Deep Buttoned Fireside Chair
A deep buttoned fireside chair brings substance to a room, offering deep-seated comfort rooted in Victorian and Edwardian tradition.
Deep Buttoned Fireside Chair
When you search for a deep buttoned fireside chair, you encounter sturdy upholstered seating designed for warmth and long hours of sitting near the hearth. The selection relies heavily on 19th century, Victorian, and Edwardian examples, alongside early 20th century pieces.
You meet winged forms, library chairs, and club armchairs bearing characteristic recessed upholstery. Many specimens reflect English country house taste or French Napoleon III influence, while others display carved wooden frames.
The most prevalent versions on this page are Victorian and Edwardian leather wing chairs and button back armchairs. These range from substantial library seating to compact parlour chairs.
How they were made
Upholstery involves deep tufting secured with twine, creating the signature tension and indentations across the backrest and sometimes the seat. Coverings span full-grain leather, tan and brown hide, oxblood rexine, velvet, calico, and fabric.
Deep Buttoned Fireside Chair Retail Price Guide 2026
Typical asking prices for deep buttoned fireside chair 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.
Several armchairs arrive directly from historic country houses, carrying decades of fireside warmth in their aged leather.
What varies in quality
Quality rests primarily in the integrity of the wooden frame and the precision of the upholstery work. A well-constructed piece maintains firm internal support and balanced proportions without sagging.
The choice of covering material and the depth of the buttoning dictate the character and finish of the chair. Finer examples exhibit carefully patinated leather and meticulous hand-tacking that endure decades of use.
Howard & Sons·Gillows·Mellier & Co
The Deep Buttoned Fireside Chair Glossary
- Button back
- An upholstery technique where buttons are pulled deep into the padding at regular intervals, creating a diamond pattern of soft folds. This method secures the internal filling and provides firm lower back support.
- Wing armchair
- A fireside seat featuring protective side panels attached to the arms and back to deflect drafts. These wings historically trapped heat from the hearth around the sitter.
- Rexine
- A brand of leathercloth fabric made from cotton cloth coated with nitrocellulose mixture. It provided a durable, wipeable alternative to natural hide during the early 20th century.
- Castor
- A small wheel mounted on a swivel assembly fixed to the bottom of furniture legs. They allowed heavy armchairs to move across carpets and floorboards with ease.
- Barley twist
- A type of decorative wood turning resembling a twisted rope. This profile appears frequently on the structural legs and arm supports of mid-Victorian seating.
Deep Buttoned Fireside Chair: Frequently Asked Questions
What defines a deep buttoned fireside chair?
These armchairs feature a low-slung profile and a padded backrest punctuated by deep tufted buttons designed for warmth and comfort by the hearth.
They combine robust wooden frames with sprung seats and substantial upholstery wrapped in leather or heavy fabric.
How do I distinguish Victorian from Edwardian chairs?
Victorian examples generally showcase heavier frames, darker woods, and dense, sombre upholstery suited to formal parlours and libraries.
Edwardian pieces often appear lighter in scale, sometimes adopting brighter fabrics or more relaxed country house proportions.
Are these chairs comfortable for daily use?
Most of these designs were built for prolonged sitting, featuring generous seat depths and supportive sprung bases.
The deep buttoning adds structural tension that helps the backrest retain its firm contours over time.
How should I care for antique leather upholstery?
Leather surfaces benefit from regular dusting with a soft cloth and occasional treatment with appropriate nourishing balms to prevent drying.
Keep these chairs away from direct heat sources and strong sunlight to preserve the natural patina of the hide.