Antique chairs with sculptural silhouettes and evidence of artisanal craftsmanship make them valued accents in any interior.
Yet we also understand the challenges of incorporating antique pieces into contemporary contexts. Questions of style cohesion and sourcing rare finds can feel intimidating.
That’s where White Webb helps.
Harmonizing Classical and Modern Elements
We excel at blending classicism with modernism to craft interiors that feel fresh yet grounded in heritage. However, rather than stark juxtaposition, we aim for nuanced integration.
For instance, in this upstate New York weekend retreat, we paired a sinuous Kagan sofa with mid-century Robsjohn Gibbings armchairs, and an antique Louis XVI chaise de malade. The latter reclines and was intended to comfort those who were ill, hence the name.
The result?
A beautiful conversation across the centuries.
In another project, one that involved a style-split couple, we blended traditional Klismos chairs and antique sculpture with streamlined, custom-designed upholstery and mid-century furniture and lighting. Harmony emerged from gentle contrasts and the interplay between classic and contemporary.
For a large loft in Pasadena, California, we designed a large table in bronze and glass, which could serve as a work/library table on a day-to-day basis and a dining table for entertaining larger groups. To balance the hard lines of the table, we introduced soft, curvaceous seating, such as the carved Venetian Baroque stools. The mix of textures and style periods created visual interest and added to the comfort of the space.
For an apartment in a Stanford White-designed building on Park Avenue in New York City, we created an India-inspired design for its primary bedroom. At the foot of the enormous canopy bed, we placed a pair of Gothic Revival chairs from the 1880s. Although not Indian, their ornate carvings are reminiscent of Indian designs, which also inspired the Plexiglas table to the right, which we custom-designed for the room. Themes from Indian design were the thread that united this mix of antique and contemporary furnishings.
Key Takeaway – The Eternal Value of Craftsmanship
Antique chairs are not just decorative objects, but keepers of cultural narratives. Our role is to preserve their legacy by giving them new life within thoughtfully curated interiors.
Let us help you craft spaces that bridge eras and weave a richer story into your home.
FAQs
How do I know if my antique chair is valuable?
First research the style, then look at the construction. Older chairs have different joinery than reproductions, and with study over time, the difference will be apparent. Type of wood, quality of carving (if carving exists), desirability in the market, and condition all factor into the value.
Are vintage chairs the same as antique chairs?
Vintage chairs are usually 20 years old whereas antique chairs are 100+ years old. Another factor is if the chair is a reproduction. Another category is vintage reproductions of antique chair styles. in general, a chair that is an early example of the style is generally more valuable, meaning an 18th century style chair that was actually made in the 18th century, or a 1960s chair from the 1960s, rather than a later-made reproduction of the style.
What are some popular antique dining chair styles?
Popular antique dining chairs include Chippendale chairs with intricate Gothic and Chinese-inspired patterns, Hepplewhite shield-back chairs, Sheraton square-back chairs, French Louis chairs with floral carvings, and Victorian upholstered antique dining chair styles.
How to tell the age of an antique chair?
Study the materials, joinery methods, wear, design styles, upholstery, and hardware to identify antique chair designs and narrow down age. You can also consult an appraiser specializing in antique wooden chair styles’ identification.
How to care for and maintain antique chairs?
Dust regularly with a soft cloth, use furniture wax to protect the wood, rotate usage to evenly distribute wear, add felt pads under legs, and re-glue joints or reupholster as needed to keep antique chairs intact for generations. If an antique chair is painted or gilded, it is more desirable to have the original paint or gilding rather than an antique chair that has been recently refinished.
