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Refurbished English Oak Side Chair – Early 20th Century Carved & Upholstered

The Piece

A meticulously restored early 20th-century English side chair, reimagined through hand-finishing and new upholstery.
Originally produced in the Edwardian-to-Interwar period, the chair embodies the transition from Victorian heaviness to the restrained domestic elegance of early modern English design.

The back features three pierced and shaped splats, each flowing in a subtle undulation that balances geometric structure with hand-carved whimsy. Turned front legs rise on squared blocks, joined by a beautifully scrolled stretcher, all now brought back to life through careful sanding, staining, and oil finishing.

The seat has been newly upholstered in a woven damask of golden ochre, chosen for both tone and texture—warm, tactile, and historically sympathetic.
The result is a chair that bridges eras: an antique form renewed for contemporary interiors without losing its soul.


Design & Construction

→ Form & Style

Refurbished Edwardian-to-Interwar English oak side chair, featuring:

  • Triple pierced and shaped splats with carved scrollwork

  • Turned front legs on squared blocks and rear sabre legs

  • Stretcher with center scroll brace

  • Newly upholstered seat in period-appropriate textile

  • Balanced proportions typical of English domestic craftsmanship, c. 1910–1930

The design harmonizes late Arts & Crafts carving with early Georgian revival restraint, creating a hybrid form suited to both formal and casual interiors.


→ Materials

  • Solid quarter-sawn English oak, refinished by hand

  • Woven cotton-blend damask upholstery in warm golden ochre

  • New padding over original webbing structure for stability and comfort

  • Waxed satin finish for depth of color and preservation

The wood’s renewed luster reveals a fine grain pattern beneath the stain—warm brown with subtle honey undertones.


→ Technique

  • Hand-sanded and re-stained to reveal natural depth of grain

  • Reupholstered seat using traditional tack method

  • Frame cleaned, oiled, and wax-finished for a semi-matte sheen

  • Reassembled with attention to joinery integrity

Your restoration honors the original craftsmanship rather than erasing it—leaving faint traces of its lived history intact.


History & Provenance

Dating to the early 20th century, this chair represents a period when English furniture making blended older vernacular motifs with new domestic sensibilities.
The pierced splats recall 18th-century chair-backs, while the solid turnings and stretcher design reflect Edwardian interpretations of Jacobean form.

Such pieces often furnished dining and writing rooms of well-appointed English homes, offering both utility and dignity.
The restoration preserves its historic lines while making it fully functional for modern living.


Condition

Excellent restored condition:

  • Fully refinished oak frame with light, even patina

  • Seat newly upholstered in damask fabric

  • Joints tight and sturdy

  • No cracks, splits, or structural instability

  • Natural minor surface wear retained for authenticity

Ready for daily use or curated display.


Product Details

Item: Refurbished English Oak Side Chair
Date: c. 1910–1930 (restored 2025)
Origin: England
Material: Solid oak, damask upholstery
Finish: Hand-stained and waxed
Condition: Restored and structurally sound
Style: Edwardian / Arts & Crafts / English Country Revival


Why It Belongs in Your Home

This chair brings quiet sophistication to any room.
Its reconditioned oak gleams with a soft, aged glow—the kind only hand restoration can achieve—and the new damask seat adds tactile warmth without compromising authenticity.

Perfect if you want a piece that:

  • Embodies craftsmanship and heritage without pretension

  • Blends easily with both antique and modern interiors

  • Adds warmth through material, not ornament

  • Offers real, usable history—refined but human

Placed by a writing desk, vanity, or in a curated dining setting, it grounds the space with a sense of continuity. It’s more than furniture—it’s an heirloom reawakened.


Pricing & Valuation

Tier Market Range (USD) Context
Standard Antique Side Chair (Unrestored) $150 – $350 Common at auction or trade level
Professionally Restored Chair $400 – $750 Includes upholstery and refinishing
Viridian Eclection Tier (Refinished & Curated) $850 – $1,100 Premium for craftsmanship, finish quality & narrative

🔹 Recommended Listing Price:

$980 USD

This positions the piece as a restored functional collectible—authentic, durable, and resonant with the Viridian aesthetic.


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Refurbished English Oak Side Chair – Early 20th Century Carved & Upholstered

Meta Description

Restored English oak side chair, c.1910–1930. Hand-sanded, re-stained, and upholstered in golden damask. Heritage craftsmanship, renewed with elegance.


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