Period Buttoned Sofa
These period buttoned sofa examples bring deep buttoning and traditional upholstery from the nineteenth century into modern rooms.
Period Buttoned Sofa
A period buttoned sofa combines deep tufting with robust timber framing, originating across nineteenth century workshops and grand reception rooms. When you search for a period buttoned sofa, you encounter distinct Victorian Chesterfields, Regency chaise longues, and salon suite seating.
The selections available here range from mahogany double ended settees to brown leather Chesterfields and ebonised Aesthetic Movement frames. Most examples originate from the Victorian and Regency eras, reflecting nineteenth century craftsmanship and rich textile traditions.
Makers such as Howard and Sons and Robert Strahan & Co represent the highest tier of these forms, while matched pairs of chaise longues and salon suites offer alternative seating arrangements. Buyers frequently find pieces re-upholstered in contemporary brocade alongside examples retaining their original nineteenth century character.
Construction and materials
Makers constructed these frames using solid hardwoods like mahogany and ebonised timber, providing a sturdy architectural base for elaborate upholstery. Traditional joinery methods ensure the internal frames withstand decades of daily use and heavy sprung seat bases.
Upholstery techniques relied on deep buttoning through horsehair and wool stuffing, secured with sturdy twine and finished with brass tacks. Textile coverings span velvet, damask fabric, woven brocade, and brown leather, each chosen for durability and tactile richness.
Period Buttoned Sofa Retail Price Guide 2026
Typical asking prices for period buttoned sofa 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.
Current listings feature pieces spanning the nineteenth century, including Victorian, Regency, and Aesthetic Movement design periods.
Judging quality and proportion
Quality rests in the integrity of the internal hardwood frame and the precision of the deep buttoning rhythm across the backrest. Superior pieces maintain crisp carving on mahogany elements and balanced proportions that anchor a formal drawing room.
The choice of covering material and the execution of sprung interior bases also dictate the upper tier of craftsmanship. Finer examples display meticulous attention to textile alignment and robust joining that outlasts lesser commercial workshop production.
Howard and Sons·Robert Strahan and Co·Jas James Shoolbred
The Period Buttoned Sofa Glossary
- Chaise Longue
- An upholstered couch shaped like a chair with a long seat large enough to support the legs. Nineteenth century variations include double ended designs and Regency styles.
- Brocade
- A class of richly decorative shuttle-woven fabrics, often featuring raised patterns in gold or silver thread. It frequently appears on Victorian and Edwardian salon seating.
- Ebonised
- Wood treated with a finish to give it the appearance of ebony. This dark, polished surface gained popularity during the Aesthetic Movement.
- Salon Suite
- A matched set of seating furniture designed for formal reception rooms, typically comprising a sofa and matching armchairs.
Period Buttoned Sofa: Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between a settee and a chaise longue?
A settee provides a wide seat with a backrest and arms designed for multiple people to sit upright.
A chaise longue incorporates an elongated seat for reclining, often featuring a single raised headrest or double ended back support.
Are these sofas suitable for daily use?
Nineteenth century frames built from solid mahogany and hardwood offer sturdy foundations for everyday seating.
Many examples feature modern re-upholstery and sprung bases designed to handle regular domestic living.
How do I care for antique leather and fabric?
Leather upholstery requires regular conditioning to prevent drying and cracking across the deep buttoned indentations.
Fabric surfaces benefit from gentle vacuuming with a soft brush attachment to protect delicate velvet and brocade weaves.