Have you ever walked into a room and felt something was missing—an empty corner, a lack of warmth, or a need for a statement piece? A settee might be the unexpected answer. Antique settees – including French-style daybeds and chaises – bring elegance, charm, and comfort into any space, especially in modern settings. Defying design trends, they blend decorative beauty with functional design. Yet many homeowners face the ‘Goldilocks dilemma’ — the search for a settee that feels ‘just right’ for their specific home, style, and space.
At The Crown Collection, you’ll find South Africa’s largest range of antique and French-style settees, daybeds and chaise lounges. Each piece is handpicked and tells a story, and many can be reupholstered in a fabric of your choice, allowing you to match your settee perfectly to your interior style.
The timeless appeal of antique settees
The design verdict? Antique settees never seem to go out of date and always add personality to any room.
Their sculpted wood, graceful lines, gilded patina, and historic silhouettes offer instant character.
Leather-upholstered antique settees also make a striking statement, combining traditional craftsmanship with a refined, contemporary edge.
Pieces such as a Louis XV carved settee or a gilded rattan-back settee lend classic charm and visual interest, and are ‘just right’ in modern homes, vintage-inspired interiors, and eclectic spaces.
This ability to transform a room’s visual aesthetic is just one reason many homeowners are choosing antique settees or chaises as statement accents. Their craftsmanship stands out in today’s world of fast furniture.
French-style settees for classic modernity
French-style settees are the beloved go-to seating options for interior designers and homeowners looking for the wow factor in contemporary spaces.
Because they don’t go out of fashion, they are worth the investment.
Their refined frames, cabriole legs, and upholstered finishes create a sense of softness and luxury in any space.
- The decorative simplicity of a Louis XVI giltwood settee immediately transforms a sitting room into a beautifully refined sanctuary.
- A curved French daybed adds romance to a hallway, bedroom corner, or dressing area. (Visit this blog for a practical guide on styling French-style daybeds in contemporary spaces.)
Antique and French-style settees, sofas, daybeds, and chaise lounges also blend seamlessly with chandeliers and gilded mirrors, and pair beautifully with rustic décor and farmhouse antiques. The contrast between refined French curves and natural textures creates a balanced and visually satisfying interior.
How to use settees functionally in your home
Although undeniably beautiful to the eye, antique settees are more than decorative items.
Offering practical seating in various spaces, their compact size makes them ideal for almost any room. Here are a few functional ways to incorporate them:
Entryways and hallways
An antique settee creates an inviting first impression and serves as a stylish place to sit while putting on shoes, or as a temporary landing place for jackets, etc. A piece like a carved antique daybed adds charm to an otherwise overlooked area.
Bedrooms
Place a settee at the foot of your bed for a luxurious feel. Choose a soft upholstered French chaise for comfort and elegance. It becomes a personal retreat for reading or relaxing.
Living rooms
Use a settee to complement sofas and armchairs. A French-style settee adds texture and depth while introducing a unique silhouette that breaks the monotony of large sofas.
Home offices
Create a cosy seating nook with a slim antique settee. It provides comfort without overwhelming the room. A structured French antique sofa adds authority and charm to a professional environment.
Dining spaces
For a chic look, antique settees are wonderful replacements for dining chairs. A small settee with bold upholstery redefines a dining corner by adding comfort and a sense of European café style. (Visit this blog for more inspiration on the settee dining trend.)
Styling settees for maximum visual impact
Décor styling brings out the best in these versatile pieces. Here are simple ways to enhance your settee:
Add cushions and throws
Soft cushions and textured throws add dimension. They also allow you to bring seasonal colours into your décor.
Pair with accent tables
An antique side table or gilded console strengthens the settee’s presence. French-style pieces match beautifully with carved wooden tables or marble-topped consoles.
Use art to frame the space
To create a striking focal point, hang artwork or a decorative mirror above the settee. For a classic museum-style effect, place a decorative settee under a framed antique tapestry.
Choose the right fabric
The Crown Collection offers reupholstery in a wide range of fabrics. This customisation ensures your piece suits your decor. Velvet, linen, damask, and cotton blends all work well. Upholstery is the easiest way to modernise an antique or enhance its traditional look.
Antique settees that tell a story
When you choose an antique settee from The Crown Collection, you’re investing in quality and history. Pieces like French chaises, curved antique daybeds, and ornate sofas bring character to your home with every carved detail highlighting craftsmanship.
The easy versatility of antique settees, French-style daybeds, sofas, and chaise lounges makes them perfect statement pieces for both formal and casual spaces.
With endless shapes and sizes available, you can find a piece that is ‘just right’ for your home.
Transform your space with the largest selection in SA
With over 100 settees, daybeds, chaises and ottomans in stock, you’re likely to find ‘ the one’ at The Crown Collection.
And whether you prefer French elegance, antique charm, or modern comfort, you’ll find a settee that suits your style. Custom upholstery, staining, bleaching, or gilding, all done in-house by our restoration team, adds the final touch.
Explore the collection and discover how one exquisite piece can become a favourite in any contemporary space.
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