A canapé is a traditional French term for an upholstered sofa featuring an exposed wooden frame. These pieces typically display carved decoration along the crest rail and arms. They function as principal seating items in formal reception rooms and parlours, mirroring the decorative styles of royal French courts.

How do I care for giltwood?

Giltwood requires gentle dusting with a soft, dry cloth to protect the delicate gold leaf surface from abrasion. Avoid liquid cleaners and direct sunlight, which can degrade the finish over time. Maintaining stable room humidity prevents the underlying timber from expanding or contracting, keeping the delicate gesso and gilding intact.

Where were these sofas placed?

These sofas traditionally occupied formal reception rooms, drawing rooms, and large parlours where guests gathered. Their ornate carved frames and gilded surfaces were intended to display taste and status. Today, they serve as statement pieces in contemporary living spaces, often paired with neutral interiors to highlight their historic craftsmanship.

How do I spot a revival piece?

Nineteenth-century revival pieces utilise machinery and hand-carving techniques distinct from authentic eighteenth-century originals, often displaying heavier timber framing. Examining the construction joints and the wear of the gold leaf helps determine the exact period of manufacture. Stylistic cues, such as the heavier proportions found in Empire revival models, point towards nineteenth-century interpretations of historical designs.