How do I identify a Regency sofa?

Regency sofas often display classical revival motifs, such as lyre-shaped ends, sabre legs, or bold brass mounts reflecting early nineteenth-century taste. Their profiles are typically clean and architectural, drawing inspiration from ancient Roman and Greek forms. Makers working in this period favoured dark mahogany with minimal carved ornamentation, letting the natural grain and geometric form define the silhouette of the settee.

What is a Victorian chaise longue?

A Victorian chaise longue is a single-ended reclining seat designed for a parlour or bedroom, allowing a person to rest in a semi-recumbent posture. These pieces feature an asymmetric backrest that curves down to a low foot end. They frequently rest on turned or carved mahogany legs fitted with brass castors and use deep upholstery sprung for comfort.

How do I care for antique mahogany legs?

Maintain mahogany legs by dusting them regularly with a soft, dry cloth and applying natural beeswax sparingly to nourish the timber. Avoid placing these pieces in direct sunlight or near heat sources, which can dry out the wood and cause splitting. Check the brass castors occasionally to ensure they rotate freely without grinding against the timber foot.

What defines a country house sofa?

Country house sofas are large, deeply upholstered seating pieces prioritising comfort over formal rigidity. They often feature generous proportions and casual slipcovers or traditional heavy fabric upholstery. These pieces accumulated wear over generations in large rural residences, resulting in a relaxed, lived-in aesthetic that collectors prize.