Art Deco Easy Chairs
Art deco easy chairs offer deep comfort and bold geometric lines, bringing enduring style and low-slung seating to any room.
Art Deco Easy Chairs
Art deco easy chairs comprise low club chairs, lounge armchairs and tub fauteuils designed for comfort and proportion. You will find them most frequently represented by pairs dating from the nineteen thirties, originating from English, French and Swedish makers.
The selection ranges from early twentieth century club chairs in leather down to streamlined nineteen forties pieces. Heavy wood frames and upholstered seating dominate the selection, often appearing in matching pairs suited to a living room or library.
What varies in quality
The choice of timber creates a distinct tier in quality, moving from standard hardwood to figured satin birch and walnut veneers. Finer examples display meticulous grain matching across the arms and back.
The execution of the upholstery and the integrity of the frame determine the overall calibre. Pieces retain more character when original leather remains supple or when restoration respects the traditional methods of the era.
Listings feature satin birch, walnut, leather, velvet and fabric across pieces dating from nineteen ten to nineteen forty.
Hary and Lou Epstein·Heals
The Art Deco Easy Chairs Glossary
- Club chair
- A deep, comfortable armchair with low upholstered arms, typically finished in leather. These chairs originated in French and English clubs.
- Tub chair
- An armchair with a rounded back that curves continuously into the arms to form a deep bucket shape. This design offers a compact footprint while maintaining seating comfort.
- Satin birch
- A pale, lustrous hardwood with a fine grain often utilised for decorative veneers on twentieth century furniture. It provides a bright contrast to darker upholstery.
- Bentwood
- Wood that is steamed and bent into curved structural forms. This technique creates the characteristic rounded profiles seen on chairs from the period.
Art Deco Easy Chairs: Frequently Asked Questions
What defines art deco easy chairs?
These seating pieces combine streamlined geometric forms with comfortable, low-slung proportions typical of the interwar period. They frequently incorporate club chair designs or rounded tub shapes.
Materials range from rich leather and suede to polished walnut and satin birch veneers. Most examples are designed for lounging spaces and libraries.
How do I care for leather art deco easy chairs?
Leather upholstery requires regular conditioning to keep the hide supple and prevent cracking over time. Keep the chairs away from direct sunlight and heat sources.
Gentle dusting with a soft cloth preserves the finish on both the leather and the wooden frames. Avoid harsh chemical cleaners during maintenance.
Are these chairs comfortable for daily use?
The deep cushioning and low profiles are engineered specifically for relaxation and extended sitting. Many examples offer generous arm widths and supportive backrests.
Pairs often provide matching seating options for living rooms or studies. Restored upholstery ensures modern comfort within a historic frame.
How do I distinguish nineteen thirties pieces from earlier styles?
Nineteen thirties pieces tend to show more pronounced geometric streamlining and minimalist curves compared to Edwardian or earlier designs. The use of exotic veneers like satin birch becomes prominent during this decade.
Earlier pieces often retain traditional club chair proportions and heavier leather detailing. Construction methods shift from ornate Edwardian framing to cleaner art deco lines.