Where does the name 'Voltaire armchair' come from?

The name is a popular 19th-century French designation evoking the image of the philosopher Voltaire resting in a large, comfortable high-backed chair. It does not refer to a model made for or by Voltaire, but to a style of wing armchair that emerged during the Restoration period.

How do I tell a genuine antique Voltaire armchair from a reproduction?

Examine the joinery — look for mortise-and-tenon construction and wooden pegs rather than modern screws. Check for a natural wood patina, hand-tied coil springs beneath the seat, and brass or porcelain castors. Synthetic foam filling or machine-cut joints point to a modern reproduction or a heavily restored piece.

What is the typical price range for an antique Voltaire armchair?

Expect to pay between £300 and £700 for a sound example with renewed upholstery. A Napoléon III piece in original velvet on carved walnut legs can reach £1,300 or more, depending on the condition of the tufting, the quality of the wood and any documented provenance or maker's label.

Can an antique Voltaire armchair be re-upholstered without losing value?

Yes, provided the work is entrusted to a specialist in antique seating who uses traditional techniques: webbing, hand-tied springs and natural horsehair padding. A sympathetic re-cover in a period-appropriate fabric — wool velvet, silk or leather — preserves and can even enhance the chair's value.

Which fabrics are most suitable for covering a Voltaire armchair?

Cotton or wool velvet, brocaded silk and patinated leather are the most faithful to the 19th-century spirit. Avoid shiny synthetics. For everyday use, a heavy cotton velvet or a durable wool fabric offers the best balance between period authenticity and long-term wear.