Thursday, April 21, 2011

Hall chairs re-visited

I love the design possibilities of the hall chair. They look so good, and you can find lots of ways to use them besides sitting in them.

Canadian House and Home - Designer: Michael Angus

The Toronto based designer, Michael Angus, creates focal point on this stairway landing, including this fabulous hall chair with it's wonderfully carved shaped back. 

 Canadian House and Home

I love this entryway with it's French trumeau mirror and decorative sconces placed over a pair of hall chairs and console table in warm wood. It's a nice contrast of feminine and masculine. Hall chairs in the entryway are a great spot to place the mail when you come in, or throw your hat before putting it away!


The style statement of many hall chairs is usually in the carving of the back.  This pair of early 19th century Regency hall chairs were sold at Christie's in New York for $625 off an auction estimate of $800 - $1,200. The back seems to have wings in the carving and an armorial crest in the middle.

This pair of George IV (circa 1820) mahogany hall chairs has a wonderful shaped foliage carved back with a crest of a demi-lion holding a sword. These sold at Christie's for $2,880 off an estimate of $1,500 - $2,500. 











In the top photo, the designer Michael Angus used a hall chair with a fabulously curved back. This George IV mahogany chair is in the same family. The c-scroll back has nice detail in the carving, and a painted oval armorial of an eagle in the center makes this regal! This sold at Bonhams in London for 192 British pounds (about $315). 



The Victorians knew how to take a simple hall chair, and ratchet up the decoration! This pair of Gothic Revival chairs are made of oak and walnut. They have backs carved almost like the entry to a cathedral. These sold at a Doyle New York auction for $500 off an auction estimate of $600 - $900.











Hall chairs can be extra seating (but not very comfortable!), but they are better thought of as decoration or even a table substitute. You might use them in a guest bathroom to pile extra towels, or in a bedroom as a side table. They are stately and subtle in design, and a nice decorative addition to any number of rooms.

1 comment:

  1. Loved the post! Drop by to see our fabulous giveaway of a subscription to Traditional Home Magazine! You don’t want to miss out on this fantastic prize.
    Best,
    Liz

    ReplyDelete

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