Objects of the Day: A Pair of Regency Style Balloon Back Chairs

The first recorded mention of the Balloon Back Chair—so named for the shape of the back of the chair which resembles a hot air balloon—came in the 1830’s. This style reached the height of its popularity in the 1850’s in England and began to incorporate French Rococo details into the design which was dominated by a pinched “waist” and arched “shoulders.”


This pair of chairs, based on other examples, most likely heralds from the 1830’s. It exhibits the turned legs characteristic of early Balloon Back designs as opposed to the later incorporation of cabriole legs which became the standard in the 1850’s. What sets this pair of English chairs apart is the lack of a cross rail. Here, the backs are entirely open, reinforcing the balloon shape. The absence of the cross rail indicates that these are early Balloon back designs.

Constructed of walnut, and stuffed with horsehair, these chairs were reupholstered in a tea-stained toile before I purchased them. Judging by the style and era, I would guess that the original upholstery would have featured four to six buttons to create a tufted effect.

Chairs such as these would have graced the corners of drawing rooms and hallways to serve as occasional chairs. While not remotely comfortable to sit in, their purpose was meant to be attractive. That’s a job for which they are well suited.