Sheraton Style Armchairs
Sheraton style armchairs bring neoclassical refinement to a room through slender proportions and mahogany frames.
Sheraton style armchairs
Sheraton style armchairs encompass both original pieces from the Georgian period around eighteen hundred and later revivals from the Edwardian era. The selection ranges from pairs of salon and tub armchairs to larger sets of dining chairs including open armchairs.
Buyers most frequently meet Edwardian mahogany armchairs influenced by Sheraton revival designs, alongside authentic late eighteenth and early nineteenth century pieces. Forms include elbow chairs and tub armchairs designed for parlours and dining rooms.
Origins span English cabinet making traditions, uniting neoclassical restraint with functional domestic seating. Pieces demonstrate the enduring appeal of straight lines, restrained carving and inlaid decorative details.
How they were made
Frames are constructed from solid mahogany, frequently enhanced with contrasting stringing and inlay in boxwood. Joinery relies on traditional cabinet making methods to ensure structural integrity across dining chairs and armchairs.
Upholstery incorporates fabric, leather, velvet and tapestry secured to support the seat and back. Metal details such as brass fixtures sometimes appear on castors or structural supports.
Retail Price Guide 2026
Typical UK retail prices for sheraton style armchairs, calculated from the Sellingantiques database of over a million retail prices indexed since 2003. This retail price guide relies exclusively on Sellingantiques data; no external sources or auction records are used, so the figures do not describe the wider market.
Several armchairs come with brass details that have caught the light of three different centuries.
What varies in quality
The refinement of the carving and the precision of the boxwood inlay separate standard workshop production from finer examples. Subtle taper in the legs and balanced proportions define the most successful designs.
The integrity of the mahogany and the quality of the original or period appropriate upholstery materials dictate the overall character of the piece.
The Sheraton Style Armchairs Glossary
- Sheraton Revival
- A late nineteenth and early twentieth century design movement that reinterpreted the neoclassical furniture forms of the eighteenth century. Makers drew inspiration from the pattern books of Thomas Sheraton.
- Neoclassical
- A style rooted in classical antiquity that prioritises symmetry, straight lines and restrained ornament. It forms the foundation of Sheraton design.
- Inlay
- A technique where contrasting materials such as boxwood are inserted into recesses within the mahogany surface to create decorative patterns.
- Tub armchair
- A seating form featuring a continuous curved back and armrest structure, upholstered for comfort.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I spot a revival piece?
Edwardian Sheraton revival pieces often display cleaner, lighter timber construction methods typical of turn of the century workshops.
Examine the secondary woods and the character of the boxwood inlay to help distinguish them from earlier George III examples.
Are these suitable for daily use?
These mahogany armchairs were built for domestic dining and parlour use with sturdy frame construction.
Consider the condition of the upholstery and internal webbing if you plan to use them regularly in a modern setting.
What rooms suit these chairs?
The slender proportions and mahogany frames allow these armchairs to sit comfortably in studies, drawing rooms and dining spaces.
They pair well with both antique tables and more contemporary interior schemes that value classic timber tones.
How do I care for mahogany?
Keep mahogany furniture away from direct heat sources and strong sunlight to prevent the timber and inlay from drying out.
Regular dusting with a dry cloth helps maintain the natural sheen of the polished wood surfaces.