How do I identify a Victorian fireside chair?

Victorian fireside chairs often feature walnut or mahogany frames with sprung upholstery and button-backed detailing. They draw upon established nineteenth-century forms designed for domestic comfort. Look for traditional joinery beneath the fabric and proportions suited to nineteenth-century parlours and drawing rooms.

What is a wingback armchair?

A wingback armchair incorporates protective side panels extending from the arms to the backrest. These panels originally deflected drafts from open fireplaces. Such chairs appear across Victorian, Edwardian, and revival periods, upholstered in materials like velvet or tapestry.

Where should I place a fireside chair?

These chairs suit living rooms, studies, or bedrooms where traditional seating creates a focal point. Their upholstered forms provide functional comfort by a fireplace or in a quiet reading corner. Consider the scale of the wooden frame and the height of the backrest when positioning the chair within a room.

What is the difference between a slipper chair and an armchair?

Slipper chairs possess low seats and lack arms, originating as bedroom furniture for ease of dressing. Armchairs offer taller proportions and supportive armrests designed for extended sitting. Both forms utilise period timber frames and textile upholstery.