Antique chairs Archives - The Crown Collection

The art of contrast | Antique chair styles in contemporary homes

Categories: Articles, Blog|Tags: Adding antiques to contemporary spaces, antique chair styles, Antique chairs, Antique chairs in modern spaces, Mix antiques with modern decor|

Antique chair styles offer a world of possibilities for enhancing your modern lifestyle and interior spaces. So much more than just a functional furniture piece; an antique chair – from a delicate Rococo design to the clean lines of the Regency period – is a visual expression of history, artistry and craftsmanship that brings a touch of classicism to your home.

When thoughtfully incorporated into contemporary interiors, different antique chair styles combine old-world charm and modern sophistication.

“I love mixing antique chairs with modern furniture. It’s like having a conversation between the past and the present in one room.” –Kelly Wearstler, Interior Designer

We’re shining the light on 5 antique chair styles and how to incorporate them into your home:

#1 Louis XV Chairs | Comfortable luxury

Of the three French Kings who influenced chair styles, Louis XV’s contribution is probably the most beloved. Popularised in 18th-century France, Louis XV chairs are known for their curvilinear forms, graceful cabriole legs, and intricate floral carvings. These chairs—often upholstered in rich fabrics and exude an air of opulence and romance.

How to incorporate: Their smaller size means that adding a Louis XV chair (or two) in your home can transform a reading nook or vanity area, or create a welcoming conversation vignette. Pair a single, beautifully carved Louis XV chair with a modern glass or marble-topped side table for a striking visual juxtaposition. This delicate blend of contemporary simplicity with antique detailing immediately elevates the design aesthetic of your space.

Consider a pair of antique ornately carved and gilded Baroque-style King Louis XV medallion armchairs for a bedroom or living area or as feature dining room chairs.

Their refined, ornamental curves complement soft, neutral colour schemes or stand out as a statement piece in a minimalist setting.

#2 Regency chairs | Sleek and stylish

Antique chairs from the Regency period are admired for their sleek, linear forms and restrained elegance. Inspired by classical Greek and Roman design, these chairs feature clean lines, symmetrical shapes, and often delicate inlays or carvings.

How to incorporate: A Regency chair works beautifully in modern dining spaces or home offices. Its stately appearance adds gravitas and character to any room without overwhelming the aesthetic. Opt for a Regency chair style as an accent piece beside a modern desk or console table, balancing the historical design with contemporary furniture.

A set of Regency mahogany dining chairs offers an understated style narrative that pairs well with minimalist décor, creating a chic style narrative.

#3 Victorian Dome chairs | Nostalgic charm

The Victorian Dome or Balloon Back chair is a bold yet comfortable statement piece with its rounded backrest and plush upholstery. These chairs often feature rich wood tones and intricate carvings, making them an excellent choice for adding warmth to modern interiors.

How to Incorporate: Place a set of Victorian Balloon Back chairs around a modern dining table for a surprising stately contrast. The lush upholstery and ornate design will balance out the sleek lines of contemporary furniture, making your dining room feel both welcoming and sophisticated.

Victorian dome or canopy chairs are wonderful conversation pieces that add texture and history to modern spaces. Upholstered in modern fabric or leather, they provide a daring take on antique design, bridging the past with the present.

#4 Colonial-style chairs | Artisanal simplicity

Antique Colonial-style chairs – taking inspiration from 17th and 18th-century British, French and Dutch design elements – are characterised by their sturdy construction, straight lines, and practical yet elegant detailing. Often crafted from rich, dark woods such as mahogany or cherry, these chairs reflect the simplicity and functionality of early colonial life, with subtle embellishments like turned legs, spindle backs, or carved crests.

How to incorporate: A Colonial-style chair adds a touch of timeless, understated grace to modern interiors. Its clean lines and warm wood tones make it perfect for a home office or dining space. Pair a Colonial chair with sleek, modern furniture – such as a contemporary desk or dining table – to create a subtle contrast that emphasises the chair’s historical charm while keeping the space grounded in the present.

A set of Colonial walnut and rattan chairs or a Riempie bench are an excellent addition to your home. Showcasing skilled craftsmanship and natural materials, these antique chair styles provide balance and warmth in a minimalist or industrial-style space.

The beautiful simplicity of a colonial-style chair ensures it will blend seamlessly into a contemporary space while still adding an authentic layer of history.

#5 Baroque & Rococo chairs | Lavish detailing

If a contemporary space is shouting out for a chair that is a little over-the-top, then antique chair styles from the Baroque or Rococo periods will provide the dramatic and playful contrast you are after. Characterised by ornate detailing, intricate floral carvings, sweeping curves and luxurious upholstery, they bring a sense of eclectic extravagance and artistry.

How to incorporate: Incorporate Baroque and Rococo chairs into your living room or bedroom as bold accent pieces. Opt for those with gilded detailing and rich upholstery to add a touch of grandeur and then pair with understated modern pieces to create a sophisticated, balanced space.

A pair of upholstered Baroque-style hand-gilded throne chairs or a pair of carved Rococo-style giltwood chairs offer a rich and ornate design that could be used as standalone accent pieces. Wherever you choose to place them, they will always add an unexpected flair to any modern space.

Browse antique chair styles at The Crown Collection décor store

Thoughtfully integrating different antique chair styles into modern spaces allows you to create a home that is both timeless and personal. Each chair carries with it a story, and when combined with contemporary furniture, the results can be breathtaking.

At the Crown Collection, our handpicked selection of over 350 antique chairs offers you the opportunity to indulge your love for the opulence of a Louis XV armchair, the refined lines of a Regency side chair, or any style in between.

Take inspiration from our exceptional collection of antique chairs and discover how these timeless pieces can beautifully complement your contemporary spaces.

Chic harmony | Settee dining with a French twist

Categories: Articles, Blog, Style|Tags: Antique chairs, Antique dining tables and chairs, Antique settees, dining tables, French-style chairs, French-style settees|

The art of creating relaxed and welcoming social spaces is an invitation to relook at your dining table setup. Settee dining introduces a less formal approach to home decor. Suppose you don’t have a separate dining room, and your kitchen doubles as your meal-gathering space. In that case, the trend of mixing dining sofas with occasional antique chairs around the table is a popular design option.

French-style settees and occasional chairs perfectly fit in a contemporary setting to incorporate settee dining within a more contemporary design brief.

The chic impact of a settee in interior design

The distinction between a settee and a sofa lies in their functionality and their visual impact within a space. While both provide seating, the nuanced differences – in size, formality, and overall aesthetic – contribute to their unique roles in shaping the ambience of interior spaces.

A settee – often characterized by its compact size and more upright but ornately carved backrest – exudes an intimate charm, making it an ideal choice for smaller living areas, cosy corners and dining tables. Plain wood or upholstered French-style settees complement multiple interior styles and pair beautifully with a variety of chair styles across the table. (Although a settee can make its mark in a living room, a sofa is unlikely to make it as a seating option at your dining table).

The art of settee dining with a mix-and-match flair

The interior design concept of mixing and matching has become a trend that transcends eras and styles. One of the most intriguing expressions of this trend is the fusion of settee dining with a diverse array of seating options around any shape of table.

Take a contemporary or classic dining room table, choose two statement chairs for each end, and then flank one side with a French-style settee and the other with an eclectic ensemble of antique chairs. (upholstered, gilded or rattan).

It’s a dance between tradition and modernity, creating an ambience that invites gathering, dining and conversation moments.

The decor story moments of settee dining

Offering an undeniably striking juxtaposition, the fusion of an antique French-style settee, with more modern seating options makes the settee a focal point; fostering an opportunity for guests to linger longer and creating an intimate atmosphere of warmth and conviviality.

A thoughtful collection and arrangement of antique and contemporary chairs paired with a French-style settee becomes the setting for each chair to boast its artisanal character and tell its own story. This all contributes to the narrative of your dining space.

This timeless blend of old and new creates a sense of history and nostalgia. And the patina of aged wood against the clean lines of modernity is a design marriage that speaks volumes.

The charm of rattan as a settee dining focal point

Incorporating rattan pieces into the mix provides a beautiful twist when it comes to settee dining options. Incorporating a rattan settee or rattan chairs celebrates the simplicity, craftsmanship and ‘earthiness’ of natural materials in your seating design.

The organic texture and lightweight nature of rattan furniture provide a delightful visual contrast to the solid form of a contemporary table and solid-backed chair or settee counterparts.

Successfully meeting the relaxed social brief, rattan settees and chairs effortlessly bridge the gap between indoor and outdoor aesthetics, infusing any dining space with an informal statement.

Let French-style pieces take centre stage

French-style chairs and settees – with their graceful curves and intricate details – bring a touch of relaxed romance to your dining experience. Place them strategically around the table, allowing their timeless elegance to complement the clean lines of modern dining spaces. ‘Mixing and matching’ the charm of French-style pieces with contemporary minimalism creates an ambience that is both sophisticated and inviting.

The key to successfully executing settee dining with mixed seating lies in the art of balance. Harmonize the visual elements by choosing a common thread, whether it be colour, material, or style. Perhaps a consistent upholstery fabric ties the diverse chairs together, or maybe a shared wood finish unifies the ensemble. This cohesion allows for the ‘mix-and-match’ approach to feel intentional and seamless.

Settee dining – with a mix-and-match approach – is an ode to personal expression and creative flair that is both timeless and avant-garde

The Crown Collection

With its inherent charm and sense of intimate luxury, settee dining breaks away from traditional norms, offering a refreshing departure from the conventional dining chair setup.

The first step to transforming your dining experience with a settee option is to visit The Crown Collection, South Africa’s largest décor store showcasing an extensive range of antique, French-style and contemporary furniture.

Browse all our settee options online or visit us in-store at 20 Ballyclare Drive, Bryanston, for a fully immersive experience.

Take a seat on one of our antique chairs

Categories: Blog, Style|Tags: Antique Bergere-style armchairs, Antique chairs, ANtique Chinese Yoke chairs, Antique dome chairs, Vintage chairs|

Sitting comfortably may come down to personal preference, but sitting stylishly is all down to antique or vintage chairs. Each has its own personality when contrasted against the backdrop of a sleek, contemporary aesthetic and modern spaces come alive when old meets new. The natural wood tones, colourful or patterned upholstery or gilded patinas of antique chairs add a much needed artisanal finishing touch to any space.

It may help to know your Hepplewhite from your Chippendale and your Louis XVI from your Queen Anne, but all styles of antique chairs offer their own decor story moments in every home.

All you have to decide is which antique or vintage chair(s) to invest in.

Dome Chairs – A show-stopping hero piece

A distinctive touch of grandeur starts with the opulent addition of an antique dome chair (aka porter’s chair, canopy chair, balloon chair or Versailles chair). Historically, their purpose was to protect people in drafty environments. The undisputed elegance of a dome chair doesn’t preclude it from sitting in the corner or taking centre stage in any modern setting.

Invest in a pair and let them frame a window or become an intimate conversation vignette. Their eclectic presence is a bold way to mix and match antique pieces in a contemporary aesthetic. Pop one in a corner of your bedroom or make an entrance in your hallway. (Such a grand gesture of a chair does come with a price tag, but the assurance that they will increase in value over time is reason enough to invest in one)

Yoke Chairs – A simple statement piece

The simple and dramatic sculptural craftsmanship and functional versatility of antique Chinese yoke chairs make them perfectly suited to modern Western homes. Interior decorators love their slender and artisanal silhouettes. They are also the ideal occasional chair for any space in your home. With their natural wood tones, they add warmth and comfort. A yoke-back chair’s rustic, pared-back design is the perfect juxtaposition in a more traditional design and the perfect complement to a minimalist design

They literally work in every room – as dining room chairs, occasional chairs, dressing table chairs or desk chairs. There is no way you will stop investing in just one yoke-back chair.

Armchairs – A striking centrepiece

“Who sees an armchair must perceive with the eyes a sense of mental comfort and not just a physical one.” – Patricia Urquiola (designer and architect).

The easiest way to mix and match antiques with modern pieces is the ever-popular and comfortable armchair; a timeless piece of furniture that will always top antique and vintage finds. Gilded French Bergere-style, ornate and carved Flemish-style or Spanish Savanarola-style, an armchair brings luxurious character and a classic lived-in charm. In leather, natural wood or upholstered options, there is no reason to not incorporate their comfort and elegance into one of your spaces.

The Crown Collection – Full of beautiful eye-catching pieces

Giving the seating options in your home careful consideration starts by setting foot in the Crown Collection emporium – in-store or online. With over 300 antique, French and vintage chair options to choose from, please ‘take a seat.’ We are sure that you will find a chair that is just right for you. And if it is not ‘just right,’ our furniture renovation experts will bleach, stain, gild or upholster any piece of furniture to perfectly suit your brief.

Antique or vintage chairs are probably the most fun and versatile functional pieces of furniture to change up modern spaces. Once you have chosen your chair of choice, sit back and relax, knowing you have made an investment purchase as well as ticking the sustainability box.

Make an entrance with antique & vintage furniture choices

Categories: Articles, Blog, Style|Tags: Antique & vintage rugs, Antique chairs, Antique furniture, Antique lamps, Antique tables, Chandeliers, VIntage art, Vintage furniture for entrance halls, Vintage mirrors|

Perhaps you shouldn’t ‘judge a book by its cover,’ but you can definitely judge a home by its entrance hall or foyer. And if you are fortunate to have one of these welcoming ‘walk through’ spaces, then you are in an enviable position of sourcing antique or vintage furniture pieces; the ideal accompaniment to any entrance hall.

Even though guests are not likely to spend a lot of time in your entrance hall, it is the introduction to your home; the unspoken first impression. Adding vintage or antique furniture pieces to an entryway will elevate the overall decor aesthetic and appeal of your home.

Mirror mirror on the wall

Mirrors certainly top our list of versatile antique or vintage pieces. There is not a room in your home that wouldn’t benefit from a vintage mirror and an entrance hall is just crying out for one. Not only will they give an expanded illusion of space but they also add functionality and your guests will always thank you. No matter what size mirror you choose, the transformation will be huge. (And who says you have to hang a mirror on the wall?).

Take a seat

If you have some dead space in your entrance hall, then adding one or two occasional chairs creates a tête-à-tête moment. You can go grand with dome chairs, elegant with upholstered chairs inspired by French kings or British queens, or simple with a couple of neo-classical stinkwood dining chairs or a fruitwood sandveld riempie bench. You may not sit in them, but the invitation to do so is tempting. Once again – you get to play with colour and pattern as these stand-alone pieces will create their own story.

Don’t be square

A round table is the perfect antique furniture piece for larger entrance halls. No matter what wood finish you choose, the casual elegance of an accessorised round table is unmatched. From fresh flowers in a statement vase to coffee table books and vintage objets d’art, the aesthetic can change whenever you like.

This is also the perfect time to mention that if you do have the space for a round (or square) table, then you also have the space to finish off your entryway vignette with an antique chandelier or vintage lantern. A chandelier – aka ‘decor jewellery’ for interior spaces – will be the ultimate finishing touch for your entrance hall.

Who let the dogs out?

Welcome your guests with a smile. An entrance hall can easily become a space for a little wit and whimsy; antique style. A couple of concrete dogs, a bust or mirrored obelisks will not go amiss in the entryway and are likely to be conversion starters as soon as your guests enter your home.

Light the way

Smaller and narrow antique console or sofa tables are the ultimate entrance hall solution for placing keys, handbags etc. But they also double-up as a display surface for that vintage desk lamp that you absolutely love or a pair of silver candelabras or candlesticks. The softer glow of a wall sconce or desk lamp (or two) adds immediate appeal as you enter your home – morning, noon and night.

A welcome rug

The best way to ‘roll out the red carpet’ for your guests is to place a time-tested vintage rug in your entryway. This colourful, patterned welcome not only defines the space but gives it presence, making guests pause as they enter your home.

Antique carpets and rugs have a long history and will add such warmth and richness to your entrance hall and are proven to handle lots of foot traffic.

The flat-woven elegant motifs and floral designs in earthy tones of Bessarabian kilims, the intricate and brightly coloured medallion designs of a Karabakh carpet or the 3-dimensional handmade tapestry weaving of a French Aubusson rug will add a timeless and classical narrative to any interior and are worth the investment.

A work of art

Adding vintage and antique pieces to an entrance hall couldn’t be simpler than hanging art. Art also makes a statement about who you are. Foyers are standalone spaces, making them the perfect areas to play around with furniture and accessories. And what better way than showcasing a statement artwork or a gallery wall of antique frames or vintage botanical prints?

Welcome to the Crown Collection

Inspiration for the entrance to your home starts at the Crown Collection, where a curated and handpicked collection of over 5000 antique and vintage furniture items awaits. Personalize your home by shopping online or visiting our studio at 20 Ballyclare Drive, Bryanston.

Our professional onsite services include upholstery in fabrics of your choice, french polishing, hand gilding, paint techniques, bleaching furniture and staining in lighter or darker shades.

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