Traditional Deep Buttoned Chairs
Traditional deep buttoned chairs bring rich leather and substantial frames into a room, offering deep comfort and lasting character.
Traditional Deep Buttoned Chairs
Traditional deep buttoned chairs encompass a variety of seating forms designed for comfort and presence, spanning armchairs, wing armchairs, library chairs, and club chairs. Buyers searching for traditional deep buttoned chairs encounter sturdy seating built to anchor a room, often featuring low profiles and generous proportions.
The selections on this page are dominated by nineteenth-century and Victorian examples, alongside pieces from the Edwardian era and the year nineteen twenty. Forms range from open armchairs and tub chairs to double ended sofas and chaise longues.
Origin details across the listings point toward English country houses, French pairs, and Swedish club rooms. Armchairs with buttoned leather backs and wing frames appear frequently among these offerings.
Materials and construction
Frames rely on robust hardwoods such as mahogany, walnut, and rosewood, providing structural integrity for heavy seating. Brass fittings and castors often complete the lower framework of these library and club chairs.
Upholstery combines traditional springs with durable leather, fabric, calico, velvet, and brocade. Deep buttoning requires precise placement to secure the upholstery through thick padding and create the characteristic diamond pattern.
Traditional Deep Buttoned Chairs Retail Price Guide 2026
Typical asking prices for traditional deep buttoned chairs 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.
Periods represented on this page range from the Regency era and William IV through the Victorian period to nineteen twenty.
Judging quality
The distinction between ordinary and exceptional pieces lies in the integrity of the frame and the depth of the upholstery work. Finer examples retain robust joinery in woods like mahogany and walnut, paired with substantial leather or velvet that ages gracefully.
Execution of the buttoning and the spring setup dictates the seating experience and visual rhythm of the backrest. Maker attribution, particularly to notable workshops, elevates a piece through superior carved details and balanced proportions.
Howard and Sons·Gillows·Sopwith
The Traditional Deep Buttoned Chairs Glossary
- Button back
- An upholstery technique where buttons are pulled deep into the padding to form a geometric diamond pattern. This method keeps the stuffing firmly distributed across the backrest.
- Wingback
- An armchair featuring protective side panels attached to the arms and back to block draughts. These wings frame the sitter and offer a secure place to rest the head.
- Chaise longue
- An elongated upholstered seat intended for reclining, combining the back of a chair with the length of a small day bed. They often feature a single raised end for the head.
- Library chair
- A heavy, sturdy armchair designed for long periods of reading in a study or library. They frequently incorporate leather upholstery and low, supportive arms.
- Club chair
- A deep, low-slung armchair traditionally upholstered in leather for a club room or smoking room. These pieces prioritise sink-in comfort over formal upright posture.
Traditional Deep Buttoned Chairs: Frequently Asked Questions
How do I care for antique leather?
Feed the leather regularly with appropriate balms to keep the material supple and prevent cracking over time. Avoid placing the seating near direct heat sources or strong sunlight.
Dust the buttoned crevices gently with a soft brush to prevent grit accumulation in the folds.
Are these chairs comfortable for daily use?
Most of these pieces were built for heavy domestic use with robust sprung bases and sturdy hardwood frames. Their deep proportions and padded backs offer substantial support for relaxing.
Check whether the springs and webbing have been maintained or restored if you plan to use the seating constantly.
How do I spot a Howard and Sons chair?
Look for specific construction traits, stamped woodwork, or original castors that match known workshop practices. Many pieces also carry remnants of maker stamps on the ticking or frame.
Associated aesthetic movement legs and low, comfortable proportions often accompany these sought-after pieces.
What is the difference between a club chair and a wing chair?
Club chairs offer a low, deep seat enclosed by padded arms, designed purely for relaxed lounging. Wing chairs add protective side panels to the upper backrest to block draughts and support the head.
Both styles frequently feature deep buttoning and leather upholstery across nineteenth-century examples.