English chairs

The English style of the "ears" chairs appeared more than three hundred years ago and was named "Voltaire chair". And although this type of furniture is related to Voltaire itself only in terms of the epoch, they have come to our time with exactly this name and almost unchanged.

Among the aristocratic nobility of England and France, “Voltaire armchairs” were popular not only because of their appearance. The practical use of “ears” (or “wings”, in the English manner), smoothly flowing into the soft armrests, had an effect on the interest in such a design. The massive soft seat and a high narrow back with protective details on the sides, from the very top, relished the inhabitants of poorly heated spacious halls and living rooms.She saved from drafts and kept the heat coming from the fireplace.

Another version of the origin of the design of this chair is associated with the statement that the ears on the high back were designed with the expectation of the elderly British, in order to protect them from drafts. Whatever it was, the chair design was eventually appreciated by consumers, it turned out that the chair is not only very comfortable, suitable for relaxing in the living room near the fireplace, retains heat, but also gives the room a unique luxurious style.

And after centuries, the English chimney chair possesses features inherent only to it, the scheme of drawings that does not allow to confuse it with one other type of chairs. These features include, above all, a high back with “ears”, turning into armrests, a deep and soft seat, and wooden curved legs.

When choosing an English chair in the first place you should pay attention to the material from which the frame and upholstery are made. This is the main criterion for the quality and durability of your purchase. Material is selected based on the location of the chair in the room. So, for the hallway more suitable upholstery made of leather or leatherette, as it is easier to clean, not afraid of accidental moisture brought from the street.

Elite is considered to be the frame of an English chair made of oak or teak, but modern production can offer cheaper options that are not inferior in quality to natural expensive types of wood. Whichever option you choose, do not forget that before you make a purchase, you need to sit in a chair, check it for comfort.

Despite the fact that the “eared” Volteris armchair is rather specific in its style, and even under the “antique” design, with the right approach it can fit into almost any interior design.Starting from the classic lush design in the style of the palace hall and to the provincial "Provence" and "Country", if you apply in the upholstery elements of "patchwork" or colored fabric of light colors.

Some mistakenly believe that the style of a Voltaire armchair is only suitable for a luxury setting, somewhere in a mansion by the fireplace, but this is far from the case. And that upholstery changes the chair beyond recognition. Although in the days of Voltaire such wealthy people could really afford such furniture.

In modern interiors, so-called furniture mixes are particularly popular, that is, combinations of different styles, eras and colors. One of the most successful of such experiments was the union of Voltaire armchairs with modern sofas in the style of minimalism. Due to its brevity and strict aristocracy, the English chair is harmoniously combined with the lush Baroque or Rococo styles.

English chairs with ears are perfect for ceremonial dinners in spacious living rooms, will give the hall solemnity and elegance, create the atmosphere of a royal meal. Even if there are only a couple of them, they will stand perfectly at the head of the table.A more elegant and light copy of Voltaire chairs is often used as chairs for traditional dining tables. Of course, if space permits

Traditionally, the Voltaire chair with ears is designed to relax by the fireplace, and therefore, the study or home library will be the ideal place for its purpose. It is there that the leather chair with ears will give the atmosphere a look of respectability and thoroughness. In addition to their decorative qualities, English chairs have the convenience of design, sitting in such a chair is comfortable doing intellectual work, writing, reading, and sometimes taking a nap, as the high back and ears of the chair hold the head securely.

Despite all the specificity and aristocratic origin of his style, the English chair successfully fits into the interior of various design trends.. Arranging the space, we try to bring coziness and individuality into the atmosphere, and here the Voltaire chairs will come in handy.

Consider some modern styles:

• Classic. The time-tested elegance of the English style will emphasize the classic style of the room, will give it the solemnity of the palace hall or the luxurious flirty style of the boudoir.
• Art Deco. This is the “last luxurious style” that appeared in the 20s of the 20th century, it acquired the complete features of expensive apartments and technical progress and still has not lost its popularity. Needless to say, the English armchair with leather upholstery will appeal to lovers of interiors in the art deco style, while modern companies will provide various options for colors and upholstery materials.
• Provence. Romantic interior with notes of French flair, with antiques, openwork curtains and lavender will perfectly complement the English chair with light fabric upholstery.
• Vintage or retro. Here, the Voltaire chair with ears will look in any of its performance, emphasizing the features of the interior, from black and white vintage classics to rural retro-style motifs. Accordingly, you only need to choose the right material and colors of the upholstery.

• Shabby chic. The style of vintage photographs, the cracked surface of fine porcelain, pastel colors and feminine patterns. An English chair with a fine mesh of delicate web will perfectly complement the overall atmosphere.
• Boho This is a style of intense colors, energy, eastern trends and western bohemia.English chair, made in tones that match the style, will fit into the interior and emphasize its character. For example, an orange chair with ears bright spot decorate the room in the style of boho.
• Patchwork. The old handicraft technique of this style, the combination of bright patches and patterns will transform the English chair and turn it into a playful, intricate design element. Such a chair needlewomen will be able to sheathe their own hands.

Element of decor The “carriage fastener” is a special chic and classic in the design of the English chair. This method of furniture upholstery was originally used to evenly distribute the filler along the entire length, mainly in the production of carriage interior decoration, hence the name.

Another European name for this upholstery technique is Capitone, appeared in the eighteenth century in France. The fashion for carpets upholstery in the style of "Capiton" quickly spread throughout Europe, becoming popular in Tsarist Russia. The carriage fastener has become a premium symbol. Following the carriages popularity of this technique gave the English upholstered furniture - classic sofas Chesterfield and Voltaire chairs with ears.

The fashion on "Kapitone" has not lost its relevance to this day, because this way of upholstering gives the product bulkiness and aristocratic chic. And how to make an English chair with your own hands, see the next video.