Tufted Velvet Easy Chair
These tufted velvet easy chair selections bring deep nineteenth-century comfort and rich pile into a room.
Tufted Velvet Easy Chair
A tufted velvet easy chair sits squarely in the nineteenth century, drawing on Victorian, Regency, and Napoleon III traditions. Most examples found here date from the Victorian era, spanning early forms through to 1930s revivals.
Makers shaped these armchairs, tub chairs, and library chairs from walnut, mahogany, oak, and hardwood, often mounting them on brass fittings. The silhouettes range from country house styles to French pairs and Howard style armchairs.
Upholstery defines the group, dominated by velvet in pink, red, and gold shades. Deep buttoning and button backs appear frequently across the pieces offered on this page.
Materials and construction methods
Frames rely on sturdy timbers such as walnut, mahogany, and oak, occasionally incorporating iron framing for structural support. Wood carvers shaped open armchairs and carved armchair frames from these hardwoods.
Makers applied velvet over generous padding to create the characteristic tufted and button-back surfaces. Brass castors and hardware frequently finish the legs of these easy chairs.
Velvet is the primary textile recorded across these armchair listings, appearing alongside brass hardware and hardwood frames.
Distinctions in quality
The refinement of the timber carving and the architectural balance of the frame separate standard seating from exceptional library chairs. Stamped maker details and royal connections elevate specific Victorian pieces above ordinary workshop output.
The density of the velvet pile and the precision of the button tufting dictate the tactile success of the upholstery. Original frames retain a proportion and patina that later revival pieces occasionally miss.
Shoolbred·Howard and Sons·Johnstone and Jeanes
The Tufted Velvet Easy Chair Glossary
- Button back
- An upholstery method where depressions are formed in the padding by pulling threads tightly through to the frame, secured with cloth-covered buttons. This technique creates a distinctive diamond pattern across the velvet.
- Tub chair
- An armchair featuring a continuous curved back and arms that form a deep, enclosed seating shape. These pieces often sit low to the floor.
- Open armchair
- A seat design featuring un-upholstered wooden arms that reveal the structural timber beneath. Walnut and oak examples appear frequently in this form.
- Howard style
- A nineteenth-century seating design known for deep, comfortable proportions and low-slung upholstery. These chairs set a standard for country house ease.
Tufted Velvet Easy Chair: Frequently Asked Questions
How do I identify a Victorian tufted chair?
Look for dense walnut or mahogany frames paired with deep button-backed velvet upholstery. The proportions tend to be heavy and generous, often resting on low wooden legs with brass castors.
Dates usually sit within the nineteenth century, spanning early Victorian production to later revivals. Construction details like hand-carved woodwork and iron framing support an authentic period attribution.
Where should I place an easy chair?
These armchairs suit sitting rooms, studies, and libraries where deep seating and soft velvet create a focal point. Their substantial presence works well beside fireplaces or reading corners.
Ensure adequate floor space around the chair so the arms and castors remain visible. Pairing matching chairs opposite one another creates a balanced arrangement in larger reception rooms.
How do I care for velvet upholstery?
Protect the pile from direct sunlight to prevent the red, pink, or gold colours from fading over time. Gentle brushing helps maintain the direction and sheen of the velvet pile.
Avoid placing these chairs in damp environments to protect the underlying hardwood frames and brass fittings. Professional cleaning is recommended for antique textile maintenance.
What is a Howard style armchair?
Howard style armchairs are nineteenth-century seating designs celebrated for exceptional comfort and understated luxury. They typically feature deep seats and low, scrolling arms upholstered in soft velvet.
Country houses favoured these chairs for their relaxed yet refined proportions. They remain sought after for traditional and eclectic interior schemes alike.