ANTIQUE CHAIRS - FURNITURE!

Did you know... Before 1600 chairs were used only by the master and mistress of the house. Everyone else had to sit on stools or benches. 

Although increasingly used by lesser mortals too during the 17thC, the presence of arms and the extent and elaboration of carving found on many chairs still indicated their high status. 

The 17thC saw the widespread introduction of The 17thC saw the widespread introduction of 'back-stool', literally a stool with a back. Fixed upholstery sometimes replaced loose cushions and after 1660 woven cane-work - introduced from the East Indies - was fashionably seen on the seats, and often the backs too, of most chairs. 

Chairs were increasingly made in sets, I comprising both arm and single chairs. Continental (and particularly Dutch) influence Was strong on all furniture. Under William and Mary, chair design was greatly influenced by the Huguenot designer Daniel Marot.

See our navigation at left to find information on the various forms and styles of antique chairs. Due to the sheer number of chair styles, we have chosen only the more popular and collectible items. 

We have already added a great deal -- but we will be adding, on a daily basis, quality information on antiques of all kinds. We've started with antique furniture - make sure you start your visit in that area.

Our antique furniture area already covers  Periods and Styles of English Antique Furniture, including the popular Tester Beds. Our site is new, but look for us to grow FAST!

ANTIQUE CHAIRS - A FEW FACTS!
In Europe, until the end of the Middle Ages, the only types of seating were benches chairs did NOT exist!

Chair seats of the 17th century were high--as much as 28 1/2  to 29 inches from the ground. Easy to see the early stool in antique chairs later isn't it? Today, if you run into these somewhat tall antique chairs you will probably notice that they're not very consistent in the height of the seat. This is because the they were subject to weather and moisture and the legs were typically trimmed to cut away the rot.

Antique stools, the predecessor to chairs, were typically made in sets, but it is rare to find them even in pairs today. Damp floors, wood worms and ill usage have taken their toll on all original sets.

In both the 18th century and 19th century chair seat rails were usually made of beech and were tenoned into the legs of the chairs.  Notice that in both those centuries corner brackets were used. But, it was not until the 19th century that you saw use of screws. So, if you are looking to date and antique chair, this is a dead giveaway -- before the 18th century NO screws were used in the chair seat support.