Upholstered Deep Settee
An upholstered deep settee offers generous comfort, combining substantial proportions with period craftsmanship from the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries.
Upholstered Deep Settee
An upholstered deep settee is a substantial seating form designed for relaxation, most commonly encountered as a Victorian Chesterfield or a nineteenth century country house sofa. These pieces provide deep proportions and sprung seats, reflecting the domestic comfort prioritized in British and French interiors from the eighteen-fifties onwards.
The selection here encompasses Victorian, Edwardian, and nineteen-thirties examples alongside Napoleon III designs. Buyers frequently find substantial frames supported on timber or brass fittings, upholstered in velvet, brocade, calico, or leather.
How they were made
Makers constructed these frames using sturdy timbers such as mahogany, walnut, and general hardwood, often incorporating brass castors and detailing. Traditional joinery formed the structural skeleton, which was then webbed and sprung to create a resilient base for padding.
Outer coverings ranged from original ticking and calico to velvet, brocade, leather, and fabric by makers such as Flora Soames. Buttoning and hand-tack work defined the decorative finish, particularly on Napoleon III and Victorian pieces.
Listings span the nineteenth century through the nineteen-thirties, featuring mahogany, walnut, brass, velvet, and leather.
What varies in quality
The distinction in quality rests upon the integrity of the original timber frame and the sophistication of the internal springing system. Pieces bearing attribution to notable makers or exhibiting rigorous period joinery demonstrate superior construction.
Upholstery choices and the preservation of original fabric or ticking influence desirability. Frames that retain their deep proportions without structural alteration command greater attention from collectors.
Howard and Sons·Jas Shoolbred·Gillows·Hampton and Sons·Jackson and Graham
The Upholstered Deep Settee Glossary
- Chesterfield
- A large upholstered sofa traditionally featuring deep buttoning and rolled arms of equal height. This form became a staple of nineteenth century domestic seating.
- Buttoned back
- An upholstery technique where indentations are secured with twine and buttons through the padding in a diamond pattern. This method provides structural tension and distinct visual rhythm.
- Ticking
- A tightly woven cotton or linen fabric used traditionally as the inner lining to contain stuffing. Original ticking often indicates untouched interior condition.
- Double ended sofa
- A sofa design featuring two raised, often symmetrical ends rather than a conventional back and arms. These pieces allowed reclining from either direction.
- Calico
- A plain-woven cotton fabric utilised as a base layer for upholstery before applying the final decorative textile. It provides a clean, neutral foundation.
Upholstered Deep Settee: Frequently Asked Questions
How do I identify a Napoleon III settee?
Napoleon III settees usually display distinct buttoning on the back and seat, occasionally featuring high backs or compact frames. Their styling reflects French design trends of the nineteenth century.
Upholstery plays a central role in defining their aesthetic, often utilising velvet or decorative fabric stretched over sprung frames.
Are these settees suitable for daily use?
These settees are built on sturdy timber frames with traditional sprung bases designed for regular seating. Many examples have been maintained or reupholstered to support everyday living.
Checking the internal springing and frame stability helps ensure the piece meets modern comfort requirements while retaining its period character.
What is the significance of original ticking?
Original ticking serves as an indicator of an uncompromised interior structure that has not undergone modern rebuilding. It shows the authentic materials used by the workshop during the period.
Collectors value this untouched state because it preserves the historical integrity of the piece.