A Carver chair is commonly known as a dining chair with arms and is usually found at the head (and now also foot) of the table. There are several theories about how this useful chair got its name with some attributing it to an example owned by John Carver (c1576-1621), founder of the Massachusetts Colony in the US. Others simply see it as a reference to the role of the head of the table who usually ‘carves’ the meat. Whatever the true origin of the name, Carver chairs were notably grander than the surrounding dining chairs not only with beautiful arms but also slightly taller backs.
During the age of Mahogany, Carvers would sport very refined pierced backs, slender tapering legs and out swept arms. By the Victorian age the fashion for excess led Carvers to become ever more fanciful and over-upholstered with ornate turnings and needlework. The Art Deco Period finally swept away those ideals and, in its place, the humble Carver was a paired back refined chair which gently embraced the sweeping curves of modernity. Today the Carver can be found in use far away from the dining table, either as a desk chair, bedroom chair or spare hall chair. Whichever spot you place it you can rely on the fact that antique and vintage Carver chairs will be well made (usually of Mahogany, Oak, Elm or Beech), appealing and able to withstand and serve the people they are intended for.
At LoveAntiques we have an impressive and ever-changing range of antique and vintage Carver chairs for all your seating needs.
Antique William IV Mahogany Elbow Armchair with Floral Upholstered Seat
£ 215
Knight Fine Antiques & Collectables
Set of Eight Edwardian Inlaid Mahogany Dining Chairs Including Two Carvers
£ 750
Avego Limited
Antique Regency Mahogany Set of 8 Dining Chairs Including 2 Carvers
£ 4,850
London City Antiques
Set of Six Upholstered Mahogany Dining Chairs with Pierced Splat Backs (2 Carvers & 4 Side Chairs)
£ 365
Timeless Furniture UK
Quality Set of Six Antique Regency Mahogany Dining Chairs
£ 1,585
Unique Antiques By Emma Jade
Antique Mahogany Set of 8 Dining Chairs with Scroll Arm Carvers
£ 4,495
London City Antiques
