Burgundy Armchair
A burgundy armchair brings warmth and rich colour to a room, offering deep seating wrapped in supple leather or plush fabric.
Burgundy Armchair
A burgundy armchair covers a wide span of historic seating, from substantial Victorian library chairs to grand eighteenth-century Gainsborough designs.
You will frequently encounter sturdy mahogany frames paired with dark red or burgundy upholstery, often featuring traditional button backs and brass details.
The selection also includes walnut and oak frames spanning the Victorian and Georgian periods, alongside comfortable wing chairs designed for fireside reading.
Materials and construction
Frames are built predominantly from dense hardwoods like mahogany, walnut, and oak, providing structural integrity for heavy seating.
Upholstery relies on traditional leather and fabric finishes, secured with brass tacking and button-tufting techniques developed across the nineteenth century.
Burgundy Armchair Retail Price Guide 2026
Typical asking prices for burgundy armchair 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.
Listings feature Victorian, Georgian, and twentieth-century periods, constructed from mahogany, oak, walnut, leather, and fabric.
Assessing quality and craftsmanship
The finesse of the timber carving and the depth of the wood polishing set superior frames apart from standard utilitarian seating.
The calibre of the leather and the tightness of the button-tufting indicate the original workshop's attention to comfort and longevity.
The Burgundy Armchair Glossary
- Gainsborough chair
- A type of upholstered armchair with an open-framed mahogany structure, wide seat, and low arms originating in the mid-eighteenth century.
- Wing chair
- An upholstered armchair with high back and side panels designed to shield the sitter from draughts.
- Button back
- An upholstery method where tufts are pulled deep into the padding and secured with buttons to create a diamond pattern.
- Elbow chair
- A traditional term for a wooden armchair with supportive armrests, often used at a desk or dining table.
Burgundy Armchair: Frequently Asked Questions
What periods do these armchairs come from?
The selection spans several centuries, featuring examples from the eighteenth century through the Victorian era and into the early twentieth century.
Craftsmanship evolves across these periods, moving from Georgian mahogany proportions to heavy Victorian button-tufted upholstery.
How do I care for leather upholstery?
Leather requires regular conditioning to maintain its suppleness and prevent the dark red dye from drying out.
Keep these chairs away from direct sunlight and heat sources to preserve the natural grain and rich tone.
Where were these chairs used historically?
These seating forms served multiple domestic purposes, appearing in libraries, studies, and formal drawing rooms.
Library and desk armchairs were built for sustained reading and writing, while wing chairs provided comfort by the hearth.
How do I identify a library chair?
Library chairs typically feature sturdy wood frames in mahogany or oak combined with supportive leather armrests and seats.
Their robust construction was intended for heavy daily use in private studies and institutional reading rooms.