The Conversation Chair

One of my all time favorite pieces of furniture to ever be created is the Conversation Chair (also known as “tête-à-tête”). It was designed in the Victorian Era to allow to two people to face each other while seated on the S-shaped sofa/chair for a private conversation.

The Conversation Chair was created for lovers. Going on dates in the Victorian era was like having parents that make you and your middle school boyfriend hangout in the living room and keep a 6-foot space for Jesus in between the two of you at all times. There were always chaperones, supervising young couples during the courting process. This made the “tête-à-tête” a perfect solution for romantic rendezvous—allowing duos to sit close without ever touching.

While there aren’t many contemporary takes on the conversation chair, I did find selection of modern-feeling versions that won’t make your home feel like it was furnished by your grandma.

Contemporary Conversation Chairs

1- Wood and Rattan HERE for $995

2- Wood Rocking chair HERE for $20k

3- Hugo Francis Carved Wooden chair HERE $30k

4- Antoni Gaudí style chair HERE for $32k

5- José Zanine Caldas chair HERE for $184k

6- A traditional antique find HERE for $2.3k

This STUNNING Yellow Victorian Tete-a-Tete sofa is for sale HERE on Chairish for $4k and would be so dreamy in a space that mixes contemporary and traditional furniture and art.

Conversation chair in the wild:

The Dôen store in NYC has this beautiful antique conversation chair in the middle of their store and I am obsessed.

If you’re looking for a more affordable option, I highly recommend checking Facebook marketplace and your local vintage stores. Also, estate sales!!!!

That’s all for today, but I’d love to hear anyone’s thoughts on Conversation Chairs in the comments!

XX - Presley