Antique Howard Settee
An antique howard settee offers deep comfort and traditional English seating, prized for generous proportions and fine upholstery.
Antique Howard Settee
An antique howard settee brings English country house character to a room through deep seating and traditional silhouettes. When searching for an antique howard settee, buyers encounter various nineteenth century designs alongside Edwardian pieces.
The selection ranges from classic Chesterfield sofas to serpentine forms and specialised models like the Portarlington or the Chaplin. These pieces originate primarily from the nineteenth century and the Edwardian era, spanning styles from Victorian to Aesthetic Movement.
Judging quality and character
Quality separates examples by the integrity of the underlying hardwood frame and the preservation of original upholstery materials like ticking or leather. Finer pieces retain distinct maker signatures and specific model names.
Proportion and execution of carved details, such as ball and claw feet, distinguish standard workshop output from exceptional commissions. The distinction often lies in the depth of the seat and the stability of the frame.
Listings span the nineteenth century, Victorian era, Edwardian period, and later twentieth century, constructed from mahogany, walnut, leather, and velvet.
Howard and Sons
The Antique Howard Settee Glossary
- Chesterfield
- A large upholstered sofa with deep buttoning and rolled arms of equal height. This form appears frequently among nineteenth century seating.
- Serpentine
- A furniture line or front edge that curves outward in the centre and inward at the sides. This shape adds fluidity to heavy upholstered frames.
- Ticking
- A tightly woven cotton or linen fabric traditionally used as a durable cover for mattress and sofa stuffing. Original ticking indicates untouched interior condition.
- Aesthetic Movement
- A late nineteenth century design movement emphasising visual beauty over narrative subject matter. Pieces from this style often incorporate distinctive decorative fabrics.
Antique Howard Settee: Frequently Asked Questions
What defines an antique howard settee?
An antique howard settee is a deep-seated nineteenth century or Edwardian seating piece known for generous comfort and English country house style. These items often feature rolled arms and sturdy hardwood frames.
Many examples carry specific model names or bear association with the renowned London firm. They adapt well to both traditional and contemporary interiors.
How do I date an antique howard settee?
Dating relies upon examining the underlying wood, the style of the feet, and the type of upholstery materials used in construction. Pieces span from mid nineteenth century productions through the Edwardian period.
References to specific addresses or paper labels can further narrow the production era. Stylistic shifts from Victorian revival to Aesthetic Movement provide additional chronological markers.
Are these sofas comfortable for daily use?
These settees were engineered specifically for deep seating and relaxed lounging in country house drawing rooms. The generous proportions accommodate extended periods of sitting.
Properly maintained suspension and stuffing ensure the seating remains supportive and comfortable. Modern users find the deep seats well suited to contemporary relaxation.
Where should I place a settee in my home?
A large settee anchors a principal living space or drawing room, functioning as a central seating focal point. Lower profiles work effectively in libraries or substantial studies.
Allow sufficient floor space around the piece to appreciate the rolled arms and turned wooden feet. Position them away from direct sunlight to protect sensitive leather or fabric upholstery.