Rare Maison Soubrier Pair of Late 1920s Art Deco Armchairs

Maison Soubrier, pair of lounge chairs, velvet, lacquered beech, Paris, France, late 1920s

Founded in 1848, Maison Soubrier is one of Paris’s oldest and most distinguished furniture makers, situated in the heart of the historic Faubourg Saint-Antoine. For over 150 years, this family-run house has been dedicated to the creation of exquisite furnishings and interior decoration, earning a stellar reputation for its artistry and craftsmanship. In its early years, Maison Soubrier specialized in producing “style furniture” that echoed the opulent traditions of the Renaissance and the 18th century. This furniture that was highly sought after by the upper and middle classes of Paris. With its large woodworking workshops and spacious showrooms, the house catered to a clientele eager to bring the grandeur of historical styles into their homes.

Throughout the 19th and early 20th centuries, Maison Soubrier’s elegant showrooms at 14 rue de Reuilly showcased a variety of sample interiors, such as bedrooms, sitting rooms, boudoirs, and dining rooms that inspired discerning customers with a taste for refined living. Custom-made furniture was crafted either in strict accordance with period styles or adapted to meet contemporary tastes, reflecting the ever-evolving Parisian aesthetic. As design trends shifted in the early 20th century, Maison Soubrier adapted by embracing the clean lines and luxurious modernity of the Art Deco movement in the 1920s. Despite this embrace of modernity, the company never abandoned its roots in period furniture, maintaining its commitment to high-quality craftsmanship that reflected the traditions of Faubourg Saint-Antoine’s renowned workshops.

These chairs are a perfect example of Maison Soubrier’s output during the 1920s, a period when the company embraced the refined elegance of the Art Deco movement. The overall form is composed of an inviting, rounded silhouette that simultaneously exudes comfort and a subtle elegance. One of the most striking and sophisticated features of these chairs is how the armrests sweep seamlessly around the sides and extend behind the backrest in a continuous curve. This is accentuated by the walnut framing, which outlines the soft upholstery like a delicate ribbon, drawing the eye along its contours. The backrest is slightly reclined, supporting a relaxed posture while maintaining a geometric simplicity. A noteworthy detail is visible behind: an integrated wooden panel that emphasizes the rectilinearity of the back.

The chairs are upholstered in a delicate mustard-yellow velvet. Should you prefer a different finish, our skilled craftspeople at our in-house restoration atelier can reupholster them prior to shipping. Please contact our design specialists to view examples of a reupholstered version.