Vintage Red Armchair
A vintage red armchair brings rich colour and deep comfort to a room, ranging from library wingbacks to club chairs.
Vintage Red Armchair
When you search for a vintage red armchair, you are looking at upholstered seating spanning the eighteenth century through the 1930s. The listings here encompass forms like library armchairs, Chesterfield wing chairs, and Art Deco club chairs upholstered in red leather, oxblood rexine, velvet, and fabric.
You are most likely to meet nineteenth-century and early twentieth-century examples framed in mahogany, walnut, or oak. These pieces carry revival styles such as Georgian, Victorian, and Edwardian, alongside specific forms like Gainsborough chairs and reading chairs.
How they were made
Frames rely on timbers like mahogany, walnut, oak, and beech, shaped through joinery and detailed carving. Woodwork ranges from simple turned legs to ornate gilt finishes and carved oriental hardwood.
Upholstery employs traditional stuffing covered in leather, oxblood rexine, velvet, chenille twill, and fabric, often secured with brass studding. Split cane panels also appear on specific bergere easy chair forms.
Vintage Red Armchair Retail Price Guide 2026
Typical asking prices for vintage red armchair 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.
Periods represented span from the 18th century through Victorian and Edwardian eras into the 1930s.
What varies in quality
The standard of timber selection and the depth of carving define the better examples on the page. Solid mahogany and walnut frames with crisp, hand-detailed carvings separate finer library and wing chairs from simpler production.
The integrity and grade of the upholstery materials, from supple old red leather to heavy velvet, dictate the finish. Retaining original covering materials or utilising period-correct leather adds to the integrity of the piece.
Howard and Sons·Alfred Allen of Birmingham·S&H Jewell
The Vintage Red Armchair Glossary
- Wingback armchair
- A high-backed chair with side panels designed to shield the sitter from drafts and retain heat from a fireplace. These often appear in leather or heavy fabric.
- Rexine
- A leathercloth material made from fabric coated with nitrocellulose, widely utilised for durable upholstery on twentieth-century club chairs and Chesterfields.
- Bergere
- An enclosed or open armchair with a wooden frame and woven cane panels on the back and sides. It originates from French furniture design.
- Fauteuil
- An open-framed upholstered armchair with exposed wooden arms, typically associated with French periods like Louis XV and Louis XVI.
Vintage Red Armchair: Frequently Asked Questions
How do I clean old leather?
Clean old leather gently with a damp cloth and mild soap, avoiding harsh chemicals that strip natural oils. Apply a suitable leather conditioner afterwards to maintain suppleness and prevent cracking.
Allow the surface to dry naturally rather than using direct heat. Regular dusting helps preserve the historic finish without damaging the patina.
Are these chairs suitable for daily use?
Many of these sturdy mahogany and oak-framed chairs handle daily sitting well, provided the underlying frame remains solid. Leather and heavy fabric upholstery options withstand regular living room use.
Softer antique pieces with delicate cane panels or antique silk require a gentler touch. Check the stability of the joints before placing them in high-traffic areas.
What is oxblood rexine?
Oxblood rexine is an artificial leather substitute introduced in the early twentieth century. It offers a deep red colour with a durable, wipeable surface.
This material became common on club chairs and Chesterfield seating during the 1920s and 1930s. It mimics the appearance of dyed leather while providing resilience.
How do I identify a Georgian style chair?
Georgian style chairs typically feature robust mahogany frames, straight or cabriole legs, and understated carved details. Proportions are generous, particularly on library armchairs and Gainsborough seats.
Revival pieces built later often copy these distinct eighteenth-century proportions and use traditional red leather upholstery. Look at the timber grain and joinery to judge the age of the frame.