Howard Armchair Pair
These Howard armchair pair pieces bring English Country House comfort to a room, offering deep seats and classic proportions.
Howard Armchair Pair
A howard armchair pair consists of matching seats designed for domestic lounging, frequently upholstered in ticking or velvet. These items trace their origins to the nineteenth century and the Edwardian era, spanning styles such as Victorian and English Country House.
Buyers encounter forms ranging from standard armchairs and bedroom chairs to slipper chairs and open armchairs. Walnut, hardwood, and various woods form the structural frames beneath cotton upholstery and calico linings.
Many examples date from the nineteenth century, alongside pieces from 1910, the Edwardian period, and later than 1960. They suit drawing rooms and studies where deep seating and traditional English upholstery matter most.
What varies in quality
The precision of the timber frame construction and the original integrity of the woodwork set baseline standards. Walnut frames and solid hardwood framing demonstrate higher craftsmanship than lesser timbers.
Upholstery materials and the execution of the stuffing determine the longevity and comfort of the seat. Pieces retaining signature ticking or fine velvet upholstery reflect different tiers of original commission and subsequent upkeep.
Howard Armchair Pair Retail Price Guide 2026
Typical asking prices for howard armchair pair among the pieces listed under this phrase on Sellingantiques today, from the lower quarter to the upper quarter. They describe what is for sale here now, not the wider market.
Listings feature pieces spanning the nineteenth century, 1910, the Edwardian era, and later than 1960, utilising walnut, hardwood, brass, and velvet.
Howard and Sons
The Howard Armchair Pair Glossary
- Ticking
- A tightly woven cotton or linen fabric traditionally used to cover mattress springs and heavy upholstery. It appears frequently on nineteenth century pieces.
- Slipper chair
- A low-set bedroom chair traditionally used for sitting while putting on shoes. These chairs feature compact frames.
- Calico
- A plain-woven cotton textile used as an inner lining or base cover beneath top upholstery. It provides a stable foundation for outer fabrics.
- Open armchair
- An armchair constructed without upholstered arm pads, revealing the structural wood or walnut frame. These pieces offer a lighter visual profile.
- Edwardian
- A stylistic and historical period spanning the reign of King Edward VII until the First World War. Furniture from this era often lighter proportions than Victorian designs.
Howard Armchair Pair: Frequently Asked Questions
What defines a Howard armchair pair?
A matching set of deep-seated chairs originating from nineteenth-century or Edwardian workshops, known for comfortable proportions and traditional upholstery.
They often feature turned wooden legs, brass castors, and heavy cotton ticking or velvet coverings designed for English country house interiors.
Where should I place these armchairs?
These seats suit drawing rooms, studies, and large bedrooms where traditional seating is the focal point. Their deep proportions require adequate floor space to sit comfortably.
Matching pairs work well positioned opposite a fireplace or flanking a central window.
How do I care for the upholstery?
Vacuum cotton ticking and velvet surfaces gently with a soft brush attachment to remove dust. Professional cleaning is recommended for antique textiles.
Keep upholstered items away from direct sunlight to prevent fading of the fabric colours.
How do I identify the period?
Examine the timber frame construction, leg design, and under-upholstery materials for clues to the manufacturing date. Nineteenth-century pieces typically feature heavy hardwood frames and traditional hand-stuffed padding.
Edwardian and later examples show slight variations in silhouette and textile choices.