Upholstered French Open Armchairs
These upholstered French open armchairs bring period presence to a room, offering exposed wooden frames and soft seating.
Upholstered French Open Armchairs
When searching for upholstered French open armchairs, buyers encounter seating framed in walnut, oak, beech, and giltwood. These pieces range from 17th-century walnut examples to 18th-century Louis XV, Regency, and Hepplewhite designs, alongside later 19th-century revival forms.
Origins span provincial workshops to urban ateliers, incorporating styles from French Chateau and Rococo to Victorian and Edwardian interpretations.
Materials and construction
Frames are constructed from hardwoods like walnut, oak, beech, and mahogany, shaped through carving and joinery to form open arms and supportive backrests. Giltwood and painted finishes appear frequently, often layered over gesso and wood.
Upholstery employs textiles such as silk, needlepoint, tapestry, and fabric, sometimes secured with brass detailing or paired with leather seats.
Listings feature woods such as walnut, oak, beech, and mahogany across 17th, 18th, and 19th-century periods.
Assessing quality and execution
Quality rests in the crispness of the wood carving, the depth and execution of gilt or painted finishes, and the structural integrity of the frame joints. Hand-carved details and balanced proportions distinguish finer ateliers from standard production pieces.
The grade of the textile upholstery and the fidelity of revival styles to their 18th-century precedents also indicate the level of craftsmanship involved.
Holland & Sons·Blaise Maucuy·Colefax and Fowler
The Upholstered French Open Armchairs Glossary
- Bergère
- An enclosed or open armchair with an upholstered back and sides, often featuring an exposed wooden frame.
- Fauteuil
- A French upholstered open armchair with wooden arms, popular in the 17th and 18th centuries.
- Giltwood
- Wood that has been coated with a thin layer of gold leaf or gold paint over a prepared surface.
- Needlepoint
- A type of canvas work embroidery utilised historically for durable and decorative chair coverings.
- Rococo
- An 18th-century style characterised by asymmetry, scrollwork, and organic curves, revived in later periods.
Upholstered French Open Armchairs: Frequently Asked Questions
What is a fauteuil?
A fauteuil is a traditional French armchair characterised by upholstered seat and back panels with open wooden arms.
These chairs were designed for formal sitting rooms and salons during the 17th and 18th centuries, offering both comfort and visibility of the carved frame.
How do I identify Louis XV style?
Louis XV pieces display asymmetrical curves, cabriole legs, and organic floral carvings without heavy straight lines.
This style emerged in the 18th century and saw frequent revivals during the 19th and 20th centuries.
Are these chairs comfortable for daily use?
Most antique open armchairs provide upright seating support suited for reading, conversation, or occasional relaxation.
Many listings feature newly applied silk or fabric upholstery that refreshes the seating surface while retaining the historic frame.
How should I care for giltwood frames?
Giltwood requires gentle dusting with a soft, dry cloth and protection from direct sunlight and moisture.
Avoiding abrasive cleaners preserves the delicate gold leaf or painted surface on 18th and 19th-century frames.