What defines the French Empire style of furniture?

French Empire style furniture originated in early 19th-century France under Napoleon Bonaparte and is characterised by symmetrical Neoclassical forms, dark polished woods, and elaborate brass or gilded bronze mounts depicting classical motifs.

What materials were traditionally used in Empire style armchairs?

Empire style armchairs were typically crafted from solid mahogany or mahogany veneers, featuring cast brass or bronze embellishments alongside traditional woven textile upholstery.

How can you identify authentic 19th-century French Empire seating?

Authentic pieces feature crisp hand-carved joinery, heavy timber framing, well-detailed gilt-metal mounts with natural metal oxidisation, and traditional internal upholstery construction such as hand-tied springs.

How do you style French Empire fauteuils in modern interiors?

Position a pair of Empire fauteuils alongside a sleek, neutral sofa or place them in an entryway to establish a refined architectural anchor that bridges traditional craftsmanship with modern simplicity.

How should mahogany armchairs with metal mounts be cared for?

Maintain the mahogany frame by buffing with a dry microfiber cloth and natural beeswax, while gently dusting the metal mounts with a soft brush and vacuuming the upholstery periodically.

for sale €2,984 $3,239

£2,550

LVS Decorative Arts

Sellingantiques Verified Since May 2011

View Dealers Stock Page

Trade Associations

LVS Decorative Arts is a registered member of LAPADA CINOA

Relevant Links

Brass Mounted Armchair

French Empire Fauteuils

Antique Accent Chairs Pair

Empire Style Accent Chairs

Id #SA1219535

PDF

SAVE

Pair of Late 19thc French Empire Style Mahogany Fauteuils (Open Armchairs)

Name: Pair of Late 19thc French Empire Style Mahogany Fauteuils (Open Armchairs)
Brand: Antique
SKU: SA1219535
Price: 2550 GBP
Availability: InStock

19th century

For Sale by LVS Decorative Arts

Description

A pair of late 19th century (circa 1890) French Empire style mahogany fauteuils or open armchairs.

This pair of armchairs each consist of a shaped top rail with brass laurel leaf and rosette mounts to the top and bottom with brass anthemion mounts to the sides.

The backrest being shaped with original green and cream laurel wreath upholstery and brass stud detail, the upholstered armrests with brass rosette mounts.

This leads down to the arm supports with sphinx heads and laurel leaf mounts, the seat with original green and cream laurel wreath upholstery and brass stud detail with foliate mount to the seat rail.

The chairs are supported by tapered legs to the front with brass feet and outswept legs to the back.

This pair of chairs are in the ‘Empire’ style, the Empire period between 1800 1815, the furniture tending to be of larger proportions and with many decorative embellishments. The influences at this time taken from ancient Rome and popular motifs used included Egyptian inspired symbols such as the sphinx, also the laurel wreath being a particular symbol of Napoleon Bonaparte.

This pair of chairs are in very good condition for age, the original upholstery being retained with small areas of wear to the armrests and seats (can be viewed on images), the fabric could of course be replaced if necessary once purchased, the chairs are of stable construction and can go straight into a home.

Size:

Height: 38.5'' / 97.75cm

Width: 25.5'' / 64.75cm

Depth: 23.25'' / 59cm

Seat height: 17.75'' / 45cm

Physical Dimensions

Height

97.8cm (38.50")

Width

64.8cm (25.51")

Depth

59cm (23.23")

Declaration

LVS Decorative Arts has dated these French Empire Mahogany Fauteuils to the 1890s.

Reference Numbers

Sellingantiques Reference

SA1219535

Dealers Notes

******************************************

LVS Decorative Arts is a small family run business based in Suffolk, specialising in an eclectic mix of fine quality and decorative antiques from around the world.

******************************************

LAPADA & CINOA member

******************************************

All furniture is professionally restored to the highest of standards, using traditional methods, we feel that quality restoration is paramount to the longevity of the piece.

******************************************

INSURED DELIVERY INCLUDED IN LIST PRICE WITHIN MAINLAND UK FOR A ONE MAN COURIER SERVICE

******************************************

Worldwide shipping available, please contact us for a free quote to include professional packing and fully insured services

******************************************

PLEASE NOTE: viewing is 'By Appointment' only - please contact Liza a few days in advance to arrange this.

******************************************

Payments are accepted by bank transfer or cheque

******************************************

Please contact us if any further high definition photographs are required or please visit our own website as follows where you can zoom in on the photos:

www.lvsdecorativearts.co.uk

******************************************

You can contact Liza either by email lvsdecorativearts@btinternet.com or telephone 07703306451

******************************************

Please bear in mind: antique items for sale may have some wear and marks commensurate with their age which adds to the character of the piece.

******************************************

Thank you for viewing our stock and please don’t hesitate to contact us if you need any further information.

******************************************

Description

A pair of late 19th century (circa 1890) French Empire style mahogany fauteuils or open armchairs.

“

This pair of armchairs each consist of a shaped top rail with brass laurel leaf and rosette mounts to the top and bottom with brass anthemion mounts to the sides.

LVS Decorative Arts

fig 1. Pair of late 19th-century French Empire style mahogany open armchairs upholstered in green patterned fabric with brass mounts and paw feet. — fig 1. Pair of Late 19thc French Empire Style Mahogany Fauteuils (Open Armchairs)

The backrest being shaped with original green and cream laurel wreath upholstery and brass stud detail, the upholstered armrests with brass rosette mounts.

This leads down to the arm supports with sphinx heads and laurel leaf mounts, the seat with original green and cream laurel wreath upholstery and brass stud detail with foliate mount to the seat rail.

fig 2. Pair of late 19th-century French Empire style mahogany open armchairs upholstered in green patterned fabric with brass mounts and paw feet. — fig 2. Pair of Late 19thc French Empire Style Mahogany Fauteuils (Open Armchairs)

The chairs are supported by tapered legs to the front with brass feet and outswept legs to the back.

This pair of chairs are in the ‘Empire’ style, the Empire period between 1800 1815, the furniture tending to be of larger proportions and with many decorative embellishments. The influences at this time taken from ancient Rome and popular motifs used included Egyptian inspired symbols such as the sphinx, also the laurel wreath being a particular symbol of Napoleon Bonaparte.

fig 3. Pair of late 19th-century French Empire style mahogany open armchairs upholstered in green patterned fabric with brass mounts and paw feet. — fig 3. Pair of Late 19thc French Empire Style Mahogany Fauteuils (Open Armchairs)

This pair of chairs are in very good condition for age, the original upholstery being retained with small areas of wear to the armrests and seats (can be viewed on images), the fabric could of course be replaced if necessary once purchased, the chairs are of stable construction and can go straight into a home.

Size:

Height: 38.5'' / 97.75cm

Width: 25.5'' / 64.75cm

Depth: 23.25'' / 59cm