Upholstered Howard Chair
An upholstered howard chair brings deep, sprung comfort and classic English country house presence to a room.
Upholstered Howard Chair
An upholstered howard chair is a substantial seating form defined by generous proportions and deep comfort. When searching for an upholstered howard chair, buyers encounter pieces spanning the nineteenth century, the Victorian era, and the Edwardian period.
The inventory on this page ranges from large library chairs and club armchairs to bedroom chairs, chaise longues, and daybeds. Many bear direct attribution to Howard and Sons, whilst others display the distinctive stylistic hallmarks associated with the maker.
Makers such as Robert Strahan also appear alongside pieces in the Grafton and Ingleby models. These armchairs embody a relaxed formality suited to traditional interiors.
How they were made
Construction relies upon robust hardwood frames supporting complex internal upholstery systems. Frames are typically shaped from timber such as mahogany or walnut, providing a sturdy skeleton for deep seating.
Internal stuffing utilises traditional materials including hessian and calico to build up the iconic generous cushioning. Brass details frequently secure castors or accent the structural legs.
Upholstered Howard Chair Retail Price Guide 2026
Typical asking prices for upholstered howard chair among the pieces listed under this phrase on Sellingantiques today, from the lower quarter to the upper quarter. They describe what is for sale here now, not the wider market.
What varies in quality
The distinction between ordinary and exceptional examples rests in the integrity of the frame and the retention of original maker signatures. Pieces retaining legitimate stamped markings or numbered brass castors hold particular distinction.
Proportion and scale dictate the visual weight of the armchair within a room. Masterful joinery and superior internal webbing ensure the piece maintains its intended comfort and silhouette over generations of use.
Howard and Sons·Robert Strahan
The Upholstered Howard Chair Glossary
- Calico
- A plain-woven textile used as an underlying layer beneath top upholstery fabrics. It provides a clean, durable surface to contain internal stuffing.
- Hessian
- A coarse woven fabric, often made from jute fibres, utilised within the internal suspension and padding structure. It offers reliable strength for heavy-duty upholstery support.
- Ticking
- A tightly woven cotton or linen material traditionally used to cover mattress and upholstery fillings. Grey ticking is frequently associated with classic country house aesthetics.
- Button back
- An upholstery technique where buttons are pulled deep into the padding to create a tufted, geometric pattern. This method secures the internal filling whilst adding decorative texture.
Upholstered Howard Chair: Frequently Asked Questions
How do I identify a genuine piece?
Authentic pieces often feature stamped markings on the wooden frame or maker details on the brass castors. Look for the characteristic deep-seated proportions and traditional underlying construction methods.
Comparison with documented examples from the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries helps confirm attribution.
What is a Bridgewater armchair?
A Bridgewater armchair is a specific variant featuring low, rolled arms and deep cushioned seating. They share the generous comfort and robust frame construction typical of the maker.
Matching footstools occasionally accompany these particular seating forms.
Are these chairs suitable for daily use?
These seating pieces are built upon sturdy hardwood frames designed for enduring comfort. Their deep sprung interiors provide reliable support for daily relaxing and reading.
Placing them in a study or drawing room brings both historic character and functional seating.
What styles accompany these chairs?
Listings feature items displaying Victorian and Edwardian design characteristics, alongside Aesthetic Movement legs and Chippendale Revival influences. English Country House aesthetics predominate across the selection.
Variations range from compact bedroom chairs to expansive daybeds and chaise longues.