What kind of antique chair do I have?

Identifying antique chairs is not very difficult because they often have key characteristics that identify the style and period in which the piece was manufactured. These types of identifying characteristics are still present in chairs made today.

Some easily identifiable characteristics include upholstered open-armed chairs versus closed, and square-shaped cushions versus long, rectangular cushions. Knowing just a couple of these characteristics hints at whether or not the chair is a bergère (closed sides) or a fauteuil (open sides). A chair with an elongated cushion is a chaise longue. Most antique furniture will also have a maker's mark in an inconspicuous location that will help in identifying what kind of antique it is.