Antique Sofas
Sophisticated, elegant and stylish an antique sofa oozes class. There are a variety of antique sofas to choose from in a variety of designs and styles. An antique sofa can transform a room, a stand alone piece it can become the focal point of a room, not only an item of furniture to lounge upon and relax it can be a thing of beauty and craftsmanship in itself.
History of Sofas
Sofas have existed for centuries, in Ancient Egypt they were considered a luxury and were used only by royalty. The sofas original design was for one person, often male and it was only in the 16th C that there was the introduction of sofas designed for more than one person.
Antique sofa frames are made from wood and often stuffed with down and horsehair. Over the years sofas have been produced throughout the centuries, the majority being made in the Victorian and Edwardian period. Since the Renaissance there was an increased demand in upholstered sofas. Styles of antique sofas available include Art Deco, Art Nouveau, Arts and Crafts, Jacobean and Elizabethan, all of which styles have influenced sofa designs over the year.
It is now possible to purchase antique chaise longues, antique settees, couches, antique upholstered day beds, Regency sofas and also the very popular Chesterfield sofa. Alongside the Industrial Revolution coiled springs were introduced in sofas and since then there has been many replicas of antique sofas, these vintage sofas still make for eye-catching pieces of furniture in the home.
Types of Antique Sofas
Antique Chesterfield sofas
Made from the mid 19th C this type of sofa is entirely upholstered, often in leather. The roll arms on a Chesterfield sofa are the same height as the back of the sofa, it offers a very traditional, classic and elegant look and would be particularly fetching in an office or living room. The condition of the leather of the Chesterfield is very important and often its value is dependant upon this.
Antique Chaise Longue
Coming from the French phrase ‘long chair’ this type of sofa also dates back to Egyptian times and was a symbol of luxury, elegance and wealth. A heavier chaise longue is a Victorian one made between 1837-1901; they tend to have gothic elements in their design and are made from darker woods.
An Edwardian chaise longue is more simplistic with clean lines, it is not overly ornate and the Art Nouveau movement largely inspired its design. A decorative, attractive chaise longue is a French Rococo style, also sought after is an antique chaise longue made from rosewood or walnut. Chaise longues look particularly nice and inviting set in front of a window.
In the 18th C Hepplewhite and Chippendale produced sofa designs, both of which are sought after and of value, a Chippendale sofa was deep enough to also be used as an occasional day bed. Other antique sofas of note include the Regency meridienne/daybed from the early 1800’s, with a high headrest and sloping back.
Sofas from different periods have different characteristics and styles, for a plainer look that will serve a purpose whilst being very simplistic you may wish to choose an Elizabethan sofa or an early Georgian sofa. Queen Anne antique sofas are very opulent with sweeping curves, and Victorian antique sofas tend to be more elaborate with decorative detailing.
When deciding upon the best antique sofa for you, look at the condition of the upholstery, whether it has been refurbished, the age and whether the legs and feet match the period the antique sofa was made. Antique sofas wooden frames were usually made from quality woods such as oak, walnut, mahogany, which are very durable, they will also feature dovetail joints. Not only a valuable collectors item and an investment, but also a functional item of furniture to while away the hours lounging upon.
