The wide array of antique chairs on the market can overwhelm the first time shopper. Still, if you take some time to familiarize yourself with the most common styles of antique chairs, you'll find yourself navigating the market with ease and expertise.
Developed during the Regency period in Paris, the French bergère was designed as a lounge piece. The style rose in popularity between 1715 and 1723, with slight design evolution in the following decades. This style first appeared in Paris during the Regency period, 1715-1723 and the style was refined in subsequent periods.The French bergère style is similar to an armchair and features an upholstered frame, arms and back. The variety in bergères comes in the different types of wood, carving and molding used to create and decorate the chair. Depending on the region and era that the chair came from, the piece may also feature wood that is gilded, painted or coated with wax for a shiny gloss. The bergère chair will always have a separate but tailor fitted seat cushion.
The most popular and prolific style of antique chair is the Chippendale. Because of its popularity, there is are many different types of Chippendales, but all have a single unifying characteristic: the open back chair. The open back might be cut out, interlaced or woven.
The French fauteuil is the most popular style of French Antique chairs. Developed during the 18th century, the fauteuil is an open-arm chair with an upholstered wood frame. The wood frame also features carved relief ornamentation and an upholstered seat, back and arms. The upholstered wood frame segments that are exposed typically feature either painted surfaces or gilding.
The Hepplewhite chair's hallmark features are a shield shaped chair backing, shorter, curved arms and straight legs. Meanwhile, the 18th century English Queen Anne style features cabriole legs, carved scroll work and a horseshoe shaped seat.
When shopping for an antique chair, keep in mind the style and space the chair will be going into. The intended use of the chair will be the determining factor in how sturdy the chair you are purchasing should be. A decorative piece that will not be used often can afford to have more ornamental features and less sturdy construction, while a dining room chair or living room seating that will receive lots of use should be constructed of solid wood and have a greater load bearing capability. Also keep in mind that upholstery will wear with extended use, so pieces that will see higher traffic should be upholstered with higher quality, denser fabrics.
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