Buttoned Back Armchair Set
These buttoned back armchair set pieces offer deep upholstery and matching seating, bringing period comfort and formal presence to a room.
Buttoned Back Armchair Set
A buttoned back armchair set brings together matching upholstered seating, most frequently found here as Victorian and early 20th century salon suites, lounge suites, or pairs of armchairs with accompanying stools. These coordinated groupings range from intimate two-piece arrangements to expansive multi-piece settings comprising sofas, gentleman's chairs, and ladies' chairs.
The material combinations across these listings reflect the preferences of the 19th and early 20th centuries, pairing structural timbers such as mahogany, walnut, and rosewood with tactile coverings in velvet, damask, fabric, and leather. Brass detailing and hand-carved wooden frames frequently unite the individual items within a single suite.
Construction and materials
Makers shaped structural frames from hardwoods including mahogany, walnut, and rosewood, often employing detailed hand carving to embellish chair rails and crests. These solid wooden foundations provided the necessary strength to support deep upholstery and rigorous daily use.
Upholsterers built up the distinctive buttoned backs by securing textile coverings - such as velvet, damask, leather, or standard fabric - deep into the interior stuffing, often complemented by brass tacks and metal castors.
Gentlemen secured the larger chair with arms, leaving ladies the smaller armless seat designed explicitly for expansive Victorian skirts.
Assessing quality and craftsmanship
Superior examples separate themselves through the ambition of their suite composition and the precision of their timber carving, such as exhibition-quality walnut frames or intricate rosewood inlay work. The continuity of design across larger groupings indicates a unified commission rather than assembled pairings.
The finesse of the deep buttoned upholstery and the choice of covering materials - ranging from supple leather to heavy velvet and damask - dictate the refinement of the finished suite. Integration of specific decorative elements like lion hand carvings elevates particular pieces above standard production.
H. Samuel, London·James Shoolbred
The Buttoned Back Armchair Set Glossary
- Salon suite
- A matched set of seating furniture designed for a formal reception room, typically including a sofa and several armchairs or matching chairs.
- Deep buttoning
- An upholstery technique where buttons are pulled tight into the padding at regular intervals, creating a quilted, recessed pattern.
- Gents and ladies chairs
- A paired set of Victorian armchairs where the gentleman's chair is slightly larger with open arms, and the ladies' chair is smaller and armless to accommodate voluminous period dresses.
- Inlay
- A decorative technique where contrasting materials such as lighter wood or metal are fitted into recesses within the primary wood surface.
Buttoned Back Armchair Set: Frequently Asked Questions
What is included in a salon suite?
A salon suite typically comprises a matching collection of seating designed for a formal entertaining space. The groupings often include a sofa alongside multiple armchairs, side chairs, or companion footstools.
Larger configurations span up to eight or nine pieces, maintaining uniform woodwork and upholstery to create a cohesive interior display.
How do I care for leather upholstery?
Leather-upholstered chairs and sofas require protection from direct sunlight and excessive heat to prevent the material from drying and cracking. Regular dusting with a soft cloth keeps the surface clear of abrasive particles.
Conditioning balms specific to antique leather help maintain suppleness without altering the original finish or staining the surrounding fabric.
What distinguishes Victorian chairs?
Victorian seating is characterised by robust wooden frames fashioned from dark timbers like mahogany and walnut, frequently decorated with elaborate hand carvings. Deep buttoned upholstery provides both distinctive visual texture and structured comfort.
Proportions during this era often favoured substantial padding and enclosed forms, distinguishing them from lighter Edwardian designs.
Can I mix these suites with modern furniture?
These upholstered suites integrate well into contemporary rooms by serving as strong focal points that contrast with minimalist decor. The rich textures of velvet, leather, and carved wood add depth and historical character to modern spaces.
Pairing a historic armchair or small suite with neutral walls allows the craftsmanship of the period to stand out clearly.