Leather Armchair

A white leather armchair is not commonly associated with antiques, but it began with the design era of Art Nouveau (1880-1910). At the time, many people hated it; it was seen as an abuse of all that was good about furniture. Gone were classic, traditional, elegant styles, and here were some pieces of furniture that people couldn’t even describe. They had simply never been seen before. Hence the name, Art Nouveau, meaning ‘New Art’. I mention the adjective ‘elegant’, rather loosely, for of course it is not anyone’s place to say what is elegant and what is not – such a term is quite subjective.

Indeed, as time went on, people warmed to the idea of the leather armchair being colors other than shades of brown or black (and the occasional red). No other time saw as great a difference as in the 1950s: the war had just ended and people were getting accustomed to post-war life, with its new kitchen appliances, open living rooms and fresh, vibrant colors. White leather armchairs grew in popularity and gained worldwide acceptance. The white leather armchair had endured the period of questioning and interrogation: it was here to stay.

Then, of course, came the 1960s: the rebellion of this decade saw the rejuvenation of previous styles, e.g. Edwardian, Art Nouveau, 1920-30s, but with a unique 60′s flavor. The white leather armchair was in, indeed anything was ‘in’. Just as long as it could put up with vibrant, startling colors and styles. However, the 1960s also saw the increase in popularity of plastic and PVC, which meant that traditional leather furniture (however non-traditional the color) was left behind. Futuristic, round space-like furniture often, but not always, replaced traditional furniture.

However, the 1970s and 80s came and the true staying power of the white leather armchair was finally realised. Now, in the present day, the white leather armchair is used all over the world in trendy restaurants, high-end nightclubs, offices and countless other public areas. Influences of modernism, i.e. function over form have drawn simple, clean furniture to the fore, and scandinavian influences all over Europe (IKEA, anyone?) have solidified the place of the white leather armchair as a piece of furniture in extremely common inventory, and so it will remain for many, many years to come. It is difficult to see the modern world without a white leather armchair, far more difficult to see the complete resurgence of an antique era as we progress into a brand new millennium. Whatever your preference for antiques, the modern, contemporary style of furniture is at the top and is here to stay. And the white leather armchair sits happily amongst them.