FEATURES ARCHIVE

Gaining some specialist insight, we hope to make choosing a sofa less a labour of love and more an effortless joy. So, let us show you to your seat...

A LATE VICTORIAN WALNUT CHAISE-LONGUE

Why It's a Classic
The French fashion for upholstering in luxurious and costly fabrics with padded and punched backs was spreading across Europe in the late 19th century. The sumptuous yet pared back style of this walnut chaise-longue is what makes this piece timeless. A survivor of every change in fashion since the mid-19th century this design and colour never tires.

The Perfect Setting
The perfect proportions and colour of this elegant chaise-longue allow a great amount of versatility as to where one places it. Fresh colours love the light. Placed in a bay window this piece will rejuvenate a room; however, darker cosier spaces can be brightened up with the introduction of a classic and refreshing piece of furniture.

A MID VICTORIAN EBONISED AND PARCEL-GILT SOFA BY GILLOWS

Why It's a Classic
Gillows’ furniture firm had a large and aristocratic clientele during the 19th century, supplying houses such as Tatton Park in Cheshire inspiring the tastes of the burgeoning middle class during the 19th century. This ebonised and parcel-gilt sofa is a classic example of what Gillows furniture has come to represent: beautifully designed, solid and well-made furniture.

The Perfect Setting
An elegant and well-dressed sofa with unfussy, chic design is almost impossible to place incorrectly. Influenced by the second Empire, a contemporary French style, this sofa is grand yet unassuming, committing to its space and looking at once as if it always belonged. Harmonising perfectly with dark woods and sumptuous colours, this piece also gives instant definition to a room.

A CARVED MAHOGANY SOFA OF LOUIS PHILIPPE STYLE, MID 19TH CENTURY

Why It's a Classic
This carved mahogany sofa is of Louis Philippe style, which was a popular style across Europe in the second quarter of the 19th century, originating in France. Each country had its own interpretation of the style; the exaggerated design and bold carving of this sofa suggest it being of German origin.

The Perfect Setting
Classically ornamental, with strong curvaceous lines this sofa needs no introduction. This mid-19th century piece exhibits that certain European grandeur that makes a room luxurious and decadent. Exaggerated motifs and its richness of colour mean this sofa is an attention seeker, and quite rightly so, for it demonstrates that wonderful collaboration between architectural prowess and embellished opulence.

Musical Chairs
See more examples of fabulously unique sofas below and attend our Interiors viewings to test the best seats in the house!