A 19th century mahogany elbow chair estimated at £70-100 at Halls August 4 sale.

This 19th century mahogany elbow chair, with plain top rail and foliate carved splat is estimated at £70-100 at Halls' August 4 sale.

5. Settle

This George III mahogany settle or bench with scroll ends and panelled back with four moulded panels is estimated at £300-500 at Bourne End Auction Rooms on August 4.

6. Suzani stool

For a different kind of seat what about a stool? This oval centre stool is upholstered in suzani material (the textile style from central Asia) and was made by interior designer Robert Kime.

It is estimated at £300-500 at Dreweatts on August 11-12.