How do I clean gilded wood?

Gently dust the surface with a soft brush. Keep water away from it. Moisture dissolves the traditional glue holding the gold leaf. Wet frames lose their gilding.

What fabric suits these chairs?

Silk damask or plain linen are traditional choices. Linen wears well and suits provincial frames of an antique fauteuil. Wool tapestries were common originally. They can feel heavy for modern interiors. Many buyers choose a neutral cotton weave. A plain fabric lets the carved wooden frame stand out.

I have a pair of these chairs and the webbing underneath is sagging down, can the seat be tightened up without replacing everything?

A skilled upholsterer can sometimes save the top fabric while replacing the structural webbing underneath. They will carefully unpick the base layer and stretch new jute webbing across the frame. If the springs themselves have collapsed, the job grows complex. The tension relies on the whole internal structure working together. It usually makes sense to rebuild the seat foundation properly from the timber up.

The wooden arms on mine wobble when you push on them to stand up, is this normal or does it need fixing?

Loose joints are common but need addressing. The frame relies on tension to stay rigid. When one joint loosens, the others take on extra stress. Have a restorer inject traditional hide glue into the tenons. Clamping it tight overnight fixes the problem.

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Victorian Fauteuil

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An antique fauteuil is a classic French open-armed chair featuring padded backrests and seats, designed originally to allow wider clothing to sit comfortably while keeping the carved wooden frame visible.