What is a bergere chair?

A bergère is a traditional French-style armchair characterised by an enclosed wooden frame and woven cane panels along the back and sides. These chairs typically accommodate a loose upholstered seat cushion. They function well as reading or desk chairs, combining structural wooden support with the flexibility of cane work.

How do I care for cane seating?

Cane requires moderate humidity to prevent the natural rattan fibres from drying out and becoming brittle. Wiping the surface occasionally with a damp cloth maintains the moisture balance. Avoid placing these chairs directly against intense heat sources or in prolonged direct sunlight.

Are these chairs comfortable for working?

Many nineteenth and early twentieth-century designs provide supportive upright postures suited to writing and reading at a desk. Tub chairs and bergères offer enclosed side support for longer sitting periods. Some variants include leather or fabric squab cushions to increase comfort during extended tasks.

How do I identify a Regency style chair?

Regency style pieces often display classical motifs such as reeded legs, sabre legs, lyre backrests, and dark polished mahogany or ebonised finishes. These design elements reflect early nineteenth-century aesthetics inspired by classical antiquity. Revival versions produced around the Edwardian period adopt these same characteristic silhouettes and decorative details.