When it comes to classic antique furniture, France and England are two of the most influential countries that come to mind. The fact that both countries’ styles of furniture are still prevalent in today’s home and office decorating designs is a testament to their influence. One such type of furniture that is still very much visible in these modern times is the club chair.
A club chair is a variation of the arm chair that has low seats, arms, and backs. These kinds of chairs are heavily upholstered, usually covered with leather, and are built for both function and comfort.
While its origins are unclear and the original design masters unknown, this chair experienced a boom in popularity over a century ago as it found its way out of the lobbies of gentlemen’s clubs. Well-received in both England and France, both countries have had their own versions of these club chairs. But just what makes English club chairs different from their French counterparts?
English Club Chairs
English club chairs have their roots set in 19thcentury gentlemen’s clubs, which served as safe havens for the men to turn to when they needed an escape.
Fast forward to the 1920s, this now-iconic chair experienced a significant increase in its popularity as it soon found its way out of the clubs and into various casual and upscale dining establishments. Design-wise, it sprouted several spin-offs from its original overstuffed masculine English style to the many different versions available today.
English club chairs are said to have been an armchair adaptation of the popular Chesterfield sofa. While it has the same concept as the French club chair, its design can be considered as being more refined with influences from the northern part of Europe.
French Club Chairs
The club chair can be considered a classic in French interior décor. These chairs can trace their roots back to around 1929 when a chair was born out of the same line of idea as the armchair.
Simply called “fauteuil confortable” or “comfortable armchair”, it soon became known as the club chair. This was a result of their immense popularity in gentlemen’s clubs,in a similar fashion to the English club chairs in England. Over time, the comfortable chair became a household nameand found its way out into the world to be enjoyed by both men and women.
The original French club chairs had roundish forms and were typically covered in lambskin (basané) leather. This is what sets them apart from their English counterparts. Through its evolution, authentic French leather club chairs came to have striking lines and perfect proportions. The club chairs of today can be said to be a mix of both the French and English designs, from which came various variations such as the “mustache” and the “gendarme’s hat”.
Club chairs exude charm and character, as well as a sense of history. While new technology has found a way for these beloved pieces of furniture to be upgraded, there is still something special about original furniture that tells a story.
Today, these club chairs continue to weave their spells into homes and offices all over the world. Whether the preference is the refined style of the English club chair, or the striking lines and proportions of a French club chair, a leather club chair can add a taste of luxury to nearly any room.
