Art Deco, born and booming in the 1920s and 1930s, is defined as an international decorative style. This modern style appeared during the economic traumas that France was experiencing at that time. The Art Deco style is based on four main principles: the creation of a new French art, the manufacture with specific lines and shapes, unparalleled comfort and luxury and aesthetics to finish.

What is a Bridge chair?

The Bridge Chair appeared in the first half of the 20th century. All the thing with a light volume and a simple look, it was often placed around the game tables as it is easy to handle. But he was also the faithful companion of the women of the time who met to discuss and play bridge. This is what it takes its name from the bridge chair. An armchair suitable for feminine shapes unlike the cigar chair, a rather masculine style. Quickly becoming a reference piece of Art Deco furniture from the 1910s and 30s, it brings together the advantages of the chair and the armchair. Indeed it remains light and easy to carry like a chair but the comfort is much better and is a lot closer to the chair. Its extreme comfort returns to its armrests and its mesmerizing back. It can take place in any desired room without worrying about its dimensions! Whether in the bedroom, in the office, in the dining room, in the hallway... At the time this furniture was very coveted by the bourgeoisie!

The bridge chair of the 1930s

After the rather bare chair of the 1900s comes the bridge chair of the interwar period. The one that is recognized by its sober and rather straight lines, its horizontal armrests, its back not very high and a little stiff for a very straight position, comparable to that of the 18th century convertible chair. The solid wood structure, made from oaks in an older version or beech trees, makes the chair all the quality with a solid base. Its comfort is due to its not-too-thick padded back and its velvet seat trimmed with springs and reinforced with straps. Foam trims are newer versions. In those days, craftsmen tended to favour red and green. However, decorators such as Jules Leleu and Jean Pascaud have integrated a new colour variant through the use of noble materials such as mahogany or varnished rosewood.

fauteuil bridge ancien

Art Deco armchairs in fabric

The 1950s chair

The manufacture of the bridge seat experienced strong industrial growth during the 1950s. Designers are inspired and start imagining different models. The bridge chair has been given new forms with more curved beech wooden feet, a mustache or open backrest or a pair of arms with half armrests like the Scandinavian style or that of Robin Day for example. The mid-1950s were also marked by the arrival of black laquered tubular steel at the expense of solid wood, which tended to disappear. This evolution continued in 1960 with the advent of aluminium cast iron and plastics. In addition, the 50s and 60s were born with new materials such as leather, skai and fabric to cover the base of all colors! Designers Pierre Paulin or Joseph-André Motte have modernized the design of this fabric chair, adding new materials for an extremely chic look that decorates both the interiors and the exteriors.

Speaking of fabrics, we have to talk about decoration! Now its appearance does not stop at putting a beautiful unified color but we go further by embellishing it with geometric and cubic figures inspired by Cubist painters (circa 1908).

A restored bridge chair

Yes, a product so appreciated and this until today, needs to be given a second youth. The renovation of a vintage armchair is no small feat because of its simple straight frame on the sides. Before we do the repair of a bridge chair, we will think in terms of choice. What bridge chair model am I going to invest in? What materials and materials will I dress it for? In fact, more and more precious materials such as wrought iron are being used today. We will then think of the coating by opting for fabrics decorated with a set of specific patterns. Reason dominates! Art Deco is preserved which excludes classical fabrics. That said, we will favour contemporary fabrics with 3D geometric shapes, two-tone patterns, animal, patchwork, floral prints, retro chic style... And why not accompany it with matching cushions? The bridge chair should look more trendy!

How?

The renovation goes through several phases. The balding at first because in order to remove the trim, the tapestry nails for the back when there is leather or skai, straps and springs. Then go to the cleaning where we will scrape the varnish and traces of glue remaining on the wood. If necessary, repairs such as the replacement of a crossbar, for example, will be carried out. We will then redo the paint, varnish or preserve the natural look of the wood. Retaping is the most anticipated step where the straps and springs will be put back in place, to top again, to lay the decorative fabric and stripes. In the end, finishes with the addition of a protective touch on the structure to protect it from the vagaries of everyday life. We can now take beautiful pictures!

Where to buy a cheap bridge chair?

New and cheap? We will have to turn to mid-range models that can be found at Ikea, Conforama, Fly, But... Prices will vary around 350 euros. You can also find many offers on online sales sites such as Cdiscount, Rakuten, E-bay, Selency... and for a secure settlement. Regarding the occasion, we will instead go to flea markets or even on online sites. A used bridge chair sold as is and dating from the 40s and 50s can cost in the 650 to 1000 euros. While design models from 1950 or restored models can be worth around 1500 or 2000 euros or more. Price comparisons can also be accessed on the internet.    

You want an art deco Bridge style chair as beautiful as a 1950s piece of furniture, visit our store which you have a wide selection of furniture from the Roaring Twenties.