How do I identify a Georgian armchair?

Georgian armchairs typically display dense mahogany or yew wood construction with characteristic stylistic markers such as shield backs or carved scroll arms. Proportions remain generous, often seen in library or Gainsborough types. Secondary indicators include traditional upholstery in leather or patterned fabric, reflecting the domestic fashions of the eighteenth century. Examining the joinery and timber grain helps confirm the period of origin.

What is the difference between a carver and a dining chair?

Carvers feature supportive wooden arms built into the frame, designed specifically for placement at the ends of a dining table. Single dining chairs lack arms to allow closer positioning and easier seating. Both forms often share identical decorative motifs, wood types, and leg styles when produced as part of a matching antique set.

How should I care for antique leather upholstery?

Antique leather requires gentle cleaning using specialised conditioners to maintain flexibility and prevent drying out over time. Avoid placing leather chairs in direct sunlight or near heat sources to preserve the original material. Regular dusting with a soft cloth protects the surface finish and retains the natural patina accumulated across decades of use.

Are French armchairs different from English styles?

French armchairs such as giltwood fauteuils and bergères emphasise ornate carved decoration, painted finishes, and exposed wooden frames with curved cabriole legs. English equivalents like library chairs tend to prioritize heavier proportions, deep leather upholstery, and rectilinear forms. Both traditions utilise high-quality hardwoods, but continental pieces frequently showcase elaborate gilding and tapestry covers.