Buttoned Back Armchair
A buttoned back armchair offers deep, tailored comfort through traditional upholstery that secures the fabric in a precise grid.
Buttoned Back Armchair
A buttoned back armchair is a traditional seating form defined by its indented upholstery, created by pulling cord or twine through the padding to secure buttons at regular intervals. This page displays a rich variety of these chairs, predominantly originating from the nineteenth century and the Victorian era, alongside later twentieth-century interpretations.
The selections span numerous functional forms, including robust library armchairs, capacious wing chairs, and intimate bedroom or nursing chairs. Buyers often encounter pieces exhibiting distinct regional or stylistic traits, such as English country house seating or French Napoleon III designs featuring curved, spoon, or shield backs.
Frames vary considerably across the selection, encompassing open armchair constructions and fully upholstered frameworks. Woods like mahogany, walnut, oak, and rosewood frequently form the visible structural elements, supporting a wide array of historical silhouettes from Regency to aesthetic movement styles.
Assessing quality and craftsmanship
Quality rests significantly upon the precision of the tufting and the symmetry of the button grid, which demands exacting hand labour from the upholsterer. Superior examples maintain firm, resilient padding that holds its architectural shape without sagging over decades of use.
The integrity of the underlying woodwork distinguishes finer pieces, evident in the choice of high-grade timbers, subtle hand-carved details, and robust joinery. Furthermore, the selection of premium surface materials - ranging from supple tanned leather to rich velvet - reflects the original commission's status.
Buttoned Back Armchair Retail Price Guide 2026
Typical asking prices for buttoned back 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.
The inventory spans diverse forms including nursing chairs, wing chairs, and reading seats with integrated stands.
Howard and Sons·Gillows·Holland and Sons·C Hindley and Sons
The Buttoned Back Armchair Glossary
- Buttoning
- The technique of securing upholstery stuffing by pulling twine through the padding to create recessed indentations. This method adds structural tautness and distinctive visual rhythm.
- Wingback
- An armchair featuring protective side panels attached to the armrests, designed originally to shield the sitter from drafts. These high-backed seats often incorporate deep leather or fabric upholstery.
- Library armchair
- A sturdy, capacious seating form designed for study spaces, frequently upholstered in durable leather. These pieces prioritise ergonomic support for extended periods of reading.
- Spoon back
- A padded chair back shaped distinctly like the bowl of a spoon, popular during the mid-nineteenth century. This contour fits the human spine closely.
- Castor
- A small wheel attached to the base of furniture legs to facilitate movement. They are commonly fashioned from brass and mounted on timber feet.
Buttoned Back Armchair: Frequently Asked Questions
How do I clean leather buttoned chairs?
Dust the surface regularly with a soft, dry cloth to prevent particles from settling into the deep button indentations. Apply a suitable leather conditioner periodically to maintain suppleness and prevent cracking.
Avoid placing these chairs near direct heat sources or strong sunlight, which can dry out historical hide. Professional cleaning is recommended for deep restoration work.
Where should I place an armchair?
These substantial seats suit studies, drawing rooms, and spacious bedrooms where their architectural silhouettes can anchor the room. Pair them with reading lamps or position them near bookshelves to honour their traditional library origins.
Ensure adequate clearance around the chair so the arms and back proportions remain visually balanced within the space.
How do I date a buttoned armchair?
Examine the secondary woods, frame construction methods, and leg styles to establish an approximate era. Victorian and nineteenth-century examples often display heavier timber frames and distinct revival stylistic markers.
Compare the upholstery profile and design motifs against documented period pieces or maker records. Subtle shifts in back contouring from curved to shield shapes also help narrow the timeline.
Are these chairs comfortable for daily use?
Most nineteenth-century and vintage armchairs offer generous proportions and supportive springing designed for long periods of relaxation. The deep padding provides a firm yet yielding sit.
Testing the seating angle and back height ensures the piece matches your personal posture preferences for everyday lounging.