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John Henry Belter slipper chairs are beautifully dysfunctional. While their tall, gracefully curved laminated backs are very strong, the minuscule size of the chair itself coupled with its oversized back makes Belter slipper chairs appear very fragile. Some Belter slipper chairs do conform to Belter's furniture patterns and were probably meant to be used with matching parlor furniture, while other slipper chairs present completely original designs that are unique to this form. Many Belter slipper chairs are upholstered on the seat only, and their pierce carved unupholstered backs are carved from seat to crest with arabeques, flowers, foliage and grapes. Some Belter slipper chairs have upholstered backs.

While all Belter chairs have curved backs, the backs of slipper chairs have a double serpentine curved back. The backs of slipper chairs are attached to the rear seat frame differently than on other Belter chairs. Slipper chair seat rails are typically serpentine in the front and on both sides. Slipper chairs never have arms.

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