A fauteuil is a traditional French upholstered armchair characterised by open wooden arms and an exposed frame. It provides comfortable seating while displaying decorative woodwork along the back and legs. These chairs were designed for formal rooms and salons, offering a lighter alternative to fully upholstered closed armchairs of the period.

How were these chairs used?

These chairs served as principal seating in French salons, drawing rooms, and halls, accommodating guests during conversation and social gatherings. Their open arms allowed individuals wearing wide period garments to sit comfortably without restriction. Later owners utilised them as occasional reading chairs or decorative accents in domestic interiors, combining utility with historical display.

How do I clean the wooden frame?

Maintenance of the walnut frame involves dusting with a soft, dry cloth to prevent the accumulation of grit in the carved recesses. Avoid harsh chemical polishes that can degrade the traditional finish over time. Applying a microcrystalline wax occasionally helps protect the exposed timber and preserves the natural sheen of the walnut surface.

How do I tell periods apart?

Differentiating periods relies on examining the style of the carving and the construction methods visible in the frame. Earlier eighteenth-century models display restrained proportions and hand-cut joinery, whereas nineteenth-century revival pieces often feature heavier timber sections and deeper, machine-assisted relief work. Tool marks and the type of secondary wood used inside the frame also provide clues to the approximate date of manufacture.