Old Chairs

Appraisal Report

Item Description

• Category: Furniture
• Style: Likely Mid-Century Modern or Transitional (based on design elements).
• Material:
  • Wood frame with exposed arms and legs.
  • Upholstered in a button-tufted fabric featuring a chinoiserie-inspired design.
  • Nailhead trim along the edges of the upholstery.
• Condition: Good, with visible wear appropriate for its age (upholstery appears intact; wood finish shows minor signs of use).
• Quantity: Set of 2 chairs.
• Marks/Labels: None identified.

Design Analysis

These chairs combine elements of traditional barrel chair design (curved back and button tufting) with simplified lines characteristic of mid-century modern furniture. The exposed wood frame and nailhead trim are hallmarks of early-to-mid 20th-century furniture trends, particularly during the 1940s–1960s.

The chinoiserie-inspired fabric suggests a preference for traditional decorative themes, which was common in mid-century interiors that blended modern and classical styles.

Comparable Furniture

• Mid-Century Barrel Chairs: Similar upholstered barrel chairs from mid-century periods are valued between $250–$500 each, depending on the designer and condition.
• Transitional/Traditional Styles: Non-designer transitional chairs with wood frames often sell for $150–$300 each.

Current Value

• Estimated Value Per Chair: $200–$400
• Set Value: $400–$800
• Factors Influencing Value:
  • Originality of the fabric: Reupholstering may increase value depending on material choice.
  • Condition of the wood and structural stability.

Recommendations

1. Authentication: Inspect for hidden marks or labels underneath the seat or frame, as these may reveal the maker.
2. Preservation: Maintain the original upholstery if selling to collectors of vintage furniture. However, reupholstering in a neutral or high-end fabric could increase value for general buyers.
3. Use: These chairs would work well in transitional or eclectic interiors and could be marketed to both vintage enthusiasts and interior designers.

Let me know if you'd like more advice on restoring or selling these chairs.