What defines a salon chair?

Salon chairs are decorative seats traditionally used in formal reception rooms and entertaining spaces. They prioritize visual elegance and comfort for social gatherings. These pieces typically feature carved wooden frames with upholstered seats and backs, often arranged in matched pairs or larger sets.

How do I identify a revival style?

Revival pieces copy historical aesthetics from specific French royal periods like the reigns of Louis the fifteenth or sixteenth. Look at the legs and carving motifs to determine the source. Straight tapered legs usually point to neoclassical revival, while curved cabriole legs suggest rococo influence.

Where were these chairs used?

These seats belonged in the principal reception rooms, boudoirs, and drawing rooms of large houses. They served as movable seating for guests during social events. Their decorative backs meant they looked correct when placed away from walls in the centre of a room.

How do I care for giltwood?

Giltwood requires gentle dusting with a dry, soft cloth to protect the delicate gold leaf finish. Avoid chemical cleaners and moisture, which can lift the metallic layer from the wood underneath. Keep these chairs away from direct sunlight and strong heat sources to prevent the wood and finish from drying out.