Howard Style Settee
A howard style settee offers supreme comfort paired with classic English craftsmanship, making it the ultimate addition to a traditional drawing room.
Howard Style Settee
A howard style settee represents the pinnacle of Victorian and Edwardian upholstered seating, designed with deep proportions for lounging. These pieces range from nineteenth century originals to later twentieth century interpretations.
The most common forms on this page include deep seated country house sofas and specific models bearing maker attributions. They appear in styles from Victorian Chippendale Revival to Aesthetic Movement.
Makers such as Howard and Sons set the benchmark for these sofas, which are frequently upholstered in cotton, velvet, or original ticking. They stand on legs of wood, mahogany, walnut, or brass.
What varies in quality
The distinction between standard production and top tier examples rests upon the integrity of the frame and the retention of original upholstery components. Pieces bearing authentic maker stamps command greater interest among collectors.
Proportion and execution of detail differentiate the finest sofas, particularly where skilled joinery meets sophisticated revival styling such as Victorian Chippendale. The refinement of leg carving and quality of brass castors further elevate a piece.
Howard Style Settee Retail Price Guide 2026
Typical asking prices for howard style settee 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 through to the Edwardian era, alongside later twentieth century interpretations.
Howard and Sons
The Howard Style Settee Glossary
- Howard style settee
- A deep seated upholstered sofa characterised by low arms and generous proportions, originating in the nineteenth century.
- Ticking
- A tightly woven cotton or linen fabric traditionally used as an inner case to contain stuffing materials.
- Ball and claw
- A decorative furniture foot depicting a bird's talon grasping a ball, popular during revival periods.
- Aesthetic Movement
- A late nineteenth century design style emphasising visual and material beauty over narrative subject matter.
Howard Style Settee: Frequently Asked Questions
What is a howard style settee?
A howard style settee is a deeply comfortable upholstered sofa originating in the nineteenth century, known for low rolled arms and generous seating depth. These pieces became staples of English country house interiors.
They combine robust internal framing with soft stuffing, designed specifically for relaxation rather than formal posture. Many examples feature turned wooden legs and castors for ease of movement.
How do I identify a Howard and Sons sofa?
Original pieces by the firm often feature stamped maker marks on the wooden frame or castors, alongside numbered operational details. The presence of original ticking under upholstery is another characteristic indicator.
Stylistic cues include deep proportions, low swept arms, and high quality craftsmanship aligning with Victorian and Edwardian production standards.
What fabrics were used on these sofas?
Traditional upholstery schemes utilised durable cotton, velvet, and heavy woven textiles suited to country house life. Many pieces retain their original ticking covers beneath decorative outer layers.
Period examples also incorporate printed cottons and occasionally specialist fabrics reflecting Aesthetic Movement tastes or later revival schemes.
How do I care for antique upholstery?
Protect antique textiles from direct sunlight to prevent fading of cotton and velvet surfaces. Gentle vacuuming with a soft attachment helps remove surface dust without straining fragile internal stuffing.
Maintain stable indoor humidity levels to preserve the underlying hardwood frames and prevent timber legs from drying out or splitting.