What is a bergère?

A bergère is an enclosed upholstered French armchair with an upholstered back and armrests on upholstered frames. The seat frame is over-upholstered, but the rest of the wooden framing is exposed. It may be molded or carved, and of beech, painted or gilded, or of fruitwood, walnut or mahogany with a waxed finish. Padded elbow rests may stand upon the armrests. A bergère is fitted with a loose, but tailored, seat cushion. It is designed for lounging in comfort, with a deeper, wider seat than that of a regular armchair.

More Info: en.wikipedia.org

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35 Comments

William Laughlin

Anthony Valentine Salvatore, This is hardly a "foreign question". The author, g sanborn is from the US. Simply because the word originally came from the French doesn't make it "foreign". Any decorator or cultured person could identify a bergere chair, even in the US. If I asked a question about pajamas, would that be a "foreign question" simply because the word originally came from India?

Ed Taber

williamrlaughlin, My first car was a 5 window coupe, then I bought a Sedan. Dad didn't like me buying those 'foreign' cars. Then I bought a Chevrolet and the old man threw me out, he was a Francophobe.

Ray Anderson

Gisele Tennant, that was what confused me.

Sean Philips

Wonderful question and narrative- thank you!

Douglas Oaten

Bergère chairs are well known

Brenda Hobbs

Yeah it’s done that to me too! Really sucks! Especially when you had a good run going but they stopped the section now! Probably to many complaints! Larry Miller III,