A tub chair is a low, rounded armchair with the back and arms formed in a single continuous curve, resembling the shape of a deep tub. This enclosed design was originally built to keep out draughts in cold rooms, offering a snug and supportive place to sit for long periods.

How do I use a tub chair at home?

These chairs work well as occasional seating in living rooms, bedrooms, or reading corners where space allows for a distinct, curved silhouette. Leather and wooden variants also function effectively as desk chairs or library armchairs when paired with a suitable table.

How do I tell an Edwardian tub chair apart from a Victorian one?

Victorian pieces tend to use heavier timbers like golden mahogany or walnut with dense upholstery and darker finishes, reflecting mid-nineteenth-century preferences. Edwardian examples often appear lighter in scale, sometimes combining mahogany frames with cane panels or simpler inlaid decoration.

What materials are common in vintage tub chairs?

The frames are constructed from hardwoods such as mahogany, oak, beech, elm, and walnut, providing a strong structural foundation for daily use. Coverings range from traditional leather and fabric upholstery to woven cane inserts and occasionally original painted surfaces on French imports.