Howard Style Bedroom Chair
A howard style bedroom chair offers deep-seated comfort in Victorian upholstery, bringing country house elegance to the bedroom.
Howard Style Bedroom Chair
The evidence shows these low-slung seats span several distinct seating types, from compact slipper chairs to generous armchairs. Many examples survive in pairs, particularly those bearing the maker's stamp or distinct stylistic traits. They function equally as accent chairs or intimate bedroom seating.
How they were made
Maker construction relies on sturdy timber frames of mahogany, walnut, or general timber to provide a robust structural skeleton. Brass castors frequently finish the legs, allowing easy movement across heavy carpets.
Upholstery defines the surface character, utilising cotton upholstery, calico, velvet, and gold velvet over deep-seated foundations. This traditional layering creates the characteristic roll and squab cushion support associated with the maker's workshops.
Howard Style Bedroom Chair Retail Price Guide 2026
Typical asking prices for howard style bedroom chair 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 demonstrate these Victorian seats employ mahogany, walnut, and timber, upholstered in velvet, cotton, and calico with brass details.
What varies in quality
Quality separates through the integrity of the underlying timber frame and the retention of original upholstery materials like cotton and velvet. Pieces retaining their original brass castors and authentic structural proportions command greater appreciation.
The refinement of the silhouette distinguishes finer examples, from the sweep of a tub armchair back to the low proportions of a deep-seated slipper chair. Maker attribution, where discernible, elevates the standing of the piece within the Victorian seating tradition.
Howard and Sons
The Howard Style Bedroom Chair Glossary
- Slipper chair
- A low-seated upholstered chair originally designed for a bedroom or dressing room, allowing a lady to sit comfortably while putting on shoes. These pieces typically feature no arms and short legs.
- Tub chair
- An armchair with a continuous curved back and arms forming a single rounded enclosure. This form provides enclosing comfort and deep-seated support.
- Calico
- A plain-woven cotton textile traditionally used as the inner lining or tight foundational cover beneath decorative top fabrics on upholstered seating. It conceals internal stuffing while maintaining structural tension.
- Castor
- A small wheel mounted on a swivel attached to the foot of a chair leg for ease of movement. 19th-century examples are frequently cast in brass.
Howard Style Bedroom Chair: Frequently Asked Questions
What is a howard style bedroom chair?
A howard style bedroom chair is a 19th-century Victorian seating piece known for deep-seated comfort and upholstered finishes. These chairs typically feature low profiles suited to private chambers.
They combine robust timber frames with soft fabric coverings, often including brass castors on the legs for mobility.
How were these chairs used originally?
Victorians placed these comfortable seats in bedrooms, dressing rooms, and private drawing rooms for relaxed lounging. Their low stature made them practical for intimate spaces.
They served as functional furniture where occupants could rest, dress, or read away from formal entertaining areas.
What materials do makers use?
Construction relies on sturdy woods like mahogany and walnut for the hidden frames. Upholstery materials include traditional cotton, calico, and rich velvet finishes.
Brass hardware frequently appears on the feet to complete the traditional aesthetic.
Are these pieces strictly for bedrooms?
While originally designed for private chambers, their generous proportions and elegant profiles suit them to various living spaces. They function well as accent chairs in modern interiors.
Their compact height and deep seating offer versatile placement throughout the home.