What is a wainscot style chair?

A wainscot style chair is a heavy wooden seat featuring a panelled back and solid arms. The design stems from early domestic joinery. Most examples seen are constructed from oak, incorporating carved panels and mortise and tenon joinery.

How old are these chairs usually?

Original pieces date back to the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries. Many others are nineteenth-century revivals built in older styles. Revival pieces from the nineteen-thirties and Edwardian eras also appear alongside genuine early items.

Where were they used?

These seats originated as principal chairs for the head of a household in great halls. Later versions served in parlours, halls, and dining rooms. Smaller formats and hall chairs were adapted for entryways and secondary chambers.

How do I care for oak wainscot furniture?

Maintain the timber by applying traditional beeswax to nourish the dry wood surface. Avoid placing chairs near direct heat sources. Protect leather panels and velvet cushions from prolonged sunlight to prevent fading and cracking.