How do I identify a true Georgian period armchair?

Authentic eighteenth-century pieces display the tool marks, timber shrinkage, and structural wear consistent with age. Cabinetmakers of that era utilised specific construction methods and native hardwoods that differ from later revival techniques. Examination of the underside and joint construction often reveals the hand-cut joinery and period fastenings that distinguish an original piece from a later nineteenth or twentieth-century copy.

Where should I place an open armchair?

These armchairs suit spaces where lightness and refined proportions matter, such as a study, bedroom, or drawing room. Their open arms and slender legs prevent them from visually crowding a corner or an intimate seating group. They function well alongside writing desks or as occasional reading chairs, provided the seat height matches the surrounding furniture.

What is the difference between Sheraton and Sheraton Revival?

Original Sheraton pieces date from the late eighteenth century during the height of the designer's influence and the Georgian period. They were built to contemporary domestic demands using eighteenth-century joinery and timber stocks. Sheraton Revival furniture dates from the late Victorian and Edwardian eras, when makers looked back to those earlier neoclassical designs to create decorative salon and library chairs for modern homes.

How do I care for a satinwood and painted chair?

Keep these delicate surfaces away from direct sunlight and excessive moisture to protect the painted decoration and the underlying satinwood veneer. Regular dusting with a soft, dry cloth prevents particulate accumulation without harming the finish. Avoid applying modern silicone polishes, utilising instead a micro-layer of appropriate microcrystalline wax if the timber requires nourishment.