What is an open elbow chair?

An open elbow chair is a seat featuring wooden or partially upholstered arms that are left open rather than enclosed. These pieces bridge the gap between dining chairs and heavy armchairs, offering arm support without bulk. Craftsmen built them for multiple rooms in the house, including dining spaces, libraries, and bedrooms. The open construction keeps the silhouette light and showcases the timber frame.

Where were they used?

These chairs served multiple domestic functions, appearing around dining tables, beside desks, and in libraries for reading. Formal drawing rooms and morning rooms also accommodated them as occasional seating. Country versions found places in halls and firesides, while lighter salon models suited parlour settings. Their versatility made them standard furnishings across Georgian and Victorian homes.

How do I date a chair?

Dating relies on stylistic markers, timber choices, and construction methods characteristic of specific periods. Georgian pieces often display carved mahogany or satinwood, whereas later Victorian examples utilise heavier proportions and walnut. Revival periods frequently imitated eighteenth-century designs during the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. Examining the joinery and underside often reveals the age of the piece.

Are they comfortable for daily use?

Their comfort depends on the seat type and proportions, with upholstered and deep-sprung variants offering softer seating than rush or solid wood pads. Library and desk chairs generally prioritise upright support over deep lounging. Many period pieces accommodate daily use when paired with appropriate cushions or maintained upholstery. Their upright stance suits dining and working environments.

Home > Open Elbow Chair > Page 9

Antique Open Elbow Chair

221 items · page 9 of 14

← Page 9 of 14 →

An antique open elbow chair provides sturdy arm support and a formal seat, merging the utility of a dining chair with the comfort of an armchair.

Regency Georgian Mahogany Brass Inlaid Upholstered Desk Elbow Open Hall Bedroom Dressing Table Occasional Tub Office Library Armchair Chair. C.1810.

19th century

Save

Regency Georgian Mahogany Brass Inlaid Upholstered Desk Elbow Open Hall Bedroom Dressing Table Occasional Tub Office Library Armchair Chair. C.1810.

From CJ Antiques

£750

3+ MONTHS AGO

chairs

19th century

Save

Pair of Late 19th Century Carved Mahogany Open Armchairs

From Church Street Antiques & Interiors

£1,950

3+ MONTHS AGO

chairs

1900 - 1920

Save

Pair Edwardian Oak Highback Armchairs

From Affordable Old Furniture

£650

3+ MONTHS AGO

chairs

19th century

Save

Very Nice Pair Mahogany Elbow Chairs

From Vintage Garden UK

£595

3+ MONTHS AGO

chairs

19th century

Save

Pair Regency Faux Bamboo Armchairs C1820

From Shaun King Antiques

£1,480

3+ MONTHS AGO

chairs

Quality Antique Victorian Mahogany Carved Elbow Chair

19th century

Save

Quality Antique Victorian Mahogany Carved Elbow Chair

From London City Antiques

£995

3+ MONTHS AGO

chairs

Simulated Rosewood Stickback or Open Armchair, Circa 1830

19th century

Save

Simulated Rosewood Stickback or Open Armchair, Circa 1830

From Surrey Antiques by Gary J Hall

£1,250

3+ MONTHS AGO

chairs

19th century

Save

Attractive 19thc Elbow Chair

From Salisbury Antiques Centre

£695

3+ MONTHS AGO

chairs

19th century

Save

A Pair of Regency Mahogany Armchairs

From Robert Dee

£225

3+ MONTHS AGO

chairs

18th century

Save

A Rare Late 18th Century English Painted and Parcel Gilt Armchair

From Lee Wright Antiques & Interiors Ltd

£6,750

3+ MONTHS AGO

chairs

Eisteddfod wainscot throne chairs appear alongside delicate salon carvers, proving nineteenth-century makers built open elbow seats for every possible occasion.

18th century

Save

Georgian Armchair

From Millers Antiques

£475

3+ MONTHS AGO

chairs

1920 - 1940

Save

Pair of Vintage Painted French Armchairs

From Hand of Glory

£495

3+ MONTHS AGO

chairs

19th century

Save

Pair of William IV Mahogany Arm Chairs

From Thakeham Furniture

£4,300

3+ MONTHS AGO

chairs

19th century

Save

Antique Padouk Wood Armchair.

From Stalham Antique Gallery

£550

3+ MONTHS AGO

chairs

18th century

Save

Pair of 18th Century Walnut Armchairs

From Pearse Lukies Antiques Ltd

£4,800

3+ MONTHS AGO

chairs

19th century

Save

19th Century Large Proportioned Open Armchair

From TallBoy Interiors

£1,295

3+ MONTHS AGO

chairs

← 1 ... 7 8 9 10 11 ... 14 →

Antique Open Elbow Chair

Regency Georgian Mahogany Brass Inlaid Upholstered Desk Elbow Open Hall Bedroom Dressing Table Occasional Tub Office Library Armchair Chair. C.1810.

Pair of Late 19th Century Carved Mahogany Open Armchairs

Pair Edwardian Oak Highback Armchairs

Very Nice Pair Mahogany Elbow Chairs

Pair Regency Faux Bamboo Armchairs C1820

Quality Antique Victorian Mahogany Carved Elbow Chair

Simulated Rosewood Stickback or Open Armchair, Circa 1830

Attractive 19thc Elbow Chair

A Pair of Regency Mahogany Armchairs

A Rare Late 18th Century English Painted and Parcel Gilt Armchair

Georgian Armchair

Pair of Vintage Painted French Armchairs

Pair of William IV Mahogany Arm Chairs

Antique Padouk Wood Armchair.

Pair of 18th Century Walnut Armchairs

19th Century Large Proportioned Open Armchair

Add keywords to the filter

Price

Era

Movements

Material

Origin

Stock Location

Freshness

Online Payments

Categories