Deep Seated Armchair Pair
A deep seated armchair pair offers generous proportions and low-slung comfort, making them the cornerstone of a relaxed interior.
Deep Seated Armchair Pair
A deep seated armchair pair brings together matching upholstered seats designed for lounging, originating mainly from the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. These pieces appear in forms ranging from traditional library armchairs and club chairs to English country house seating and slipper chairs.
The selection on this page demonstrates styles spanning Victorian and Edwardian periods, alongside Art Deco and French Napoleon III designs. Buyers find frames executed in mahogany, walnut, and other hardwoods, paired with coverings of leather, fabric, and brass details.
Origin points vary between English country house workshops, French ateliers, and Swedish makers, showing how diverse regional tastes shaped comfortable seating. The pieces range from buttoned leather library chairs to simple upholstered models covered in ticking.
How they were made
Construction relies upon robust internal frames built from hardwoods like mahogany and walnut, ensuring structural integrity for generous proportions. Joinery techniques connect these supportive wooden skeletons securely before upholstery is applied.
Upholstery materials include supple leather, woven fabrics, and traditional ticking, often secured with brass tacks or deep buttoning techniques. Springs and stuffing provide the characteristic deep seated comfort observed across Victorian and later examples.
Deep Seated Armchair Pair Retail Price Guide 2026
Typical asking prices for deep seated armchair pair 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.
Listings feature frames in mahogany, walnut, and general hardwood, upholstered in leather, fabric, and brass-detailed materials.
What varies in quality
The integrity of the underlying hardwood frame dictates longevity, separating sturdy structures from those compromised by heavy use or poor past repairs. Original construction details, such as traditional joinery and robust springing systems, distinguish superior examples from simpler builds.
The condition and authenticity of the covering material influence overall standing, with aged leather and period fabric retaining distinct character. Retaining original elements like marked castors or maker stamps elevates a pair above standard anonymous production.
Whytock & Reid·Howard and Sons·Gillows·Maple and Son
The Deep Seated Armchair Pair Glossary
- Bergere
- An enclosed upholstered armchair with wooden framing, often featuring split cane panels on the back and sides. This French-inspired form appeared across various periods with loose seat cushions.
- Club chair
- A heavy, deep-seated armchair traditionally upholstered in leather, designed for lounging in studies or libraries. These seats prioritise generous proportions and padded comfort.
- Ticking
- A tightly woven cotton or linen fabric characterised by striped patterns, historically utilised to cover mattress springs and upholstery stuffing. In country house seating, it provides a durable, understated outer layer.
- Buttoned back
- An upholstery technique where depressions are formed in the padding by pulling twine through to the frame, secured with fabric-covered buttons. This method creates a diamond pattern that keeps internal stuffing evenly distributed.
- Library chair
- A sturdy upholstered seat designed for prolonged reading, frequently rendered in leather or mahogany during the Victorian era. These chairs often feature padded arms and supportive high backs.
Deep Seated Armchair Pair: Frequently Asked Questions
How do I spot Howard and Sons chairs?
Look for stamped maker marks on the castors, numbered legs, and the characteristic ticking fabric used on traditional models. These markers confirm authenticity and period production.
Examine the proportions and craftsmanship, as these pieces demonstrate distinct English country house comfort and refined woodwork.
Are these chairs suitable for daily use?
These pieces were built for heavy domestic lounging, utilising robust hardwood frames and resilient internal springing systems. Their generous proportions accommodate modern sitting habits comfortably.
Ensure the internal support and upholstery remain stable to support regular everyday relaxation in a living space.
How do I identify a Victorian club chair?
Victorian club chairs typically feature deep leather upholstery, dark walnut or mahogany woodwork, and occasionally buttoned detailing on the backrest. Brass castors and claw and ball feet frequently appear on nineteenth-century examples.
Compare the timber finish and hardware style with documented pieces from the same period to confirm the era.
What is the difference between a club chair and a library chair?
Club chairs emphasise deep, enveloping leather upholstery and low profiles designed purely for relaxed lounging. Library chairs often present a more upright posture, sometimes incorporating open wooden arms or writing surfaces.
Both types serve formal and informal rooms, but library models generally support a slightly straighter seating position.