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.