Antique Dining Chairs

Antique Dining Chairs for Sale UK

Antique Dining Chairs

A set of genuine antique dining chairs transforms a dining room in a way that no reproduction can match. We stock an excellent and constantly changing selection of antique dining chairs — from Georgian shield-back sets and Victorian carved balloon-backs to Edwardian inlaid mahogany chairs and French giltwood salon chairs.

We specialise in sourcing matched sets — pairs, sets of four, six, eight, and larger — as well as individual carvers to complement existing sets. Every chair is checked for structural soundness and honestly described for condition.

Based in Barry, South Wales, we deliver throughout the UK using our trusted two-man white-glove delivery service.

Antique dining chairs for sale at Hawkins Antiques, Barry, South Wales

Our Stock

Types of Antique Dining Chair We Stock

Our dining chair collection spans the full range of British and Continental styles from the 18th and 19th centuries.

Georgian Shield-Back Chairs

In the Hepplewhite tradition — elegant shield-shaped backs with carved splats, tapered legs, and upholstered seats. Usually in mahogany. Sets of 6, 8, or more are the most sought-after dining room pieces of the period.

Georgian Chippendale Style

Carved mahogany chairs with pierced splat backs, cabriole or straight legs, and drop-in seats. Bold, confident, and beautifully crafted. Sets with matching carvers command a premium.

Victorian Balloon-Back Chairs

The quintessential Victorian dining chair — rounded balloon-shaped back, carved apron, and cabriole legs. Usually in walnut or mahogany, often with original or period upholstery. Sets of 6–8 are common.

Edwardian Inlaid Chairs

Lighter and more refined than Victorian chairs — mahogany frames with satinwood inlay, square tapering legs, and upholstered seats. In the Hepplewhite and Sheraton tradition, c.1900–1915.

French Giltwood Chairs

Carved and gilded salon chairs in the Louis XV and XVI style — typically with padded backs and seats in silk, damask, or velvet. Elegant and decorative, equally suited to dining or drawing rooms.

Carvers & Armchairs

Matching carver armchairs to complement a set of dining chairs are among the most useful pieces we stock. We can often source period carvers to match chairs you already own — contact us with details.

Expert Advice

Buying Guide: Antique Dining Chairs

Buying a Matched Set

A genuinely matched set of antique dining chairs — made at the same time by the same maker — is far more desirable than a harlequin set assembled from similar chairs. Look for consistency in the carving, the timber colour, and the construction details. Minor variations within a set are normal and expected; significant differences in quality or proportion suggest the set has been augmented over time.

Structural Soundness

Dining chairs receive more stress than almost any other piece of furniture — they are sat on, leaned back in, and moved constantly. Check that all joints are tight, that the back legs show no sign of cracking at the seat rail junction, and that the seat frame is solid. We check every chair for structural soundness before listing.

Upholstery

Original upholstery adds to the interest of a chair but is rarely in usable condition on pieces that are 100–200 years old. Budget for re-upholstery as part of the purchase cost. Drop-in seats are the easiest to re-upholster and the most practical for dining use. We can recommend upholsterers experienced in antique chair work.

Height & Comfort

Antique dining chairs were made for antique dining tables, which are often slightly lower than modern tables. Always check the seat height of both chair and table before purchasing — ideally 27–30cm difference between seat height and table height for comfortable dining. We always include seat heights in our listings.

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UK Delivery on All Antique Dining Chairs

All dining chairs are delivered by our trusted two-man antique delivery team — fully wrapped, insured, and placed in the room of your choice. We deliver throughout England, Wales, and Scotland. Call us on 01446 744271 to discuss delivery.

Common Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

Do you sell sets of antique dining chairs?
Yes — we regularly stock matched sets of 4, 6, 8, and larger. Sets with matching carver armchairs are particularly sought after and we source these whenever possible. Contact us if you are looking for a specific number or style — we may be able to source to order.
Can you source matching carvers for my existing chairs?
We can often help with this. Contact us at lee@hawkinsantiques.com with photographs and dimensions of your existing chairs, and we will look out for matching or sympathetic carvers as stock comes through.
Are antique dining chairs comfortable?
Yes — well-made antique dining chairs, particularly Georgian and Edwardian examples, are extremely comfortable once re-upholstered with good quality padding. The proportions of 18th and early 19th century chairs are often better suited to the human form than many modern designs.
Do antique dining chairs need re-upholstering?
In most cases, yes. Original upholstery on chairs that are 100–200 years old is rarely in a condition suitable for regular dining use. Drop-in seat pads are straightforward and inexpensive to re-upholster. We can recommend experienced upholsterers familiar with antique chair work.
Do you buy antique dining chairs?
Yes — we are always interested in buying quality sets of antique dining chairs, particularly larger sets of 6 or more with matching carvers. Contact us at lee@hawkinsantiques.com with photographs and details.

Browse Our Antique Dining Chairs

Stock changes regularly — new sets sourced from private estates across the UK and Europe.

View All Dining Chairs