When investing in a piece of furniture, it is always important to define your intent and the use case of a piece. Originally designed as cigar and reading chairs in early 19th century France, the leather french club chair has become one of the most recognisable seating designs in the world, yet the process of selecting the right one requires a little more thought than a colour choice. 

Intent 

Traditional club chairs were designed with comfort in mind, considering it usually set in private salons and libraries. Unlike upright salon chairs of the time, they featured a low deep seat with rounded arms best suited for long seating. Our updated designs of the chairs also come with sinuous spring suspensions inside the solid wood frame that provides a subtle recoil for better ergonomics and comfort. The result is a chair that feels less like sitting on furniture and more like settling into it.

Proportion

The most important key to a selection of a traditional club chair is the proportion. It should feel generous without appearing oversized. The seat should be deep enough with a slight incline to encourage relaxation, and the arms should sit at a comfortable height where your elbows naturally rest. Our standard club chairs have a seat depth of 24 inches, best suited for the indian body type where it allows enough room for under thigh support and pliant seating. 

Setting 

One reason the French club chair has remained popular for over a century is its versatility. Traditionally, club chairs were upholstered in basane, a soft sheepskin leather known for its flexibility and ability to develop a rich patina over time. Today our club chairs use full grain cow hides, which help retain the natural grain of the leather. 

When deciding on a chair, it is important to understand the actual use case of the piece so it helps shortlist your final selections whether as a quiet retreat for reading or as a focal point within a seating arrangement.

Click here to browse through our French Club Chair collection.