The wingback chair is a type of easy or club chair with “wings” attached to its back as its defining feature, which may extend all the way to the armrest. Also known as the grandfather or saddle cheek chair, this tall-backed heavily upholstered furniture is made with “wings” to protect the sitter against drafts and to retain heat from a nearby fireplace.
What are the Types of Wingback Chairs?
Two main types of wingback chairs exist:
- Flat wingback chairs have straight “wings” that run from the back of the chair and go all the way down its sides.
- Scroll wingback chairs have rounded “wings” which are more traditional-looking.
Other designs of wingback chairs include bat and butterfly wing designs.
What is the History Behind the Wingback Chair?
Wingback chairs were in use since the 1600s in England. The ability of the wingback chair to trap heat made it ideal for the country’s cold weather. In the year 1720, the wingback chair grew more popular, usually occurring with flat, broad arms made of wood.
At the beginning of the 18th century, wingback chairs were upholstered to provide additional comfort. In the 19th century, wingback chairs were packed with horsehair to increase the furniture’s padding. Some wingback chairs were designed with velvet or needlework to exude French contemporary style. Georgian wingback chairs exhibited bright patterns and elaborate decorations.
The French modified the wingback chair by giving it a flat back. This design was called the bergere which was meant to elevate its function for comfort by giving it a deeper and wider seat.
George Hepplewhite, a famous English furniture maker, lowered the seat of the wingback chair during the 18th century. Famous English cabinet maker Thomas Chippendale added to the wingback chair’s aesthetics by developing huge “wings” with scrolled arms. The wingback chair design eventually made its way to the Netherlands and America. From its usual place in the living or sitting room, the wingback chair was then used in the bedroom as an easy chair, or by the elderly hence the name grandfather chair.
Why Choose a Wingback Chair?
The wingback chair exudes class in a space. It can also act as an accent piece or decor in a room since modern designs come in varied colors, patterns, and fabrics. It can be placed in the drawing room, the study, the living room, or the bedroom and used for different purposes such as reading, socializing, and resting. Head to LA Furniture for modern living room and bedroom furniture.
How to Use a Wingback Chair?
Know the purpose of the wingback chair in your space. Scroll wingback chairs are great for improving a room’s look and in bringing a traditional and sophisticated vibe. Deep-seated wingback chairs are great for reading and lounging.
Wingback chairs may be placed in room corners, combining functionality and style in the use of this piece of furniture. Wingback chairs may also be used for their original purpose, to provide comfort while enjoying the warmth of the fireplace.
Bold, vibrant, patterned wingback chairs are great as an accent or decorative furniture, especially for neutral-colored rooms.
