Relevant categories: Dining Chairs
( Above Photo: Set Victorian Dining Chairs - Antique Balloon Back 1880 )
Are you looking for an easy way to furnish a dining room? Balloon back chairs are high utility furniture pieces that also create a rare aesthetic appeal. They have round, solid mahogany backs and padded seats that allow you and your guests to sit comfortably.
But what exactly are balloon back chairs? The chairs get their name from the rounded shoulders on their back with a curved crosspiece and nipped-in waist. Its popularity grew from the 1830s to the end of the Victorian period.
( Above Photo: Set Victorian Balloon Back Dining Chairs 1880 )
The balloon back chair design appeared during the reign of King William IV between 1830 and 1850. But before William assumed the throne, furniture makers had already adopted darker woods such as mahogany, which became the chosen material for balloon back chairs.
When William ascended to the throne in 1830, chairs were mainly sub-classical. They had a broad horizontal rail extending beyond the upright back. There was also a narrower, horizontal splat just below the yoke.
The chairs had dropped-in padded seats and straight front legs. Some had yoke-ends with additional volutes, carved splats, decorated uprights, and other embellishments.
By 1835, the scroll-back and yoke-back chairs were already evolving into a completely new form influenced by the Louis XIV style. Thus, the yoke end was rounded off and no longer extended beyond the rail. Instead, it was fully integrated into the upright.
Almost simultaneously, the scroll top carving on the parlor chair was nearly completely eliminated. As a result, the top was a plain curve.
By 1845, the dining room and drawing room chairs had morphed into one – the balloon back chair. Thus, balloon-back chairs remained the preferred dining room style into the 1860s. But they also served as parlor and library chairs.
( Above Photo: Victorian Dining Chairs Mahogany Balloon Back )
The first balloon back chairs had straight front legs and curved back legs. They were mainly made from mahogany or walnut. The furniture makers of that time adopted the Regency style with font legs having a bulbous knob.
After 1840, the backrest was fully ballooned in shape with a fully-rounded crest rail. The upholstered seat had a curved outline with numerous buttons. However, right into the Victorian period, balloon back chairs had Regency turnings.
In the 1851 Great Exhibition, the chairs had distinct curves that currently define their shape. People in the Victorian era loved balloon back chairs because they quickly elicited a sense of grace and elegance. In addition, they had intricately detailed ornamental foliage and scrollwork.
( Above Photo: Victorian Dining Chairs Balloon Back Mahogany )
Balloon back chairs present a perfect proposition if you’re looking for collectible furniture from the Victorian period. They are not only highly functional but can also enhance your dining room’s aesthetic appeal.
You don’t have to look far and wide to get the best chairs from this category. Our website has excellent offerings from which you can select. Check out our products pages to see pictures and descriptions of the chairs on our list. Of course, our prices are the lowest and quality standards the highest.
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