A fauteuil is an open-arm chair with upholstered components and exposed wooden framing, designed for formal domestic interiors. These seats typically feature curved armrests and cabriole legs characteristic of French design traditions.

How do I identify revival pieces?

Revival items replicate earlier eighteenth-century aesthetics using nineteenth or twentieth-century manufacturing methods and timber conditioning. Examination of tool marks, hardware, and secondary woods helps distinguish eighteenth-century originals from later nineteenth-century interpretations.

What woods were used?

Cabinetmakers primarily utilised walnut and beech for structural frames due to their strength and suitability for carving. Giltwood and painted finishes were also frequently applied to create decorative visual effects.

Where were they placed?

These accent seats functioned in parlours, salons, and bedchambers as both functional seating and decorative furnishings. Pairs were often arranged around rooms to facilitate conversation and display upholstery fabrics.