Before and After - Another Country French Chair and Ottoman

BEFORE - Chair and Ottoman 

Recently, I purchased a great-looking slightly-oversized country french chair and ottoman at a neighborhood sale - you may recall this photo which shows not only the chair and ottoman (admittedly somewhat obscured) but my Dutch cousin meeting my soon-to-retire (alert here for those who use her) upholsterer, Mrs. Song.

I love anything French in decor and design and particularly like bergere chairs - this chair was labeled as one by the seller.  I find that many people label any French style chair a bergere but here is a definition and distinction:

A bergère chair is a large arm chair usually associated with the French Country style of decorating. It usually has an upholstered seat, possibly with a loose cushion, an upholstered back, upholstered arms and exposed wooden frame. A bergère chair is often displayed with a matching ottoman or stool.

The distinction here is that the arms are fully upholstered - not exposed.   In doing my "research", I noted that many examples of French chairs are labeled "bergere" even when they have exposed sides (like my chair here) - these are labeled "bergere" by places like Ballard Furniture, etc.   SO, I believe I have found a distinction that many do not follow.

If I could specialize in doing nothing but variations on French style chairs and other pieces, I would; but they are hard to find and expensive to purchase.   I just sold a great looking three piece set including two French style chairs and an ottoman - on it's way to Texas.  I do keep my eye out for these chairs whenever I can.

AFTER - Country French Chair and Ottoman

 I had this great set (not really a bergere but usually labeled as such - I find) upholstered in a great blue and white toile from Waverly (USA manufactured) called "La Belle Champagne" - one of my recent fabric finds at Fabric World (see previous blog).  I love how it turned out and wish I had more room in my house to add this piece - it matches half of my rooms!

Thomasville True Bergere Chairs