What is a tufted button back armchair?

A tufted button back armchair is an upholstered seat characterised by deep buttoning pulled into the padding of the backrest. These chairs appear in various forms, including library chairs, wing chairs, and club chairs. Originating largely in the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, they combine functional seating with decorative upholstery techniques.

How were these armchairs used historically?

Historically, these armchairs served in studies, libraries, and country house drawing rooms as comfortable spots for reading or resting. Their substantial frames and upholstered backs provided warmth and support in large domestic spaces. Library and desk variants were tailored for prolonged seating during work or study.

How do I care for a leather buttoned armchair?

Leather buttoned armchairs require regular dusting and occasional conditioning to keep the hide supple and prevent the leather from drying out. Care must be taken around the button tufts where dust and debris tend to accumulate over time. Avoiding direct sunlight helps preserve the colour and integrity of both the leather and the underlying padding.

How can I tell Victorian chairs apart?

Victorian chairs can be distinguished by their timber frames, such as walnut, mahogany, or rosewood, and the specific stylistic revival they follow, ranging from Rococo to aesthetic movement. Examining the turning of the legs and the style of the carving helps identify the period. Upholstery materials and buttoning density also offer clues to the specific decade of manufacture.