How do I identify a Victorian chair?

To identify a Victorian chair, focus on the frame rather than the upholstery, which might have been replaced over the years. Look under the seat and on the legs for maker's marks. If you find any, conduct online research to determine if the manufacturer was active and producing chairs similar to yours during the Victorian era, which lasted from the 1830s through the turn of the 20th century. Some chairmakers who were active at the time include Chesterfield, Charles Hindley & Sons, Heywood-Wakefield Co., Howard & Sons and Jacob and Josef Kohn. Should you be unable to locate any markings, you can examine the characteristics of your chair to determine if it reflects the Victorian style. Easily recognizable, Victorian furniture is regal, ornate and luxurious. It often features curved lines, stately proportions and highly detailed geometric and floral embellishments. A certified appraiser or experienced antique dealer can also aid you in the identification process. On 1stDibs, explore a diverse assortment of Victorian chairs.

What is a Victorian slipper chair?

A Victorian slipper chair is a chair that was made to be shorter than the average chair. The height of its seat was 15 inches from the floor, compared to the standard 17 to 18 inches. Shop a collection of Victorian slipper chairs from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.

What is a Victorian lounge chair called?

What a Victorian lounge chair is called depends on its style. A piece that is long and narrow and has a raised headrest on one end and a lower backrest on the other is a fainting couch. Upholstered chairs that have long, extended seats meant for reclining are chaise longues. Find a collection of lounge chairs on 1stDibs.

What are French chairs called?

French chairs are called bergère. Bergères have an upholstered back and armrests with wooden exposed framing. Bergère continues to be a popular style that adds an elegant touch to any room. You’ll find a selection of antique chairs on 1stDibs.

What is a French berère chair?

A French berère chair is a style of chair with an upholstered back and armrests. These French-style chairs are crafted to be wider than standard chairs with comfort in mind. You’ll find a variety of French berère chairs on 1stDibs.

What is a French-style chair?

The term French-style chair usually refers to one of two styles of chairs. The first is an upholstered armchair with an exposed wood frame, and the other is a cane chair with loose seat cushions. Both types of French-style chairs are also called bergères. On 1stDibs, find an assortment of bergères from some of the world’s top boutiques.

What are French bistro chairs made of?

What French bistro chairs are made of varies. Introduced during the 19th century, many French bistro chairs feature a frame made of aluminum or wrought iron, while the seat cushions and backrests of these furnishings are frequently made of rattan. This type of chair became especially popular in the busy cafes of Paris during the 1920s. On 1stDibs, find a selection of bistro chairs.

French Victorian Chair

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A Handsome and Original Leather Club Chair, France, 1900’s

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A Handsome and Original Leather Club Chair, France, 1900’s

Located in Hastings, GB

A Handsome and Original Leather Club Chair, France, 1900’s This beautiful deep seated leather club chair is certainly in the sweet spot of its life. The leather, which was reupholst...

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Early 20th Century French Victorian Club Chairs

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Antique Industrial French 'Arras' Region Blacksmith Made Wrought Iron Chair 1900

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H 47.5 in W 27 in D 32 in

Victorian Wicker Rocking Chair by Heywood Brothers, Late 19th Century

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Located in Queens, NY

American Victorian natural wicker ornate high back platform rocking chair with woven rolled arms and finials & swag chain link on back (HEYWOOD BROS.)

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Antique Late 19th Century American Victorian Rocking Chairs

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Italian Gilt Metal Faux Bamboo Dining Chairs 1950s Set of 4

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Antique Victorian quality carved mahogany desk chair

Located in Ipswich, GB

Antique Victorian quality carved mahogany desk chair, having a quality carved mahogany back, shaped open arms with carved scrolls, upholstered seat standing on shaped carved cabriole...

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Antique Early 19th Century Early Victorian Chairs

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Circa 1880 Italian Large Gilt wood LXV Style Confidente Sofa

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A rare antique find from Tuscany Italy. This 'Confidante' sofa, circa 1880, is in beautiful condition. The large frame is finely carved in the LXV style, with its original water gild...

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French Victorian Chair For Sale on 1stDibs

Find many varieties of an authentic French victorian chair available at 1stDibs. Frequently made of wood, fabric and walnut, every French victorian chair was constructed with great care. You’ve searched high and low for the perfect French victorian chair — we have versions that date back to the 19th Century alongside those produced as recently as the 20th Century are available. A French victorian chair made by Victorian designers — as well as those associated with Louis XV — is very popular. Many designers have produced at least one well-made French victorian chair over the years, but those crafted by Howard & Sons Ltd, Louis Philippe and Maitland Smith are often thought to be among the most beautiful.

How Much is a French Victorian Chair?

Prices for a French victorian chair start at $311 and top out at $9,500 with the average selling for $2,102.

Finding the Right Seating for You

With entire areas of our homes reserved for “sitting rooms,” the value of quality antique and vintage seating cannot be overstated.

Fortunately, the design of side chairs, armchairs and other lounge furniture — since what were, quite literally, the early perches of our ancestors — has evolved considerably.

Among the earliest standard seating furniture were stools. Egyptian stools, for example, designed for one person with no seat back, were x-shaped and typically folded to be tucked away. These rudimentary chairs informed the design of Greek and Roman stools, all of which were a long way from Sori Yanagi's Butterfly stool or Alvar Aalto's Stool 60. In the 18th century and earlier, seats with backs and armrests were largely reserved for high nobility.

The seating of today is more inclusive but the style and placement of chairs can still make a statement. Antique desk chairs and armchairs designed in the style of Louis XV, which eventually included painted furniture and were often made of rare woods, feature prominently curved legs as well as Chinese themes and varied ornaments. Much like the thrones of fairy tales and the regency, elegant lounges crafted in the Louis XV style convey wealth and prestige. In the kitchen, the dining chair placed at the head of the table is typically reserved for the head of the household or a revered guest.

Of course, with luxurious vintage or antique furnishings, every chair can seem like the best seat in the house. Whether your preference is stretching out on a plush sofa, such as the Serpentine, designed by Vladimir Kagan, or cozying up in a vintage wingback chair, there is likely to be a comfy classic or contemporary gem for you on 1stDibs.

With respect to the latest obsessions in design, cane seating has been cropping up everywhere, from sleek armchairs to lounge chairs, while bouclé fabric, a staple of modern furniture design, can be seen in mid-century modern, Scandinavian modern and Hollywood Regency furniture styles.

Admirers of the sophisticated craftsmanship and dark woods frequently associated with mid-century modern seating can find timeless furnishings in our expansive collection of lounge chairs, dining chairs and other items — whether they’re vintage editions or alluring official reproductions of iconic designs from the likes of Hans Wegner or from Charles and Ray Eames. Shop our inventory of Egg chairs, designed in 1958 by Arne Jacobsen, the Florence Knoll lounge chair and more.

No matter your style, the collection of unique chairs, sofas and other seating on 1stDibs is surely worthy of a standing ovation.

Questions About French Victorian Chair

How do I identify a Victorian chair?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertNovember 4, 2024
To identify a Victorian chair, focus on the frame rather than the upholstery, which might have been replaced over the years. Look under the seat and on the legs for maker's marks. If you find any, conduct online research to determine if the manufacturer was active and producing chairs similar to yours during the Victorian era, which lasted from the 1830s through the turn of the 20th century. Some chairmakers who were active at the time include Chesterfield, Charles Hindley & Sons, Heywood-Wakefield Co., Howard & Sons and Jacob and Josef Kohn. Should you be unable to locate any markings, you can examine the characteristics of your chair to determine if it reflects the Victorian style. Easily recognizable, Victorian furniture is regal, ornate and luxurious. It often features curved lines, stately proportions and highly detailed geometric and floral embellishments. A certified appraiser or experienced antique dealer can also aid you in the identification process. On 1stDibs, explore a diverse assortment of Victorian chairs.
What is a Victorian slipper chair?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
A Victorian slipper chair is a chair that was made to be shorter than the average chair. The height of its seat was 15 inches from the floor, compared to the standard 17 to 18 inches. Shop a collection of Victorian slipper chairs from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.
What is a Victorian lounge chair called?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertDecember 12, 2023
What a Victorian lounge chair is called depends on its style. A piece that is long and narrow and has a raised headrest on one end and a lower backrest on the other is a fainting couch. Upholstered chairs that have long, extended seats meant for reclining are chaise longues. Find a collection of lounge chairs on 1stDibs.
What are French chairs called?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
French chairs are called bergère. Bergères have an upholstered back and armrests with wooden exposed framing. Bergère continues to be a popular style that adds an elegant touch to any room. You’ll find a selection of antique chairs on 1stDibs.
What is a French berère chair?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
A French berère chair is a style of chair with an upholstered back and armrests. These French-style chairs are crafted to be wider than standard chairs with comfort in mind. You’ll find a variety of French berère chairs on 1stDibs.
What is a French-style chair?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertMay 5, 2023
The term French-style chair usually refers to one of two styles of chairs. The first is an upholstered armchair with an exposed wood frame, and the other is a cane chair with loose seat cushions. Both types of French-style chairs are also called bergères. On 1stDibs, find an assortment of bergères from some of the world’s top boutiques.
What are French bistro chairs made of?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertFebruary 13, 2023
What French bistro chairs are made of varies. Introduced during the 19th century, many French bistro chairs feature a frame made of aluminum or wrought iron, while the seat cushions and backrests of these furnishings are frequently made of rattan. This type of chair became especially popular in the busy cafes of Paris during the 1920s. On 1stDibs, find a selection of bistro chairs.