French Empire Leather Armchairs 1900 - 1920

Name: Pair of 20th Century French Empire Library Armchairs
Brand: Antique
SKU: SA1212744
Price: 950 GBP
Availability: InStock

FURTHER BROWSING

Visitors also looked at these ⇣

Antique French Empire Revival Mahogany & Ormolu Mounted Armchair 19th C

£1,275

Superb Large Victorian Mahogany Armchair

£1,150

Pair of Victorian Mahogany & Leather Library Armchairs

£1,150

Pair 19thc Chippendale Style Armchairs

£675

French Mahogany & Leather Library Chair Circa 1820s

£750

Superb Pair of Irish Mahogany Armchairs.

£1,295

Pair of Mahogany Club Chairs

£750

Strictly Vetted Dealers

Secure Transit

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.

FAQs

French Empire style seating emerged during Napoleons reign, drawing direct inspiration from ancient Roman, Greek, and Egyptian archaeology. Furniture from this movement features bold architectural lines, symmetrical forms, dark timber veneers such as mahogany, and classical decorative carvings including animal paw feet, carved arm terminals, and gilt mounts.

Empire chairs were predominantly constructed using flame mahogany veneer over solid hardwood frames. Upholstery traditionally consisted of leather, silk damask, or velvet, often secured with decorative brass studding or brass tacks along the seat and backrest rails.

Authentic pieces and quality revival examples showcase heavy, rigid frame construction, highly figured flame mahogany veneers, and hand-carved arm supports resembling figures, animal heads, or scrolled foliage. Look for joinery such as hand-cut mortise and tenon joints, as well as period-appropriate brass tacking.

Empire armchairs function well as accent seating in a home library, study, or formal living room alongside minimalist contemporary desks or neutral stone hearths. The dark leather and structured timber frames create a strong visual focal point when paired with understated lighting and geometric architectural elements.

Keep timber surfaces clean using a dry microfibre cloth and apply beeswax periodically to preserve the patina and moisture in the wood. Leather upholstery should be kept away from direct heat sources and treated with a dedicated leather conditioner to prevent drying and cracking over time.

Michael Youll Antiques

Pair of 20th Century French Empire Library Armchairs

Visitors also looked at these ⇣