Voltaire Armchair: Choosing the Ideal Fabric

A true symbol of French comfort, the Voltaire armchair embodies a rare balance of ergonomics, strength, and perfectly judged proportions. Restoring it means giving it back its original purpose: to offer generous, stable, and elegant seating, while respecting traditional craftsmanship and the noble materials that enhance it.

An Armchair Designed for Bodily Comfort

Created around 1830, the Voltaire was designed to support the posture of the reader: a high backrest, a deep and slightly reclined seat, and a carefully shaped headrest. It is an armchair conceived for rest and reading, built on principles closely aligned with modern ergonomics.

To preserve this harmony, the choice of fabric is essential:

favor natural fibres (linen, cotton, wool) for their breathability,
choose a fabric that is stable yet supple, allowing it to follow the upholstery without constraining it,
avoid overly thick fabrics that stiffen the backrest.

A Robust, Handcrafted Construction

Beneath its apparent simplicity, the Voltaire conceals a true workshop structure. Its solid wood frame (often beech or walnut) is assembled with mortise-and-tenon joints, reinforced with jute webbing and upholstered with vegetal horsehair. This typically French method of construction allows the chair to be restored without compromising its original strength: the Voltaire is an armchair that is passed down rather than replaced.

The Different Styles of Voltaire Armchairs

Several styles have followed one another:

Louis-Philippe (circa 1840-1860): our favorite. Balanced lines, a curved backrest, rounded armrests — the very essence of comfort.
Second Empire: fuller shapes and richer decoration.
Late 19th - early 20th century: straighter silhouettes, sometimes influenced by Art Nouveau.

Restoring a Voltaire According to the Rules of the Craft

Today, many restorations stray from the original codes — not through neglect, but through a lack of knowledge of historical forms. It is therefore essential to recall a few key markers to preserve the spirit of the Voltaire.

Key points to respect:

the armrests must remain rounded, never angular, to extend the line of the backrest,
the backrest must keep a gentle incline, with no sharp break or excessive thickness,
the front legs are often curved, continuing the line of the arm,
the trim (braid, nails) must be understated and well-proportioned.

Golden rules for a successful restoration:

Respect the original volumes.
Use natural materials: horsehair, jute webbing, cotton padding.
Choose a fabric consistent with the style and structure.
Harmonize the tone of the fabric with that of the wood.

These principles guarantee an authentic result, faithful to both the silhouette and the comfort of the historic model.

Recommended Antoine d'Albiousse Fabrics :

For a Voltaire armchair worthy of its heritage, our collections offer a wide range of materials and textures:

Small-pattern Genoa velvets: Kilim, Cabochon, Manet, Odessa, Cordoba — revisited classics with remarkable durability and contemporary colors.
Luminous plain velvets: Touch Me, Titian — deep, sensual, and perfect for highlighting the curves of the backrest.
Classic jacquards: Farnese and Ferrare — exceptional weaves that echo period silks while remaining thoroughly modern.
Natural materials: Lancelot, Renishaw, Toile de Cocher — fine linens and noble blends offering a lively hand and ideal breathability for traditional upholstery.

Each fabric is designed to combine durability, elegance, and ease of application for upholsterers, thanks to its supple hand, perfect hold on curved forms, and long-term stability.

FAQ

How much fabric should be planned?

Approximately 2 meters for a plain fabric in standard width (allow more for patterned fabrics with repeats).

How can you recognize a well-restored Voltaire?

By the softness of its curves, the balance between backrest and armrests, and the harmony between fabric and structure.

Can a Voltaire be updated with a modern fabric?

Yes, provided the proportions and the quality of the material are respected.

What common mistake should be avoided?

Straight or oversized armrests: they break the original line.

Restoring a Voltaire armchair means extending a story shaped by precision, comfort, and artisanal elegance. Antoine d'Albiousse fabrics enhance this tradition by combining the authenticity of materials with the richness of textures. Discover our fabric collections on our website, request your samples for your projects, or come and experience our materials at our showroom by appointment — 14 rue d'Aumale, Paris 9th arrondissement.