Ottoman Style Chair
These ottoman style chair options bring rich Near Eastern craft and European revival forms into modern rooms.
Ottoman Style Chair
When you search for an ottoman style chair, you encounter a diverse group of seating spanning Syrian mother-of-pearl inlaid armchairs, Moorish revival pieces, and classical European walnut or mahogany stools. The selection ranges from folding X-frame seats and Savonarola chairs to buttoned armchairs with matching footstools designed for relaxed lounging.
You are most likely to meet pieces originating from the nineteenth century and early twentieth century, alongside Edwardian suites and distinct regional revivals. Forms vary from open-framed window seats and dressing stools to large armchairs paired with complementary footstools.
Materials and construction
Maker workshops utilised dense hardwoods including walnut, fruitwood, mahogany, and giltwood to form the structural frames of these seats. Surface decoration often involves intricate hand carving and precise inlay work using nacre-shell and mother-of-pearl.
Upholstered elements incorporate traditional textiles and fabrics, frequently paired with buttoned back treatments on armchairs. Structural forms also employ folding X-frames and curule shapes derived from ancient design traditions.
One chair folds flat for travel, proving that nineteenth-century nomads also enjoyed proper lumbar support.
Judgements of quality
The degree of detail in the hand carving and the precision of the mother-of-pearl or nacre inlay set finer examples apart from simpler production. Complete suites featuring matching armchairs and footstools demonstrate higher coordination than individual occasional pieces.
The integrity of the hardwood frame and the preservation of delicate shell inlay influence the standing of each piece. Superior execution is evident in the balance of X-frame constructions and the crispness of decorative mouldings.
Howard & Sons
The Ottoman Style Chair Glossary
- Nacre-shell
- An iridescent inner layer of mollusc shell used for decorative inlay work on wooden furniture frames. It creates geometric and floral patterns that catch the light.
- X-frame
- A structural furniture base formed by intersecting curved or straight wooden members resembling the letter X. This ancient form provides both support and folding capability.
- Savonarola chair
- A type of X-frame folding chair constructed from multiple curved wooden slats. It derives its name from a famous sixteenth-century Florentine friar.
- Curule stool
- An ancient Roman form of seat featuring crossed legs shaped like an elongated letter S. It often served as a symbol of authority and civic status.
Ottoman Style Chair: Frequently Asked Questions
What defines an ottoman style chair?
These seats encompass Middle Eastern inlaid armchairs, folding X-frame chairs, and European revival stools. They merge decorative woodwork with comfortable seating forms.
Origins trace across the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, drawing on Syrian, Moorish, and classical European design traditions.
How were mother of pearl chairs used?
Inlaid armchairs and folding seats functioned as decorative accent pieces in reception rooms and parlours. Their striking surfaces were intended to display fine craftsmanship.
Many pieces accompanied matching footstools or window seats to create coordinated seating arrangements within domestic interiors.
How do I care for inlaid wood?
Maintain stable room humidity to protect the delicate wooden frames and prevent shell inlay from loosening. Gentle dusting preserves the polished surface without abrasive cleaners.
Avoid placing these items in direct sunlight to protect both the natural hardwoods and the traditional textile upholstery.
Are these chairs comfortable for daily use?
Many examples feature upholstered buttoned backs and matching footstools designed specifically for relaxation. Open-framed window seats and dressing stools offer supportive upright seating.
Choosing the right piece depends on balancing decorative inlay work with the intended seating posture for your room.