What is an edwardian settee frame?

An edwardian settee frame is the bare wooden structure of a sofa or salon seat, stripped of its top covers or preserved with exposed timber show-wood. These skeletons reveal the foundational joinery and wood types used by cabinetmakers at the turn of the twentieth century. Buyers acquire these frames to undertake bespoke re-upholstery projects. This approach allows complete control over the final textile choice, from simple linens to heavy decorative damasks.

How do I choose fabric for re-upholstery?

Selecting fabric depends on the intended room and the historical style of the wooden framework. Formal salon frames suit lighter silks and satinwood complements, whilst robust country house models tolerate heavy velvets and traditional leather. Matching the weight of the textile to the scale of the timber ensures the finished sofa retains proper visual balance. Hessian and webbing foundations must be inspected and renewed to support the chosen upholstery weight safely.

How do I date an edwardian settee frame?

Dating relies on identifying specific stylistic revivals, timber choices, and construction characteristics typical of the period around nineteen hundred to nineteen ten. Lighter mahogany frames with satinwood inlay or subtle Arts and Crafts influences point directly to Edwardian workshops. Comparing the turned leg profiles and arm shapes against documented pieces helps separate Edwardian examples from earlier Victorian heavy furniture or later interwar production.

Where were these settees originally used?

These seating pieces furnished the drawing rooms, country house libraries, and formal reception spaces of Edwardian homes. Compact salon settees suited intimate entertaining areas, whereas deep-seated country house sofas provided relaxed comfort. Their placement dictated the decorative finish, with intricate Chinoiserie and inlaid rosewood reserved for public reception rooms. Plain walnut and mahogany frameworks often served family sitting rooms and libraries.