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Slipper Chairs

This vintage design is making a comeback this year and it is the perfect accent piece for your space.

    Slipper chairs are small, armless, upholstered chairs that sit low to the ground. An early 18th-century creation, their name comes from their original function as a place for a lady to sit while her maid put on her shoes, or slippers.

    In the 1950s, influential interior designer Billy Baldwin brought slipper chairs out of the bedroom and into the sitting room. Transforming them from an occasional chair to a comfortable seat, he raised them a little and added deep, plump cushions.

The Rise of the Slipper Chair

    By the 18th century, the slipper chair had made its way to North America and was becoming increasingly popular beyond the aristocracy.

    As the design became more accessible, slipper chairs were often purchased as part of matching furniture sets for parlours, drawing rooms and studies. Over time, the silhouette evolved to reflect changing tastes, with lower profiles, exposed timber frames and bolder upholstery choices giving the chair a more contemporary feel.

Slipper Chairs in the 20th Century

    The slipper chair enjoyed a resurgence in the 1950s, thanks in part to renowned American designer Billy Baldwin, who championed its use in living spaces. Baldwin is often credited with introducing box pleats to the design, creating a tailored finish that concealed the chair’s legs and base.

    While slipper chairs are closely associated with mid-century interiors, their enduring appeal lies in their versatility. Depending on the shape, detailing and fabric, they can feel equally at home in traditional or contemporary settings.

George Smith Slipper Chairs

Brewster Chair

    The Brewster Chair is a Victorian slipper chair in an exquisite, graceful, armless design. Defined by its short legs, it serves as a unique seating solution and will fit perfectly in your bedroom, bringing elegance to your space.

    A Victorian slipper chair gets its name from its historical function – fashionable women of the era would sit on these charming chairs to fasten their shoes or slippers, the armless design facilitating this comfortably.

    Experience the unique coupling of history and style, form and function with a George Smith Brewster Chair – a tasteful addition that lends an enduring charm to your bedroom.
Discover The Brewster Chair →

Ottoman Chair

    Lusciously squashy, the Ottoman chair, with its attached cushion seat is a supremely comfortable addition to any room.

    The Ottoman chair is a lusciously squashy and supremely comfortable piece, defined by its generously padded form and inviting, relaxed silhouette. With its attached cushion seat, it offers a deeply indulgent sit, making it an ideal choice for both formal and informal interiors where comfort is key.

    Inspired by the traditional ottoman form, historically used as a central furnishing for reclining and informal lounging in European and Middle Eastern interiors, this design embraces that heritage of comfort and versatility.
Discover The Ottoman Chair →

Turkish Fireplace Chair

    If you want seating that is casual yet sophisticated, you need look no further than the Turkish Fireplace Chair part of the Turkish collection designed by Commune Design. As the name states, this is the perfect chair to sit in by the fireplace.

    Taking inspiration from traditional Turkish seating arrangements, where low, soft furnishings were used to encourage conversation and leisure, this design captures that spirit of comfort and sociability.Generously proportioned, it offers a wonderfully informal sit, complemented by its accompanying ottoman that has detachable cushions that can be used when extra seating is needed for impromptu gatherings.

    Commune played with proportion, customised and simplified frames and legs, the resulting piece feels at home whether in a John Lautner house in the Hollywood Hills, an urban loft in New York, or a Tudor English estate.
Discover The Turkish Fireplace Chair →

Gresham Chair

    The Gresham Chair is a timeless piece that takes inspiration from the classic slipper chair from the Victorian era. This modern iteration brings a sleek silhouette and minimalist aesthetic to your home.

    It seamlessly integrates into the cosiest corners of your home and serves as an ideal seat for casual gatherings. The playful elements of the Gresham chair invite you to explore various fabrics and trimmings, allowing you to customise the chair to reflect your personal style.

    To sit comfortably on the Gresham chair, take a sideways position while utilising the arm rest for support. The low seat height typically adds to its accessibility and comfort, making it an excellent option for seating in small spaces. It can be easily moved and rearranged, offering flexibility in changing the layout of a room.
Discover The Gresham Chair →

Penny Chair

    Our delightfully charming Penny chair is perfect for extra seating when entertaining large groups of people. Its compact, inviting form taking inspiration from the Victorian slipper chair makes it easy to place anywhere in the home, from living spaces to bedrooms, without overwhelming the room.

    Rooted in the tradition of small, versatile occasional chairs that have long been used in drawing rooms and social spaces, the Penny chair continues that heritage in a contemporary context. Its modern design lends itself beautifully to layering within a scheme.

    Explore a wide range of fabrics and trims to make it your own, a versatile addition that adds warmth and personality to your space with a distinctly George Smith sensibility.
Discover The Penny Chair →

Feeling inspired?

At George Smith, our slipper chairs are handcrafted in England using time-honoured techniques and can be tailored in an extensive collection of fabrics and finishes to suit your style.

Contact Us →

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