Occasional Club Chair
An occasional club chair brings together low-slung seating and solid timber frames, offering a sturdy seat for any room.
Occasional Club Chair
These armchairs serve as versatile seating in studies, bedrooms, and sitting rooms, functioning as both reading chairs and decorative accents. Formats vary from tub chairs and bridge chairs to grand library armchairs with mahogany or hardwood frames. The selection includes matched pairs as well as individual statement pieces.
Materials and construction
Frames are constructed from sturdy timbers such as mahogany, walnut, satinwood, and general hardwood, often featuring carved details or polished wooden supports. Woodwork is combined with traditional upholstery techniques to create supportive seats and padded armrests.
Surface finishes include supple leather and soft velvet, while metal components such as brass castors appear on legs for ease of movement. Makers shaped these materials into compact club formats, tub shapes, and open armchairs designed for daily use.
Occasional Club Chair Retail Price Guide 2026
Typical asking prices for occasional club 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 feature pieces spanning from the 1800s through the Edwardian period up to 1930s Art Deco designs.
What separates the finest examples
Quality rests in the precision of the timber framing and the depth of the carving, where pieces attributed to notable cabinet makers display superior joinery and refined proportions. Lesser examples rely on plain construction without the sculptural attention given to period library chairs.
The choice and execution of the upholstery material also define the upper tier, with high-grade leather and rich velvet retaining their structure better than standard textiles. Original brass hardware and intact framing further distinguish the more accomplished pieces from simpler workshop productions.
Maurice Adams·Hille·Harry and Lou Epstein·Gillows
The Occasional Club Chair Glossary
- Tub chair
- A comfortable armchair with a curved, enclosing back that flows directly into the arms. This compact form is frequently seen in leather or fabric upholstery.
- Bridge chair
- A small, light armchair designed for card games or occasional seating. These pieces often feature exposed wooden frames and compact proportions.
- Library armchair
- A substantial reading chair with a supportive back and upholstered armrests, traditionally built from mahogany or hardwood. They are designed for long periods of sitting.
- Howard style
- A nineteenth-century upholstery design known for deep, comfortable cushioning and rolled arms. Such chairs set a standard for domestic comfort.
- Gainsborough armchair
- An eighteenth- and nineteenth-century open-framed armchair with a wide seat and padded arms. They are typically made from mahogany with brass nail trim.
Occasional Club Chair: Frequently Asked Questions
Where should I place an occasional club chair?
These compact armchairs fit well in corners of bedrooms, studies, or quiet reading areas where space is at a premium.
Their sturdy timber frames and comfortable upholstery allow them to function as both standalone statement seats and practical reading spots.
How do I identify the period of an armchair?
Dating relies on observing the primary wood used, the style of any carved details, and the overall shape of the frame.
Nineteenth-century models often feature heavy mahogany or walnut, while 1930s pieces display distinct Art Deco geometric lines and smoother leather finishes.
Are these chairs meant for daily use?
Most pieces on this page were built using solid hardwoods and durable leather or velvet upholstery intended for regular sitting.
Their construction balances decorative appeal with structural support, making them suitable for everyday living spaces.