Deep Buttoned Wing Chairs
Deep buttoned wing chairs offer enclosed comfort and traditional proportions, pairing high protective sides with tufted leather upholstery.
Deep Buttoned Wing Chairs
Deep buttoned wing chairs are classic armchairs featuring high winged backs designed to shield the sitter from draughts, paired with padded upholstered arms and deep tufting across the backrest. When searching this phrase, you will most frequently encounter nineteenth century and early twentieth century examples, alongside Georgian and Regency period pieces and later revivals.
The selection ranges from Victorian library models and Edwardian reading chairs to George III style mahogany frames and larger Chesterfield variants upholstered in brown, tan, burgundy, oxblood, or green leather. Many pieces arrive as pairs or feature brass detailing such as studwork edging along the scrolled arms and wings.
Construction includes hardwood and mahogany timber frames supporting sprung or webbed seat bases beneath leather upholstery. The proportions vary from intimate salon seats to large porters chairs and reclining armchairs designed for domestic studies and parlours.
Distinctions in quality and execution
Quality rests in the proportion of the wooden frame, the weight of the timber used, and the precision of the upholstery work. Superior examples show careful handling of mahogany and hardwood, with well-defined wing curves and balanced proportions that maintain elegance despite the heavy padding.
The finish of the leather and the regularity of the deep buttoning distinguish finer pieces from simpler workshop output. Hand-dyed hides, subtle patination, and neat brass stud alignment signal careful historic craftsmanship compared to plain or uniform modern treatments.
Deep Buttoned Wing Chairs Retail Price Guide 2026
Typical asking prices for deep buttoned wing 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.
The selection includes various regional styles such as George III, Regency, Victorian, and Edwardian interpretations.
Sopwith·Gillows
The Deep Buttoned Wing Chairs Glossary
- Wingback
- An armchair style featuring projecting side panels designed to trap heat and block side draughts. These wings frame the upper body of the sitter.
- Deep buttoning
- An upholstery technique where buttons are pulled deep into the padding to form geometric diamond patterns. This secures the filling and creates a firm, textured surface.
- Porters chair
- A heavily enclosed armchair originally used in large halls or near doors to keep out draughts. They often feature domed hoods and high sides.
- Chesterfield
- A traditional style of upholstered furniture characterised by deep buttoning and rolled arms of equal height to the back. The term applies to both sofas and large armchairs.
- Mahogany
- A durable hardwood commonly used in eighteenth and nineteenth century furniture frames. Its strength allowed makers to carve slender yet supportive legs.
Deep Buttoned Wing Chairs: Frequently Asked Questions
What is a deep buttoned wing chair?
A deep buttoned wing chair is a traditional armchair featuring high protective side panels and a tufted leather backrest secured with recessed buttons. These chairs combine enclosed seating with padded arms for domestic reading and relaxation.
Historically placed near fireplaces or in libraries, their design shields the occupant from draughts while offering a supportive upright posture.
How do I identify a Georgian wing chair?
Georgian wing chairs typically feature eighteenth century timber frames made from mahogany or hardwood, often displaying characteristic cabriole or straight legs. The proportions remain balanced, and the woodwork is integrated carefully into the upholstered body.
Later pieces from the nineteenth and twentieth centuries often imitate these earlier Georgian and George III styles with varying degrees of decorative carving.
Are these chairs comfortable for daily use?
These armchairs are built with sprung or webbed seat bases and padded backs designed for sustained sitting. The high wings and enclosed sides provide physical support and a sense of privacy.
Leather upholstery softens with age and use, adapting to the sitter while remaining resilient in domestic settings.
What leather colours are available?
The available leather finishes span traditional shades of brown, tan, oxblood, burgundy, and faded green. Many surfaces show hand-dyed patination built up over decades of use.
Brass studwork frequently borders the leather panels, adding metallic contrast to the darker hides.