Bergere chairs

The Bergère chair is one of the most enduring and beloved forms in furniture history — an 18th-century French design characterized by its exposed wood frame, upholstered seat, back, and enclosed sides. At Ambrose Upholstery Co., we specialize in the careful restoration and reupholstery of Bergère chairs, preserving what makes these pieces timeless while breathing new life into worn or dated fabric.

Restoring a Bergère requires a different level of care than reupholstering a modern chair. The exposed wood frame — typically carved or molded — must be worked around precisely, and the upholstery panels must be cut, fitted, and finished to sit flush against the frame without gaps or puckering. We take time with every tack, every seam, and every panel transition to ensure a result that honors the original design.

Padding is another critical element. Traditional Bergères used horsehair and coil springs; we restore or replicate that comfort profile using modern high-density foam and batting, so the chair feels as good as it looks. If the existing springs are still serviceable, we retie and reinforce them. If not, we replace them entirely.

Fabric selection for a Bergère should complement the chair’s heritage. Classic choices include damasks, toiles, tapestry weaves, and solid linens. That said, a Bergère in a bold velvet or graphic print can make a stunning contemporary statement — and we love helping clients find that balance between traditional form and fresh personality.

We also refinish exposed wood frames as part of many Bergère projects — cleaning, repairing, and touching up gilding, paint, or stain so the frame and fabric feel unified and intentional.

If you have a Bergère chair that deserves restoration, we’d love to work on it. Contact us for a free quote.