Buttoned Velvet Armchair
A buttoned velvet armchair brings deep comfort and tactile richness to a room, offering a seat designed for long hours of reading or fireside repose.
How they were made
Makers built the structural frames from dense hardwoods including mahogany, walnut, rosewood, and oak, often incorporating turned members or carved ornamentation. These timber skeletons supported internal coil springs and horsehair stuffing, layered beneath heavy textile upholstery.
The characteristic deep buttoning required artisans to pull cord or twine tightly through the padding to secure the fabric in a diamond pattern. Brass castors were frequently fitted to the feet of heavier library and reading chairs to ease movement across carpets.
What varies in quality
Quality rests primarily on the integrity of the timber frame and the precision of the joinery beneath the upholstery. Robust hardwood construction and well-proportioned carved detail distinguish superior workshop production from simpler domestic seating.
The execution of the upholstery work also defines the tier of the piece, visible in the symmetry of the tufting and the choice of covering material. Maker stamps on the wood or brass fittings indicate workshop provenance that elevates certain examples above standard nineteenth-century production.
Brass castors tucked beneath these heavy frames suggest past generations spent a great deal of effort rearranging their reading rooms.
Gillows·Holland and Sons·C. Hindley and Sons
The Buttoned Velvet Armchair Glossary
- Button back
- Upholstery technique where the fabric is pulled deep into the stuffing with tufting buttons to form a diamond pattern. This method keeps the internal padding firmly distributed across the backrest.
- Spoonback
- A padded chair back shaped like the bowl of a spoon, popular during the Victorian era. The curved timber frame follows the natural posture of the sitter.
- Bergère
- An enclosed upholstered armchair with wooden framing exposed around the sides and back. Traditional versions utilise woven cane panels, though fabric variations appear in later iterations.
- Tub armchair
- A low seat with a rounded backrest that flows continuously into the arms to form an enclosed semicircle. This form provides a snug posture suitable for fireside use.
- Castor
- A small wheel attached to the foot of a chair leg to allow smooth rolling across floors. They are commonly cast in brass and mounted on ceramic or wooden collars.
Buttoned Velvet Armchair: Frequently Asked Questions
How do I care for velvet upholstery?
Velvet requires gentle brushing with the pile to maintain its lustre and prevent flattening over time. Professional cleaning is recommended for deep maintenance to protect the delicate textile fibres.
Direct sunlight should be avoided to prevent the rich colours from fading across the buttoned surface.
What is a nursing chair?
A nursing chair is a low-seated armchair designed in the nineteenth century for comfort and ease of access. The reduced height made them practical for domestic tasks near the hearth.
These pieces often feature padded button backs and turned wooden legs fitted with brass castors.
How do I date a Victorian armchair?
Dating relies on examining the timber frame, turning styles, and upholstery construction methods. Mid nineteenth-century pieces often display robust mahogany or walnut frames with hand-carved details.
Later Victorian and Edwardian examples shift towards lighter proportions, subtle marquetry, and altered leg profiles.
Where should I place a library armchair?
A library armchair suits studies, sitting rooms, or spacious bedrooms where its deep proportions can be appreciated. The sturdy hardwood frame and sprung seat provide reliable support for daily use.
Pairing the chair with a reading lamp or small side table enhances both its function and decorative presence.