Edwardian Curved Back Armchair
The Edwardian curved back armchair offers a graceful, enveloping silhouette that brings both refined comfort and period charm to any room.
Edwardian Curved Back Armchair
The edwardian curved back armchair encompasses tub chairs, barrel backs, and revolving desk chairs originating primarily from the turn of the twentieth century and the broader Edwardian period. These seating forms prioritize a rounded enclosure for the sitter, often manifesting as low-slung lounge chairs or functional swivel seats for the study.
Most examples encountered on this page date from the Edwardian era or late Victorian times, constructed from rich timbers like mahogany, walnut, and oak. Alongside standard armchairs, related forms such as occasional chairs, corner chairs, and small settees appear with similar curved profiles.
Makers utilised various stylistic influences, ranging from straightforward Edwardian domestic designs to sophisticated Louis XVI and Aesthetic Movement interpretations. Whether upholstered simply in fabric or leather, or detailed with cane and marquetry inlay, these chairs serve as versatile seating options.
How they were made
Cabinetmakers constructed the primary frames of these chairs using solid hardwoods like mahogany, oak, and walnut, frequently incorporating bentwood or steam-bent components to achieve the characteristic rounded backrest. Inlaid details in satinwood and delicate marquetry were often applied to the mahogany surfaces for decorative contrast.
Edwardian Curved Back Armchair Retail Price Guide 2026
Typical asking prices for edwardian curved back armchair 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.
A very cute barrel back awaits discovery among the seating.
What varies in quality
The degree of craftsmanship in the timber framing and the precision of any inlaid marquetry set superior examples apart from standard production pieces. Fine execution of steam-bent curves and the integration of quality materials like solid mahogany or walnut dictate the overall standard.
The choice of upholstery material, whether durable leather, fine velvet, or neatly woven cane, reflects the original destination and cost of the chair. Swivel mechanisms and brass fittings that operate smoothly and securely also indicate a higher grade of manufacture.
The Edwardian Curved Back Armchair Glossary
- Tub chair
- A seating form featuring a continuous curved back and arms that form a protective, enclosed tub shape. These chairs are commonly upholstered in leather or fabric.
- Marquetry
- Decorative veneer work arranged in intricate patterns using different coloured woods and materials. It frequently adorns the backrests and rails of Edwardian salon chairs.
- Cane
- Woven rattan or plant material used to create light, breathable panels for chair backs and seats. It is often paired with solid mahogany frames.
- Bentwood
- Wood softened by steam and bent into curved structural components. This technique enabled the creation of smooth, continuous frames without heavy joints.
- Sabre leg
- A concave, outward-sweeping furniture leg tapering towards the foot. This classical form appears on certain Regency and related desk chairs.
Edwardian Curved Back Armchair: Frequently Asked Questions
What is an edwardian curved back armchair?
An edwardian curved back armchair is a seating piece featuring a rounded or tub-shaped backrest designed to wrap around the sitter. These chairs were produced around the turn of the twentieth century in various woods.
They function well as occasional seating in living rooms, bedrooms, or studies, offering a compact footprint combined with supportive curved armrests.
How do I identify an edwardian desk chair?
Edwardian desk chairs often feature a revolving swivel mechanism mounted on a wooden or metal base, combined with a low curved back for movement. They are typically built from oak, walnut, or mahogany.
Many incorporate cane panels or leather upholstery to provide comfort during extended periods of work at a desk.
What woods were used for these armchairs?
Mahogany is the most frequent timber seen in these listings, often paired with satinwood inlay or used in solid form for tub chairs. Oak and walnut also appear regularly, particularly on desk chairs and pieces from the late Victorian era.
Some specialist pieces utilise bentwood construction to achieve continuous curved wooden frames.
Where should I place a tub chair?
Tub chairs work well in corners, beside fireplaces, or paired with a small table due to their compact, enclosed shape. Their finished backs mean they look presentable when placed away from walls.
In home offices or studies, a revolving tub chair provides practical mobility while maintaining a traditional aesthetic.