What is a fauteuil chair?

A fauteuil is an upholstered armchair featuring an exposed wooden frame and open sides beneath the armrests. This form emerged in France to provide comfortable yet formal seating for salons and withdrawing rooms. Unlike fully upholstered armchairs, the wooden structure remains visible as a decorative element. Carved details and exposed joints define the distinct aesthetic of these classic seats.

How do I identify the period?

Dating relies on stylistic markers, wood choices, and construction techniques visible in the frame. Eighteenth-century examples often display restrained carving and specific regional proportions, while nineteenth-century pieces frequently emulate earlier Louis styles with heavier timbers. Upholstery materials and revival trends also offer clues to the age of a piece. Examining the underlying woodwork and joining methods helps confirm the era of manufacture.

How were these chairs used historically?

These armchairs served primarily as occasional, reading, or library seating within upper-class residences. Their open arm design accommodated the voluminous fashions of the period while offering comfortable support for leisure. Placed in salons or parlours, they functioned both as practical seating and as status items. Their decorative frames ensured they contributed to the overall interior scheme.

Are these chairs suitable for daily use?

These seating pieces adapt well to contemporary living when placed carefully within a room. Their sturdy hardwood construction provides reliable structural support for regular domestic environments. Maintenance involves gentle cleaning appropriate for antique wood and textile surfaces. Placing them away from direct sunlight preserves both the fabric coverings and the timber frames.

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Upholstered Fauteuil Chair

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An upholstered fauteuil chair brings continental elegance and open-armed comfort to a room, combining exposed wooden frames with plush textile seating.

1900 - 1920

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Pair French Silver Gilt Elbow Chairs

From Fernyhough Antiques Ltd

£895

3+ MONTHS AGO

chairs

Walnut Armchair with Needlework Covers C.1880

19th century

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Walnut Armchair with Needlework Covers C.1880

From Collinge Antiques

£495

3+ MONTHS AGO

chairs

19th century

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Set of 4 19th Century French Louis XV Style Fauteuil Armchairs, C1860

From Anthony Short Antiques

£3,600

3+ MONTHS AGO

chairs

19th century

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Pair of Napoleon III Gilded Armchairs

From Merchant House Antiques

£1,695

3+ MONTHS AGO

chairs

19th century

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Late 19th-century Walnut Fauteuil with Tall Back in the William & Mary Style

From Salisbury Antiques Centre

£575

3+ MONTHS AGO

chairs

19th century

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Late 19th-century Walnut Fauteuil in the William & Mary Style

From Salisbury Antiques Centre

£575

3+ MONTHS AGO

chairs

18th century

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A Pair of 18th Century French Open Arm Chairs

From Christine Kavanagh Antiques

£1,850

3+ MONTHS AGO

chairs

Fine Antique Victorian French Carved Walnut Three Piece Suite

19th century

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Fine Antique Victorian French Carved Walnut Three Piece Suite

From Unique Antiques by Emma Jade

£2,650

3+ MONTHS AGO

furniture

19th century

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Late 19th Century Walnut Framed Open Armchair

From Merchant House Antiques

£1,150

3+ MONTHS AGO

chairs

19th century

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English 19th Century Mahogany Armchair

From S and S Timms Antiques Ltd

£2,500

3+ MONTHS AGO

chairs

French design dominates the selection, encompassing Louis XV, Louis XVI, Empire, and Rococo Revival styles alongside English eighteenth-century forms.