A Bergère Chair for Every Space
Give your home a touch of 17th century French elegance with the classic bergère chair
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Originally, bergère chairs were used frequently among nobility and were gilded and covered with silk. These 17th century staples were made with wooden frames and upholstered seats and backs. Their light frame was made to travel with the party, frequently being moved from room to room.
Now, we may tone down the gilding and the silk, but the bergère chair remains as popular as ever. In a pair or all alone, from extravagant to casual, these versatile chairs are still perfect for moving and can slide seamlessly into any design scheme.
Now, we may tone down the gilding and the silk, but the bergère chair remains as popular as ever. In a pair or all alone, from extravagant to casual, these versatile chairs are still perfect for moving and can slide seamlessly into any design scheme.
A pair of bergères flanking a living room fireplace is a setup as classic as the chair itself. The symmetry is lovely and the chairs have just the right amount of upholstery for comfortable fireside lounging while their open legs create visual space.
While a pair might be nice, it's certainly not mandatory. A single bergère functions perfectly in a smaller space like this beautiful bath.
by Design House
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A crisp, white linen on a plain, wooden frame is such a gorgeous usage of the bergère. The light and airy feel is beautiful in a coastal home or a casual sunroom.
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| Just because the bergère has a staid and classic shape doesn't mean it has to have a sedate fabric. This leopard print adds whimsy and excitement to the room. |
The sunny yellow of these bergères gives this reading area a playful touch. Give your home an extra dose of bright color by upholstering these traditional chairs in a more modern color combination.
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by Judith Balis
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| An infusion of hot pink and a zebra pillow bring these chairs to life — perfect for a fun office or a teenage girl's bedroom. |
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| One of the reasons bergères are so versatile is that they come in so many varieties. A shorter pair like this is perfect for comfy seating without blocking that spectacular view. |
When using bergère chairs in a space with a room passageway, cane backs are a perfect choice. They ease the transition from room to room while keeping the sight line open.
Paired with a cowhide rug, the bergère chair can be casual and comfortable. This bergère and ottoman look like the perfect place to curl up with a good book!
Some bergère chairs can have an overwhelming scale. Not only is this chair's frame smaller, but the cane back and seat make it seem lighter as well.
A splash of white paint and a raffia fabric give this traditional chair a coastal, casual flair.
Ideabook updated on June 28, 2012.
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A classic toile pattern would probably veer too far into cliche, but also might be cute in the right setting (shabby chic, probably). Maybe if the toile were in a less expected color, like hot pink, neon cyan, or burgundy purple, rather than the more classic muted pinks and blues.