Caned Seat Tub Chairs
Caned seat tub chairs combine curved backs with woven open panels, offering a supportive sit rooted in centuries of classical furniture design.
Caned Seat Tub Chairs
Caned seat tub chairs encompass a variety of low-slung, rounded seating forms designed to enclose the sitter comfortably. The evidence shows these pieces appearing across the nineteenth and twentieth centuries, spanning periods from the Regency era through to Edwardian and Art Deco designs. Buyers will frequently encounter French stylistic influences, particularly Louis XV and Louis XVI models alongside distinct Regency library chairs.
The selection ranges from standard salon armchairs and library seating to smaller child high chairs and parlour musician chairs. Mahogany, walnut, and oak form the primary timber frameworks, complemented by painted finishes and giltwood. Most examples utilise woven cane or rattan for the back panels and seats, sometimes accompanied by loose cushions in leather or velvet.
Materials and construction
Cabinetmakers constructed the curved frames of these chairs from dense hardwoods such as mahogany, walnut, and oak, often steaming the timber to achieve the continuous circular rail characteristic of tub forms. Some pieces feature decorative treatments including faux rosewood graining, lacquer, or carved details executed in the French taste.
The characteristic open panels rely on traditional hand-weaving techniques using natural cane and rattan threaded through drilled holes along the frame rails. Upholstered elements within the evidence incorporate supplementary materials like brass fittings, leather, velvet, and various fabrics for seat cushions.
Caned Seat Tub Chairs Retail Price Guide 2026
Typical asking prices for caned seat tub chairs 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.
Musicians once sat on specially designed parlour chairs featuring low, open backs that accommodated bulky eighteenth-century velvet tailcoats without wrinkling.
Judging the work
Quality in these chairs rests upon the precision of the timber frame's joinery and the integrity of the carved or turned ornamentation. Superior pieces demonstrate crisp carving, tight joints in the curved backrail, and timbers selected for rich grain and colour.
The standard of the cane work dictates the overall excellence of the seating panel, where even tension, neat drilling, and fine strands distinguish meticulous hand-weaving from coarser execution. Harmony between the frame's period style and its secondary materials, such as original brass mounts or well-fitted leather squabs, elevates the piece.
The Caned Seat Tub Chairs Glossary
- Bergère
- An enclosed upholstered armchair with wooden sides and a cane or upholstered back. These pieces typically feature a low seat designed for relaxed lounging.
- Tub chair
- An armchair featuring a continuous curved back and arms that form a single semi-circular enclosure. The design provides a cocooning shape favoured in libraries and drawing rooms.
- Cane
- Strips of peeled rattan woven into open mesh patterns for chair seats and backs. This material offers lightweight strength and flexibility.
- Corbeille
- A French term for a basket-shaped armchair with a rounded, enclosing backrest. These forms often align with Louis XV revival styles.
- Giltwood
- Timber treated with a thin layer of gold leaf or gilt preparation. This finish appears frequently on decorative French salon chairs.
Caned Seat Tub Chairs: Frequently Asked Questions
What is a tub chair?
A tub chair is an armchair featuring a low, rounded back and arms that sweep around in a continuous curve. This enclosing shape was originally designed to keep out draughts in cooler rooms.
The form gained popularity during the Regency and Victorian periods, often adapted for use in libraries, studies, and drawing rooms where comfortable, supportive seating was required.
How do I care for cane seats?
Cane requires moderate humidity to prevent the natural fibres from drying out and snapping under pressure. Keeping them away from direct heat sources helps preserve the material.
Cleaning involves gentle dusting with a soft brush and occasionally wiping the underside with a damp cloth to maintain the moisture of the rattan strands.
Are these chairs comfortable for daily use?
These chairs provide a firm, supportive sit due to the taut tension of the woven cane and the upright posture encouraged by the curved wooden frame. Most antique examples are paired with loose squab cushions for added padding.
Placing them in reading corners or studies allows them to function as practical seating while showcasing their timber frames and woven details.