How do I care for cane seats?

Cane requires moderate humidity to remain flexible and prevent snapping under pressure. Light dusting and occasional damp sponging on the underside help maintain the material. Avoid placing these chairs directly beside heat sources or in harsh sunlight, which dries out the natural fibres over time.

Are painted chairs durable for daily use?

Most frames utilise sturdy hardwoods like beech or walnut underneath the decorative surface. This provides adequate structural strength for everyday sitting. Care should be taken around the painted or lacquered edges to prevent chipping against hard surfaces or tables.

How do I spot a revival piece?

Revival chairs often copy earlier French or English aesthetics using twentieth-century timber construction techniques and standardised machine-woven cane. Examining the tool marks and the composition of the paint layers reveals the age of the frame. Proportions and wood density also offer clues to whether a piece originates in the Regency period or a later twentieth-century revival.

Where were bergere chairs used?

Bergere chairs were designed as comfortable lounging seats for drawing rooms, libraries and bedrooms. Their enclosed sides provided shelter from drafts in large period interiors. They function today as accent seating in living spaces where their decorative painted frames can be appreciated.