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ID #SA1197171
FOR SALE
£300
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Pair of French Gilt Decorative Armchairs
For sale by Arundel Decorative
for sale €351     $381
£300
Arundel Decorative

Arundel Decorative

Sellingantiques Verified Since Jan 2026
Browse dealers 36 items
  • About Us
    Decorative french and period english furniture
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Id #SA1197171
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Pair of French Gilt Decorative Armchairs

1900 - 1920
Description

A wonderfully flamboyant pair of French gilt theatrical armchairs, dating from the 1920s and brimming with stage-worthy glamour. These chairs capture the exuberance of early 20th-century decorative style, with boldly carved frames finished in warm, time-softened gilding that catches the light beautifully.

The seats are upholstered in a rich rose-toned fabric with deep buttoning to the backs, adding texture and a touch of opulence. Generously padded arms and elegant cabriole legs complete the silhouette, giving the chairs a confident, luxurious presence.

Originally created for theatrical or decorative use, they have that irresistible blend of drama and charm—perfect as accent chairs, boutique-style statement pieces, or photogenic props in creative interiors. They bring instant character to any room and are ideal for those who love French design with a playful, glamorous twist.

A striking and highly decorative pair with real personality.

Delivery can be arranged nationwide, please contact me for further details

Physical Dimensions
Height
110cm (43.31")
Width
66cm (25.98")
Depth
58cm (22.83")
Declaration

Arundel Decorative has dated this French Giltwood Armchairs Pair to the 1920s.

Reference Numbers
Sellingantiques Reference
SA1197171
Description
A wonderfully flamboyant pair of French gilt theatrical armchairs, dating from the 1920s and brimming with stage-worthy glamour.
“
These chairs capture the exuberance of early 20th-century decorative style, with boldly carved frames finished in warm, time-softened gilding that catches the light beautifully.
Arundel Decorative
fig 1. A pair of French giltwood armchairs featuring carved gold leaf frames, button-tufted red velvet backrests, padded armrests, and fluted turned legs.
fig 1. Pair of French Gilt Decorative Armchairs

The seats are upholstered in a rich rose-toned fabric with deep buttoning to the backs, adding texture and a touch of opulence. Generously padded arms and elegant cabriole legs complete the silhouette, giving the chairs a confident, luxurious presence.

fig 2. A pair of French giltwood armchairs featuring carved gold leaf frames, button-tufted red velvet backrests, padded armrests, and fluted turned legs.
fig 2. Pair of French Gilt Decorative Armchairs

Originally created for theatrical or decorative use, they have that irresistible blend of drama and charm—perfect as accent chairs, boutique-style statement pieces, or photogenic props in creative interiors. They bring instant character to any room and are ideal for those who love French design with a playful, glamorous twist.

A striking and highly decorative pair with real personality.

Delivery can be arranged nationwide, please contact me for further details

Height
110cm (43.31")
Width
66cm (25.98")
Depth
58cm (22.83")
Date of Manufacture

Arundel Decorative has dated this French Giltwood Armchairs Pair to the 1920s.

Reference Numbers
Sellingantiques Ref
SA1197171
Arundel Decorative
Arundel Decorative
Sellingantiques verified Since Jan 2026

Decorative french and period english furniture

Dealer Profile

You can view the stock and full dealer information on the Arundel Decorative Profile Page

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A pair of French giltwood armchairs featuring carved gold leaf frames, button-tufted red velvet backrests, padded armrests, and fluted turned legs.
1 / 9
Archive I A pair of French giltwood armchairs featuring carved gold leaf frames, button-tufted red velvet backrests, padded armrests, and fluted turned legs.

Pair of French Gilt Decorative Armchairs

Archive II A pair of French giltwood armchairs featuring carved gold leaf frames, button-tufted red velvet backrests, padded armrests, and fluted turned legs. View II
Archive III A pair of French giltwood armchairs featuring carved gold leaf frames, button-tufted red velvet backrests, padded armrests, and fluted turned legs. View III
Archive IV A pair of French giltwood armchairs featuring carved gold leaf frames, button-tufted red velvet backrests, padded armrests, and fluted turned legs. View IV
Archive V A pair of French giltwood armchairs featuring carved gold leaf frames, button-tufted red velvet backrests, padded armrests, and fluted turned legs. View V
Archive VI A pair of French giltwood armchairs featuring carved gold leaf frames, button-tufted red velvet backrests, padded armrests, and fluted turned legs. View VI
Archive VII A pair of French giltwood armchairs featuring carved gold leaf frames, button-tufted red velvet backrests, padded armrests, and fluted turned legs. View VII
Archive VIII A pair of French giltwood armchairs featuring carved gold leaf frames, button-tufted red velvet backrests, padded armrests, and fluted turned legs. View VIII
Archive IX A pair of French giltwood armchairs featuring carved gold leaf frames, button-tufted red velvet backrests, padded armrests, and fluted turned legs. View IX
Enlarged Archival View
Arundel Decorative

Arundel Decorative
Telephone 07967 604264
Location
Merchants Hall
Rear of 18 High Street
Arundel
West Sussex
BN18 9AB
United Kingdom
Dealer Profile Page sellingantiques.co.uk/arundeldecorative
Verified Since Jan 2026
Items For Sale 36
Items Sold 14
Arundel Decorative
Arundel Decorative
Verified Since Jan 2026
View Dealer Info
Location: Merchants Hall, Rear of 18 High Street, Arundel, West Sussex, BN18 9AB, United Kingdom
Profile: sellingantiques.co.uk/arundeldecorative
Verified
Jan 2026
For Sale
36
Sold
14
A pair of French giltwood armchairs featuring carved gold leaf frames, button-tufted red velvet backrests, padded armrests, and fluted turned legs.
Pair of French Gilt Decorative Armchairs
Ref: SA1197171
A pair of French giltwood armchairs featuring carved gold leaf frames, button-tufted red velvet backrests, padded armrests, and fluted turned legs.
Detail View 1
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Archival Detail

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Cataloguer’s note

Written by Sellingantiques from the dealer’s photographs and listing
  • ObjectArmchairs
  • Period1900 - 1920
  • StyleLouis XVI Revival
  • MaterialGiltwood, Velvet, Brass
  • ColourGold and Rose
  • MotifsButton-back upholstery, fluted turned legs, finials, carved leaf detailing
  • SizeH 110 cm (43 in) x W 66 cm (26 in) x D 58 cm (23 in)

This pair of French armchairs dates from the 1920s Louis XVI Revival style, formed from giltwood frames finished in warm gold alongside rose velvet upholstery. The piece incorporates button-tufted backrests, fluted turned legs, and carved leaf detailing, accompanied by finials atop each upright back post and padded armrests secured with brass nailhead trim along the borders. Each chair measures 110 cm high, 66 cm wide, and 58 cm deep. Position these chairs as statement pieces within a creative interior, serving as accent seats that bring French chateau character to a living room, dressing room, or reception space. The flamboyant silhouette provides both theatrical flair and practical comfort for everyday use in a modern home.

FAQs

Louis XVI style seating is characterised by Neoclassical design principles, featuring straight geometric lines, fluted turned legs, and classical motifs such as rosettes and leaf carving. Giltwood armchairs from this movement typically display carved timber frames finished with gold leaf and upholstered backs and seats.

Traditional construction involved carved beechwood or walnut frames coated in a gesso base before applying thin sheets of gold leaf, known as water gilding or oil gilding. Upholstery utilised natural materials such as horsehair padding, burlap webbing, copper coil springs, and silk or velvet fabrics secured with decorative brass studs.

Authentic period giltwood exhibits characteristic wear where the reddish or grey clay base, known as bole, shows through the gilded surface in high-touch areas. Frame joinery typically relies on pegged mortise and tenon joints, while hand-carved decorative elements show minor asymmetry compared to modern machine-made reproductions.

A pair of giltwood armchairs can serve as statement accent seating when placed opposite a sofa or flanking a fireplace. The rich gilded frames and deep fabric hues provide visual contrast when set against neutral minimalist backdrops or paired with contemporary art.

Giltwood finishes are sensitive to moisture and chemical cleaners; dusting should be performed using a soft, dry camel-hair brush. Upholstery requires light vacuuming with a soft brush attachment, while exposure to direct sunlight should be avoided to prevent fabric fading and timber cracking.
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