Large Armchairs
These large armchairs bring generous proportions and centuries of craftsmanship to a room.
Large Armchairs
When you search for large armchairs, you encounter seating designed for commanding presence and deep comfort across multiple centuries. The selection ranges from 18th-century mahogany wing chairs and George III library armchairs to 19th-century country house seating and walnut frame designs.
You are most likely to meet mahogany and oak pieces featuring fabric, leather, or tapestry upholstery. Examples include Gainsborough chairs, deep-seated country house models, and French Regence style giltwood open armchairs.
The assortment spans formal library and parlour seating alongside robust farmhouse armchairs in fruitwood and elm. Makers such as Howard & Sons and Whytock & Reid also appear among the Edwardian and later pieces.
How they were made
Cabinetmakers constructed the frames using timbers such as mahogany, oak, walnut, fruitwood, and elm, often applying carved details like Chippendale blind carving to the wood. Giltwood and rosewood also appear on specific period examples.
Upholstery relied on materials including leather, fabric, tapestry, and silk damask, supported by brass details where appropriate.
Large Armchairs Retail Price Guide 2026
Typical asking prices for large armchairs 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 include timber frames in mahogany, oak, walnut, and rosewood, alongside upholstered examples in leather, tapestry, and fabric.
What varies in quality
The distinction between tiers rests on the integrity of the timber frame, the depth of the carving, and the fidelity of the period style. Crisp hand-carving on mahogany or walnut separates standard workshop output from exceptional examples.
Upholstery materials and the retention of original or sympathetic hand-dyed leather and tapestry contribute significantly to the character of each piece.
Howard & Sons·Whytock & Reid
The Large Armchairs Glossary
- Gainsborough chair
- An upholstered armchair with an open-sided wooden frame, low armrests, and straight legs, originating in the mid-18th century. These pieces were often used in libraries and studies.
- Wing armchair
- A high-backed chair with side panels designed to shield the sitter from draughts and retain heat from a fireplace. They frequently feature deep wooden legs and robust frames.
- Giltwood
- Timber coated with a thin layer of gold leaf or powder. This finish appears frequently on decorative French style frames.
- Bergere chair
- An enclosed upholstered armchair with wooden framing exposed around the sides and back. Caning or solid upholstery often fills the sides.
- Carver armchair
- A sturdy wooden chair with armrests, traditionally placed at the head of a dining table. They share design motifs with matching dining chair sets.
Large Armchairs: Frequently Asked Questions
How do I identify a George III wing armchair?
Look for sturdy mahogany frames, distinctive wing shapes, and period-appropriate stretcher bases. Proportions tend to be generous, often paired with hand-dyed leather or traditional upholstery.
Examine the legs and underframing for hand-carved details such as blind fretwork or cabriole shaping, which help confirm the 18th-century origin.
Where should I place a large armchair?
These seats suit spacious drawing rooms, libraries, and studies where their physical scale commands the floor plan. They also anchor empty corners or sit opposite a fireplace.
Ensure adequate clearance around the piece to accommodate the wide armrests and deep seating dimensions without crowding other furniture.
Are country house armchairs comfortable?
Country house models prioritise deep seating and relaxed proportions for prolonged lounging. They emerged to serve domestic comfort in large country estates.
The cushioning and upholstery support extended sitting, distinguishing them from rigid formal dining or parlour chairs.
What is the difference between oak and mahogany armchairs?
Oak frames generally belong to earlier or country vernacular pieces, displaying prominent grain and heavy construction. Mahogany typically signals formal Georgian or later library seating with finer carved details.
Mahogany allows for crisper decorative carving like Chippendale motifs, whereas oak yields a heavier, rustic aesthetic.