How do I care for historic painted surfaces?

Keep these chairs away from direct sunlight and excessive moisture to prevent the historic paint from flaking or lifting off the timber. Dust gently with a soft, dry cloth and avoid modern chemical polishes that can soften or strip aged finishes.

What is the difference between Louis XV and Louis XVI styles?

Louis XV seating relies on asymmetrical curves, cabriole legs, and organic rococo ornamentation such as scrolling foliage and floral carvings. Louis XVI pieces shift toward neoclassical straight lines, fluted legs, and geometric symmetry inspired by classical antiquity.

Can these armchairs be used in daily seating?

Many of these pieces remain structurally sound for everyday use, provided the frame joints and internal webbing have been properly maintained over time. Heavily historic or delicate examples function better as decorative corner seating or occasional chairs to limit wear on fragile textiles.

How can I tell if the paint is original?

Original paint usually exhibits subtle craquelure, natural thinning over high-touch areas like the arm rests, and multiple underlying layers visible beneath chips. Later overpainting often appears flat, uniform, and lacks the accumulated patina of decades of domestic exposure.