Georgian Metamorphic Library Chair 18th Century

Name: Georgian Mahogany Folding Library Steps Armchair.
Brand: Antique
SKU: SA1121748
Price: 1650 GBP
Availability: InStock

FURTHER BROWSING

Visitors also looked at these ⇣

A 19th Century Library Armchair with Reading Stand

19th Century

A William IV Leather Library Chair

19th Century

Superb Matched Pair of Georgian Yew & Elm Windsor Armchairs, 18th Century.

Georgian

18th Century Comb Back Winsdor Chair

18th Century

Antique Georgian Elm Child’s Windsor Armchair

1800

Windsor Cabriole Leg Armchair in Yew & Elm, C1780

18th Century

Antique Morning Room Chair, English, Desk, Elbow Seat, Sheraton Taste, Georgian

Georgian

Pair of Mahogany Open Armchairs / Carvers, Circa 1830

19th Century

A Georgain Barrel Back Armchair

Georgian

Antique George III Quality Child’s Yew Wood Windsor Chair

1800

Georgian Windsor Chair

Georgian

Antique Morning Room Elbow Chair, English, Lounge Seat, Armchair, Georgian, 1800

Georgian

Strictly Vetted Dealers

Secure Transit

Cataloguer’s Note

Sustainable Choice

Frequently Asked Questions

Strictly Vetted Dealers

Every single antique dealer on our platform is individually approved by our internal team. We verify their professional trade history, ethical standards, and photographic quality to ensure a secure, high-standard buying environment. Upon joining, every dealer agrees to a strict 9-point code of conduct. While issues can occasionally arise, our dealers typically resolve them swiftly and directly with the buyer. In fact, since our founding in 2002, Sellingantiques has only had to step in to help resolve an issue on roughly five occasions—a true testament to the quality of our dealers and their dedication to your happiness.

Secure Transit

Our dealers are highly experienced in packing and shipping fragile, high-value antiques. Because you are in direct contact with the dealer, you will be able to easily go through all available shipping and insurance options together to ensure your item arrives safely.

The Sustainable Choice

Antiques are the ultimate green purchase. By choosing historical pieces over newly manufactured goods, you completely eliminate the carbon footprint of modern mass production while preserving exceptional, timeless craftsmanship.

Cataloguer’s note

Written by Sellingantiques from the dealer’s photographs and listing

ObjectArmchairs
Period18th century
StyleGeorgian
MaterialMahogany, Cane
ColourWarm Brown
MotifsCane seat, Scrolled arms, Tablet crest rail, Saber legs
SizeH 91.5 cm (36 in) x W 56 cm (22 in) x D 59 cm (23 in)

This Georgian mahogany folding library steps armchair comes from the Regency period, circa 1820, and demonstrates a clever convertible mechanism for a gentleman's library. The timber displays a warm brown finish with good country house colour, complemented by a woven cane seat and visible brass fittings. Key decorative details include a carved tablet crest rail, bold scrolled armrests, and sabre legs at the front and rear. An old repair is present on the lower left-hand rear foot, though the piece stands very firm, and the structure includes a concealed compartment space beneath the seat framing. Practical dimensions measure 91.5 cm high, 56 cm wide, and 59 cm deep, with a convertible step configuration reaching a top step height of 72 cm. Today, this versatile furniture piece functions as both a comfortable seating option and a functional set of library steps, making it ideal for a study, home library, or living room. The convertible mechanism operates by releasing a catch to fold the chair back over into four sturdy steps, offering practical access to high bookshelves. The combination of structural utility and traditional woodwork makes it a fitting addition to period interiors and traditional study spaces, providing an authentic antique solution for elevated storage retrieval while maintaining the appearance of a standard armchair.

FAQs

A metamorphic library chair is a dual-function piece of furniture engineered with a hinged frame that allows it to convert from a standard armchair into a short set of library steps.

These pieces were predominantly crafted from dense hardwoods such as mahogany or oak, often incorporating woven cane seating and cast brass hinges to support the weight of the moving sections.

Authentic period examples feature hand-cut dovetail joints, period-correct brass locking hardware, age-appropriate wear on the tread surfaces, and natural patination on the timber frame.

Place the chair alongside tall shelving units or floor-to-ceiling bookcases in a study, home office, or reading nook to highlight both its structural design and functional utility.

Keep the timber conditioned with natural beeswax, inspect and oil metal hinges periodically to ensure smooth operation, and gently clean the cane weave using a soft brush.

F E Anderson Antiques

Georgian Mahogany Folding Library Steps Armchair.

Visitors also looked at these ⇣