Why are some chairs sold in calico?

Upholstering a frame in calico provides a clean, neutral foundation layer that holds the internal stuffing and springs securely in place. This allows buyers to select and apply their own decorative top fabric. It also lets the underlying proportions and wooden frame remain clearly visible for inspection.

How do I identify a Howard and Sons chair?

Chairs in this tradition typically display generous proportions, low-slung seating, and careful attention to internal padding and sprung comfort. Genuine pieces often feature stamped markings on the wooden frame or brass castors. Associated styles from the period also emulate these specific comfort-driven design traits.

What timber was used for the frames?

Frames were constructed using sturdy hardwoods such as mahogany and walnut, alongside oak and general structural wood. The choice of timber often depended on whether the frame remained concealed beneath upholstery or featured exposed carved elements. Secondary woods were frequently utilised for internal frame components.

Are these chairs suitable for daily use?

Their robust nineteenth-century construction and thick internal padding make them well-suited for everyday seating. Many retain their original sprung systems or have been restuffed for modern comfort. Their varied sizes, from diminutive to oversized library formats, fit different domestic spaces.

Home > Victorian Upholstered Easy Chairs > Page 6

Victorian Upholstered Easy Chairs

199 items · page 6 of 13

← Page 6 of 13 →

Victorian upholstered easy chairs combine generous proportions with deep padding, offering comfortable seating shaped by nineteenth-century upholstery traditions.