How do I identify seventeenth-century chairs?

Seventeenth-century examples typically utilise solid oak or walnut with heavy turned supports, stretchers, and linear carved panels. The construction relies on pegged mortise and tenon joints. These pieces often display distinct patination and tool marks from hand-working, separating them clearly from later nineteenth-century revival interpretations.

What is a Gainsborough chair?

A Gainsborough chair is a wide, upholstered armchair with open arms, short cabriole or straight legs, and a padded back originating in the eighteenth century. They were designed for writing desks and drawing rooms. The open arms allowed ample room for wide eighteenth-century skirts and coats during daily use.

Can I use these chairs daily?

Most period wooden chairs tolerate regular domestic use provided joints remain tight and stable. Solid mahogany and walnut frames offer strong structural support. Upholstered components and cane panels require careful inspection and occasional professional maintenance to preserve their strength under frequent seating.

How do revival pieces differ?

Revival pieces replicate earlier styles such as Chippendale, Louis XVI, or Baroque during the Victorian and Edwardian eras. They utilise period-accurate motifs executed with machine-assisted precision. Secondary woods and modern fastening techniques often reveal the true nineteenth or twentieth-century manufacturing date despite the older stylistic influence.

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Carved Open Back Chairs

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These carved open back chairs span centuries of woodworking skill, offering period character and substantial seating for any room.

19th century

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Pair of 19th Century French Arm Chairs

From Christine Kavanagh Antiques

£550

3+ MONTHS AGO

chairs

1900 - 1920

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Pair of French Fully Upholstered Open Armchairs

From Brookside Antiques

£985

3+ MONTHS AGO

chairs

19th century

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Regency Style Childs Arm Chair

From Elmgarden

£540

3+ MONTHS AGO

chairs

1900 - 1920

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Pair of Edwardian French Upholster Arm Chairs

From Ruby Antiques

£485

3+ MONTHS AGO

chairs

18th century

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Mahogany Chippendale 18th Century Armchair

From S and S Timms Antiques Ltd

£2,175

3+ MONTHS AGO

chairs

Regency Mahogany Commode Elbow Open Armchair

19th century

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Regency Mahogany Commode Elbow Open Armchair

From Pareglio & Ayres Antiques Interiors

£495

3+ MONTHS AGO

chairs

19th century

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A 19th Century Mahogany Framed Armchair.

From Long Melford Antiques

£695

3+ MONTHS AGO

chairs

19th century

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Pair of Mid C19th French Gilt-wood Salon Armchairs in the C18th Louis XVI Style.

From M Lees and Sons

£1,100

3+ MONTHS AGO

chairs

1900 - 1920

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Pair of Hepplewhite Mahogany Framed Armchairs

From Shackladys Antiques

£1,895

3+ MONTHS AGO

chairs

19th century

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Pair of Giltwood Arm Chairs in the French Manner 19thc

From Helios and Co Antiques

£895

3+ MONTHS AGO

chairs

Drunkards chairs feature intentionally asymmetrical or widened arms designed to steady gentlemen returning from long eighteenth-century tavern suppers.