19th Century Bergere
A 19th century bergere brings deep seated comfort and enclosed cane panels to a library or drawing room.
19th Century Bergere
A 19th century bergere is a closed armchair with solid upholstered or caned sides, designed for relaxation in the library or salon. You will frequently encounter mahogany library armchairs from the Regency period alongside French giltwood and painted pieces in Louis XV and Louis XVI styles.
The form extends beyond standard armchairs into settees, canapes, duchesse brisee pieces, and child chairs. These larger seating options retain the characteristic wrapped cane back and sides while accommodating multiple occupants or reclining postures.
Origins divide broadly between British workshops, often rendered in solid mahogany or ebonised wood, and French ateliers favouring carved walnut, beech, or giltwood frames. Both traditions deliver deep proportions and enclosed sides designed to block draughts.
How they were made
Frames rely on dense timbers including mahogany, beech, fruitwood, and walnut, shaped through steam bending and hand carving. Structural members support tightly woven cane panels along the back and frame sides, occasionally paired with carved giltwood or painted finishes.
Upholstered elements incorporate drop-in seat cushions and loose squabs filled with traditional stuffing, covered in velvet, leather, fabric, or brass-pinned textiles. Caning requires skilled hand labour to thread rattan through drilled frame channels.
19th Century Bergere Retail Price Guide 2026
Typical asking prices for 19th century bergere among the pieces listed under this phrase on Sellingantiques today, from the lower quarter to the upper quarter. They describe what is for sale here now, not the wider market.
Makers even built miniature child armchairs with full caned seats so toddlers could sit in exact miniature luxury.
What varies in quality
Quality rests on the crispness of the timber carving and the tightness of the woven cane work. Finer examples display deeply figured mahogany, meticulous hand-carved giltwood details, and robust joinery that sustains the tension of caned panels.
Proportion and decorative restraint dictate the distinction between standard workshop output and exceptional cabinet work. Pieces retaining original surface finishes, balanced scroll arms, and intact cane work command greater appreciation.
Gillows·Shoolbred
The 19th Century Bergere Glossary
- Bergere
- An enclosed upholstered armchair with solid sides filled with cane or upholstery. It originated in France and gained popularity across British drawing rooms.
- Caning
- A woven rattan mesh used to form the back and sides of seating furniture. It provides lightweight flexibility and structural support.
- Giltwood
- Timber coated with a thin layer of gold leaf. This finish appears frequently on French revival salon chairs.
- Duchesse brisee
- A multi-part daybed consisting of an armchair and a matching stool or a pair of chairs joined by a footstool. It allows for reclining.
- Squab
- A loose, upholstered cushion placed over the cane seat of an armchair for added comfort. It is traditionally filled with horsehair or wool.
19th Century Bergere: Frequently Asked Questions
What is a bergere chair?
A bergere is an enclosed armchair featuring solid sides filled with cane or upholstery rather than open wooden arms. This design originated to block cold draughts in large rooms.
The style evolved through various French and British periods, offering deep proportions and substantial comfort for reading or resting.
Were these chairs used in libraries?
Yes, many examples are specifically classed as library armchairs due to their sturdy mahogany construction and comfortable, enclosed proportions. They were built for long hours of reading.
Their robust frames and supportive cane backs made them practical fixtures for studies and formal libraries.
How do French and British styles differ?
British versions tend to focus on rich mahogany timbers, clean structural lines, and functional library forms. Makers like Gillows favored this sober, elegant approach.
French pieces often showcase carved giltwood, painted finishes, and elaborate Louis XV or Louis XVI scrollwork suited for formal salons.