Voltaire armchair
What is a Voltaire armchair?
A Voltaire armchair is a large, upholstered chair with a high, reclining back. The seat is very comfortable, and the armrests are wide and padded, making it easy to relax. Very popular in the 19th century, this luxurious and comfortable armchair remains fashionable today.
The origin of the name is not known: it is attributed to a representation of Voltaire, dating from the 1820s (well after his death in 1778), in which the famous French writer and philosopher is depicted sitting comfortably in a high-backed medallion chair with a wooden backrest.
The so-called "Voltaire" armchair entered the world of interior design during the reign of Louis-Philippe (1830-1848) . It is a relaxation chair with a deep seat and casters for easy movement. Originally, it was decorated with large bouquets of flowers on a dark background, a theme revived towards the end of the century by the Napoleon III style.
How to recognize a Voltaire armchair?
A Voltaire chair is made of exotic woods such as beech, rosewood, or ebony. It has a high, slightly inclined, and padded backrest, and a deep, well-padded seat with springs.
The armchair features wide, console-shaped armrests. The base is simple, without carved motifs. The legs are console-shaped, straight, baluster-shaped, and sometimes umbrella-shaped with casters. The seat and armrests are upholstered in brightly colored floral tapestries. It is a comfortable seat, perfect for relaxing.
Where to buy a Voltaire armchair?
A pre-owned Voltaire armchair is highly sought after because it blends perfectly with modern décor or other antique chairs and furniture: Louis XV armchairs, Louis XVI chairs , or vintage design pieces like the Djinn armchairs by Olivier Mourgue or Verner Panton chairs . Ideal for relaxation, it will create a welcoming atmosphere in your living room.
Vintage and second-hand Voltaire armchairs are available on online antique marketplaces and in antique and antique furniture galleries.
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