What is a fireside armchair?

A fireside armchair is a domestic seating piece constructed with a solid timber frame and padded upholstery designed for placement near a hearth. These chairs often feature high backs or protective wings to retain warmth and block draughts from open fireplaces.

How do I identify a Victorian armchair?

Victorian armchairs typically display rich mahogany show-wood frames, spoon backs, or button upholstery reflecting mid-to-late nineteenth-century tastes. Many examples incorporate turned legs fitted with brass castors and feature generous proportions suited to parlour or library use.

How do I care for leather upholstery?

Leather upholstery requires regular dusting and occasional conditioning to maintain suppleness and prevent the hide from drying out. Keeping the chair away from direct heat sources protects the material and preserves the finish of nineteenth-century leather.