Antique Style Armchair
An antique style armchair brings historical proportion and enduring craftsmanship into a modern room.
Antique Style Armchair
When searching for an antique style armchair, buyers encounter pieces that span centuries of design, from robust Georgian library chairs to elegant French Louis-period seating.
The selections available here range from formal dining carvers and upholstered club chairs to low lounge seating and decorative salon armchairs.
Mahogany and walnut frames dominate the offerings, frequently accompanied by classic period upholstery materials such as leather, velvet, and cane.
Materials and construction
Traditional joinery relies on solid hardwoods like oak, elm, yew, and mahogany, shaped into sturdy frames designed to endure decades of daily use.
Surface decoration frequently involves carved detailing, brass inlay, or painted finishes, paired with traditional upholstery techniques utilising horsehair, springs, and natural textiles.
Mother-of-pearl inlay gleams quietly from unexpected corners of the collection.
Distinctions in craftsmanship
The standard of a piece depends heavily on the crispness of its hand-carved details and the integrity of its structural frame.
Original upholstery methods and period-correct secondary timbers elevate a chair above later reproductions or pieces with compromised frames.
Howard and Sons·Liberty Morris And Co·Jacob and Josef Kohn
The Antique Style Armchair Glossary
- Carver
- An armchair designed to match a set of dining chairs, usually featuring open arms.
- Bergère
- An enclosed upholstered armchair with a wooden frame, often featuring cane sides.
- Cabriole
- A curved furniture leg that bends outward and tapers inward to a foot, typical of Georgian and Queen Anne styles.
- Splat
- The vertical central strip of wood in the back of a chair.
- Elbow chair
- An alternative term for an armchair, particularly those used at a desk or dining table.
Antique Style Armchair: Frequently Asked Questions
How do I identify a Georgian style armchair?
Look for sturdy mahogany frames, often featuring carved splats, cabriole legs, or straight square legs depending on whether the piece follows Chippendale or Hepplewhite traditions.
Generous proportions and traditional leather or woven upholstery are also common indicators of this period.
What is the difference between a bergère and a club chair?
A bergère is a French-style armchair featuring an exposed wooden frame and closed upholstered sides, frequently incorporating cane panels.
In contrast, a club chair is fully upholstered with deep padding designed primarily for low, relaxed seating.
Can I use an antique armchair at a modern desk?
Many antique armchairs, particularly Victorian or Georgian carvers and desk chairs, offer appropriate height and ergonomic support for daily workspace use.
Checking the seat height against your desk ensures comfortable clearance.
How should I care for leather and wood upholstery?
Maintain wooden frames with suitable wax polish and protect leather surfaces using specialised conditioning balms to prevent drying.
Keep antique seating away from direct sunlight and strong heat sources to preserve the natural materials.