Antique arm chairs frequently had arms and legs that opened outward
Arm chairs made their debut around the time of the Renaissance and since that time have been designed and produced from countries around the world. Antique arm chairs were made in a variety of fabrics and styles, ranging from simple and plain to ornate and elegant. There are a few methods to correctly identify authentic antique arm chairs.
Instructions
1. Look for chairs that appear to be throne-like, which was called a "fauteuil" in France. The back, seat and arms were frequently covered in material such as velvet and had arms and legs that were open in design. These chairs were popular during the 17th century.
2. Identify wing chairs with gilt wood, which were fashionable in France in the 17th century. The wood is typically carved in detailed, elaborate designs.
3. Look for Chippendale chairs, which featured a vase-shaped back with intricately carved wood and a padded seat. Chippendale chairs in France were typically made out of mahogany wood and had curved arm supports, padded arms and seat, and an arched back. English Chippendale chairs were frequently designed with a ladder back with three shaped and pierced cross rails. Other English Chippendale backs were designed to resemble a gothic window with ornately carved diamond shapes.
4. Find antique arm chairs made out of heavy wood, such as mahogany or oak, featuring ornately carved arms and legs with a seat and back covered in leather. These chairs are indicative of early- to mid-19th century English arm chairs.
5. Look for Oriental antique arm chairs that feature a carved, open back that is flat. The arm rests are flat as well, and the chair has floral carvings in the wood. These chairs are referred to as "rose chairs" and were a common style from China in the late 1800s.
6. Examine the wood closely for signs of age. Antique arm chairs will show signs of age, including a darkening around the hardware and a deepened color on the wood. If the wood looks new, the hardware appears to be modern (such as Phillips-head screws), or the material used for padding looks brand new with no signs of wear, the arm chair is likely not an authentic antique.
7. Look at the carving on the wood. If the lines are perfect and precise without any variation, the chair is probably a reproduction. Examine the wood for signs of authentic hand-carving, which is a primary characteristic that identifies the arm chair as an antique.
8. View websites that sell antique arm chairs to see a wide variety of styles and materials and to get a feel for the look of antique arm chairs (See resources).
Tags: chairs were, arms legs, Chippendale chairs, These chairs, 17th century