What is a bergere armchair?

A bergere is an enclosed upholstered armchair featuring solid sides and a padded seat. They frequently incorporate cane work into the wooden frame. These chairs date across various revival periods and offer a substantial seating presence in a room.

How do I identify Louis XV style?

Louis XV style chairs show prominent curves, cabriole legs, and naturalistic carved ornamentation. The lines avoid straight edges in favour of flowing contours. This aesthetic draws directly from mid eighteenth century French design principles.

Are these chairs sold in pairs?

The majority of these armchairs appear as matched pairs suitable for placing opposite a fireplace or flanking a sofa. Pairs are standard in salon seating arrangements. Individual pieces also occur, but matching sets dominate the historical record.

What woods were used for frames?

Framing materials include walnut, mahogany, goncalo alves, and timber finished with paint or gilt. These hardwoods provided the structural strength needed for intricate carving. Painted and parcel gilt surfaces also appear frequently across the inventory.

How do I care for cane panels?

Cane panels require gentle dusting and occasional light moisture to prevent the natural material from drying out. Avoid placing them near direct heat sources. Proper humidity levels help maintain the flexibility of split cane over time.