The infamous Wing Chair as it is today, came from humble beginnings in the world of furniture.
Having begun its life sometime during the 1600’s, it began to really become popular in the late 1720’s. Its purpose was to protect the upper body, preventing it from the harsh heat from the large open fireplaces of the 16th and 17th centuries, as well as providing additional protection from cold drafts.
The wings of the infamous wingback chair were found on other furniture designs, particularly in England, on benches and similar furniture pieces. During the times of colonial America, the Wing Chair was particularly popular and throughout history, the intricate designs of the chair have mimicked that of ornate French furniture designs. Later, the more well-known designs were changed greatly by the Nordic countries of the world, who put a twist on the original design which resulted in a much simpler and contemporary piece.
The Wing Chair has also been known as the fireside chair, and its original design featured a fully wooden shape, on a rare occasion, a cushion might have been added for some additional comfort. Later on, the chair was upholstered but still had very little padding to allow for true comfort and towards the early 19th century deep buttoned designs. By the early 20th century, deep buttoned designs were popular in both America and Europe with luxurious velvets being one of many sought-after upholstery choices.
The Wing Chair, thanks to its diversity, will have a long future in the furniture world. The timeless style and practicality of this piece ensure that it makes the perfect option for not only bedrooms and living rooms but also for venues like restaurants and shops. At The English Bed Company, we have a huge range of fabrics available for you to have your wing chair upholstered in, as well as a lovely range of beautiful bedroom chairs in all different shapes and sizes
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