Antique French Slipper Chair 19th Century

Name: Antique French Slipper Chair
Brand: Antique
SKU: SA1244476
Price: 585 GBP
Availability: InStock

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Cataloguer’s note

Written by Sellingantiques from the dealer’s photographs and listing

ObjectSlipper Chairs
Period19th century
StyleNapoleon III
MaterialSilk Damask, Wood, Passemeterie
ColourPale Blue
MotifsRolled backrest, Bullion fringe skirt, Corner tassels, Floral damask upholstery
SizeH 75 cm (30 in) x W 53 cm (21 in) x D 69 cm (27 in)

This nineteenth-century French Napoleon III slipper chair brings traditional seating to a home. The armless piece has a scroll backrest upholstered in pale blue floral silk damask fabric, complete with decorative corner tassels and a heavy bullion fringe skirt along the base. The woodwork is concealed beneath the textile covering. Practical dimensions measure 75 cm high, 53 cm wide, and 69 cm deep, with a seat depth of 42 cm. Marks are present on the fabric, indicating that the piece is intended for upholstery. Placed by a fireplace, in a bedroom, or used as an occasional chair, the design offers a functional seating option for daily living spaces. The French chateau style integrates easily into period and traditional interiors while providing a comfortable seat for a dressing room or parlour setting.

FAQs

A slipper chair, historically known in France as a chauffeuse, is a low-slung, armless upholstered seat introduced in the 18th century. Originally created for boudoirs to allow ladies to sit comfortably while putting on shoes and stockings, it became a standard bedroom element during the 19th century.

These chairs were built with solid hardwood frames, typically oak or beech, and upholstered with layered horsehair, webbed springs, and cotton padding. Outer fabrics commonly included silk damask, velvet, or brocade, often trimmed with passementerie such as bullion fringe and silk tassels.

Authentic examples feature traditional upholstery methods, including hand-tied coil springs, hand-stitched webbing, and natural stuffing material beneath the fabric. Look for period-correct frame joinery, such as mortise and tenon joints, as well as hand-applied passementerie trim and distinctively low seat proportions.

Position a slipper chair in a bedroom corner, dressing space, or guest suite to add soft textile texture and historical interest. Pair it with a simple contemporary side table or place it alongside a fireplace hearth to create a balanced contrast between modern lines and traditional decorative trimmings.

Vacuum the upholstery gently using a soft brush attachment to prevent dust from settling into the woven silk fibres. Keep the piece positioned away from direct sunlight to prevent fabric fading, and consult a specialist textile conservator for spot cleaning or structural fabric repairs.

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Antique French Slipper Chair

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