Burgundy Upholstered Armchair
These burgundy upholstered armchair pieces bring deep colour and generous proportions into a room, offering a comfortable seat with a rich history.
Burgundy Upholstered Armchair
A burgundy upholstered armchair brings a deep, rich red tone and comfortable seating into a room, drawing on traditions that span several centuries. When searching for a burgundy upholstered armchair, you encounter everything from grand Georgian designs to sturdy Victorian library and club chairs.
The selection here encompasses various forms, including easy chairs, spoon back chairs, and rocking chairs. These pieces originate from periods such as the eighteenth century, the Victorian era, and the Edwardian period, reflecting diverse historical tastes.
You will most frequently meet Victorian examples on this page, often featuring mahogany or walnut frames alongside button-backed upholstery. Alongside these are earlier pieces like eighteenth-century Gainsborough chairs and occasional revival styles such as Carolean or Louis XVI.
How they were made
The construction of these chairs relies on solid timber frames fashioned from woods like mahogany, walnut, oak, and occasionally iron. Cabinet makers and joiners shaped these woods to form robust structures capable of supporting deep padding and upholstery.
Upholstery techniques involved durable fabrics, leather, and velvet, sometimes secured with buttoning to keep the interior stuffing evenly distributed. Brass details, such as castors or tacks, often finished the construction of these substantial seating pieces.
Burgundy Upholstered Armchair Retail Price Guide 2026
Typical asking prices for burgundy upholstered 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 woods including mahogany, walnut, oak, and cane, paired with brass and iron elements.
What varies in quality
The quality of a burgundy upholstered armchair often lies in the selection and carving of the timber frame. Finer examples display crisp hand-carving on the mahogany or walnut woodwork, whereas simpler versions rely on plain turned legs.
The integration of the upholstery also dictates the distinction between standard and superior pieces. Hand-stitched buttoning, resilient springing, and high-grade leather or velvet upholstery elevate the execution of the finished seat.
The Burgundy Upholstered Armchair Glossary
- Gainsborough chair
- A wide, upholstered armchair with open arms, originating in the mid-eighteenth century. It was designed to accommodate the wide skirts worn at the time.
- Spoon back
- An upholstered chair back shaped with a concave oval curve that resembles the bowl of a spoon. This design became particularly popular during the Victorian period for ergonomic comfort.
- Button back
- An upholstery style where buttons are pulled tight through the padding at regular intervals to create a diamond pattern. This technique secures the internal stuffing and adds texture.
- Carver
- An armchair designed to match a set of dining chairs, usually placed at the head of the table. They typically feature arms that curve outwards to clear the table edge.
Burgundy Upholstered Armchair: Frequently Asked Questions
Where should I place a burgundy upholstered armchair?
These armchairs suit a variety of spaces, from a formal study or library to a quiet corner of a living room. Their deep red tones work well against neutral walls or paired with polished wood furniture.
Ensure there is enough physical space around the chair to appreciate its wooden frame and arms, particularly for larger pieces like Gainsborough or club chairs.
How do I care for the leather or velvet upholstery?
Leather upholstery benefits from regular dusting and occasional conditioning to keep the material supple and prevent drying out. Velvet requires gentle brushing with the grain to maintain the nap and remove surface dust.
Avoid placing these chairs in direct sunlight to prevent the rich burgundy colour from fading over time.
How can I tell a Victorian chair from an earlier piece?
Victorian chairs often feature heavier mahogany or walnut frames with button-backed upholstery and sometimes iron framing. Eighteenth-century pieces, such as Gainsborough chairs, tend to display lighter proportions and earlier revival styling.
Examining the construction methods and timber grain helps reveal the era in which the chair was constructed.
What is the difference between a desk chair and a library chair?
Library and desk chairs are built for working environments, often incorporating swiveling mechanisms, castors, or lower backs for ease of movement. They are designed to fit comfortably beneath a writing table.
Standard armchairs focus more on relaxation, offering deeper seats and higher upholstered backs for lounging.