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.