How do I identify a Victorian armchair?

Victorian armchairs usually show dense mahogany or walnut framing, often featuring deep button-tufted leather or heavy fabric upholstery. Look for spoon-backs, scrolled armrests, and turned or fluted legs. The scale tends to be generous, built for formal parlours and libraries, with construction methods that favour solid timbers over lighter veneers.

What is a bergere suite?

A bergere suite consists of matching seating where the chairs and sofas incorporate woven cane panels into their wooden frames. These suites typically date from the Edwardian period or the 1920s. They bring a lighter visual weight to a room compared to fully upholstered pieces, while maintaining substantial wooden frames.

How should I care for antique leather upholstery?

Antique leather requires gentle cleaning and regular conditioning to prevent the hide from drying and cracking. Avoid direct sunlight and excessive heat sources which accelerate wear on nineteenth-century skins. Professional restoration should be considered for button-backed pieces to preserve the original tension and stuffing.

Can I mix different periods of lounge seating?

Mixing periods such as placing an Art Deco occasional chair alongside a Regency library armchair works well if the wood tones or upholstery fabrics share a common palette. The variety in carving styles creates depth in a room. Pay attention to seat heights and proportions to ensure comfortable seating arrangements.