Vintage 1920s French Wicker & Bamboo Steamer Recliner Chair with Footrest

£750.00

French, circa 1920s

This early 20th-century French steamer chair combines wicker and bamboo in a beautifully woven chevron design. Originally associated with the golden age of ocean liner travel and later prized in European conservatories and garden rooms, steamer chairs became symbols of comfort, leisure, and quiet luxury.

There is something deeply appealing about its construction. The sturdy bamboo frame carries the warm, honeyed tones of age, while the hand-woven wicker seat and back introduce a rhythmic texture that softens without weakening. The adjustable reclining backrest retains its original metal brackets, and the fold-out footrest tucks neatly away when not in use — functional details that speak of considered, unhurried design.

Provenance & History

French, circa 1920s. The steamer chair takes its name from its association with the golden age of ocean liner travel, when reclining chairs of this type became synonymous with leisure, comfort and unhurried crossings. By the early 20th century the style had moved comfortably into European conservatories, garden rooms and country houses, valued for lightness, flexibility and a certain romantic ease. This example retains all its original working parts — a rarity in pieces of this age.

Design Notes

  • Sturdy bamboo frame with warm honeyed patina Hand-woven wicker seat, back and armrests in chevron pattern

  • Adjustable reclining backrest with original metal brackets Fold-out footrest that tucks away when not in use Natural tonal variation throughout

  • The combination of bamboo structure and woven wicker gives this antique steamer chair both visual warmth and tactile appeal — a piece as beautiful to look at as it is to sit in.

Condition

Excellent vintage condition. The bamboo is strong and the wicker intact throughout, with only the gentlest signs of age that add to its character rather than detract from it. All original working parts function as intended.

Dimensions

Height 100cm Width 73cm Depth 103cm (backrest upright, footrest extended)

Styling Inspiration

Place it by a window for morning light, in a garden room layered with textiles, or in a modern interior where its texture and warmth soften cleaner lines. In a coastal setting it recalls its maritime associations — the perfect chair for long evenings with a blanket and a glass of wine.

A steamer chair to collect, to live with, and to pass on — timeless, functional beauty.

Shipping & Delivery

UK shipping is calculated per item and area and is accurate for single item purchases. If you are buying multiple pieces and the combined shipping appears unusual, please get in touch and we will happily review.

Professionally packed. Worldwide shipping available on request..

French, circa 1920s

This early 20th-century French steamer chair combines wicker and bamboo in a beautifully woven chevron design. Originally associated with the golden age of ocean liner travel and later prized in European conservatories and garden rooms, steamer chairs became symbols of comfort, leisure, and quiet luxury.

There is something deeply appealing about its construction. The sturdy bamboo frame carries the warm, honeyed tones of age, while the hand-woven wicker seat and back introduce a rhythmic texture that softens without weakening. The adjustable reclining backrest retains its original metal brackets, and the fold-out footrest tucks neatly away when not in use — functional details that speak of considered, unhurried design.

Provenance & History

French, circa 1920s. The steamer chair takes its name from its association with the golden age of ocean liner travel, when reclining chairs of this type became synonymous with leisure, comfort and unhurried crossings. By the early 20th century the style had moved comfortably into European conservatories, garden rooms and country houses, valued for lightness, flexibility and a certain romantic ease. This example retains all its original working parts — a rarity in pieces of this age.

Design Notes

  • Sturdy bamboo frame with warm honeyed patina Hand-woven wicker seat, back and armrests in chevron pattern

  • Adjustable reclining backrest with original metal brackets Fold-out footrest that tucks away when not in use Natural tonal variation throughout

  • The combination of bamboo structure and woven wicker gives this antique steamer chair both visual warmth and tactile appeal — a piece as beautiful to look at as it is to sit in.

Condition

Excellent vintage condition. The bamboo is strong and the wicker intact throughout, with only the gentlest signs of age that add to its character rather than detract from it. All original working parts function as intended.

Dimensions

Height 100cm Width 73cm Depth 103cm (backrest upright, footrest extended)

Styling Inspiration

Place it by a window for morning light, in a garden room layered with textiles, or in a modern interior where its texture and warmth soften cleaner lines. In a coastal setting it recalls its maritime associations — the perfect chair for long evenings with a blanket and a glass of wine.

A steamer chair to collect, to live with, and to pass on — timeless, functional beauty.

Shipping & Delivery

UK shipping is calculated per item and area and is accurate for single item purchases. If you are buying multiple pieces and the combined shipping appears unusual, please get in touch and we will happily review.

Professionally packed. Worldwide shipping available on request..