INTRODUCTION TO UPHOLSTERED ANTIQUE FURNITURE

It is difficult to imagine today, when fully antique upholstered furniture is so familiar, that before upholstery started to become more common in the houses of the rich in the 18th century, loose cushions were the only means of providing a little comfort when sitting on a wooden chair or settee. 

Although many chairs have lost their original coverings, enough survive in both good and poor condition to give an accurate picture of how they looked new. Velvets, silks, damasks, and needlework were all used in the 18th century to cover chairs and sofas. Their patterns were often elaborate, as the silks made in Lyons in France and Spitalfields in London testify, Chintzes, which remain popular, were introduced toward the end of the 18th century. 

The widespread increase in the popularity of antique upholstered furniture since the mid-19th century has resulted in a corresponding increase in the choice of  fabrics available, at all price levels. As a result, it is possible to obtain suitable fabrics to reupholster period furniture, although this can be a costly process.

If the following pages we will cover much much more on some of the styles and fabrics. We also cover more specifics on sofas, chairs and settes.