Voltaire armchair
What is a Voltaire armchair?
A voltaire is a large, upholstered armchair with a high, sloping back. The seat is very comfortable, and the armrests are wide and padded, facilitating the resting position. Very popular in the 19th century, this luxurious, comfortable armchair is still in vogue today.
The origin of the name is not known: it is attributed to a depiction of Voltaire, dating from the 1820s (well after his death in 1778), in which the famous French writer and philosopher is shown seated comfortably in a high-backed medallion armchair with a wooden back.
The "Voltaire" armchair entered the world of interior design during the reign of Louis-Philippe (1830-1848). It's a recliner with a deep seat and castor legs that make it easy to move around. Originally, it was decorated with large bunches of flowers on a dark background, a theme taken up towards the end of the century by the Napoleon III style.
How do you recognize a Voltaire armchair?
A Voltaire chair is made from exotic woods such as beech, rosewood or ebony. It has a high, slightly sloping, upholstered backrest and a deep, well-upholstered, sprung seat.
The chair features wide armrests and console armrests. The base is simple, devoid of sculpted motifs. The legs are console, straight, baluster and sometimes umbrella-shaped with castor tips. The seat and armrests are adorned with brightly-colored floral tapestries. This is a comfortable chair, perfect for resting.
Where can I buy a Voltaire armchair?
The second-hand Voltaire armchair is highly sought-after, as it goes perfectly with modern decor or other antique seats and furniture: Louis XV armchairs, Louis XVI seats or vintage design furniture such as Djinn armchairs by Olivier Mourgue or Verner Panton chairs. Ideal for relaxation, it will add a friendly atmosphere to your living room.
Vintage and pre-owned Voltaire armchairs are available on online antique marketplaces and in antique and vintage furniture galleries.
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