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The Wing Chair
I am an architectural design writer who often focuses on how environment can affect behavior. Before consulting privately, I received my MA in writing and ran a design boutique in Los Angeles.
I am an architectural design writer who often focuses on how environment... More »
The historic wing chair (or club chair or grandfather chair) really came into its own during the Edwardian era around 1901. As design sensibilities moved from the heavier and more ornate style of the Victorian era, the wing chair was a key piece of furniture of the period, contributing to the simpler and lighter lines and decor of the period.
Whether in its classic shape or in a more modern interpretation, wing chairs have never fallen out of vogue or capability in upping the class of any interior.
While the "wings" of the chair originally helped trap heat and block drafts, they still provide general comfortable perimeters for the modern sitter. And though originally upholstered in Edwardian patterns of chintz or damask, the classic shape can get a modern makeover with unexpected fabric, and even leather. And though today's take on the chair has in some instances morphed the classic, these pictures show the endurance of nothing less than a brilliant piece of furniture.
Whether in its classic shape or in a more modern interpretation, wing chairs have never fallen out of vogue or capability in upping the class of any interior.
While the "wings" of the chair originally helped trap heat and block drafts, they still provide general comfortable perimeters for the modern sitter. And though originally upholstered in Edwardian patterns of chintz or damask, the classic shape can get a modern makeover with unexpected fabric, and even leather. And though today's take on the chair has in some instances morphed the classic, these pictures show the endurance of nothing less than a brilliant piece of furniture.
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A modern feel with modern upholstery.
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Traditionally, the "wings" took on different shapes, and these have been trimmed down in design to create a more modern, streamlined look.
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| A leather variation of the classic, suggesting a sort of club or ranch casualness. |
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by Simply Grove
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| A unique take on the classic, stretching the design into a love seat. |
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This black chair, not completely upholstered and abbreviated in its back design, still suggests a hint of the Edwardian chair in its general shape and regal femeninity.
by pierre senechal
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Because of its general purpose, these chairs were traditionally situated fireside, and this example shows the beauty of this placement.
And traditionally placed facing the fire, this different take makes the fireplace into the central backdrop for the two chairs.
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A leather version working as a desk chair.
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Standing along in the corner, the tall back helps to fill and blank space that a lower reading chair might not fill.
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| Without the wings rising completely up the sides, the chair can be discretely placed on this landing and appreciated for both its utility and style, two hallmarks of the wing chair from its very inception. |
Comments
Rough Linen In England I slip-covered chair after chair with large check red gingham for the country look... it looked fresh and relaxed in old beamed cottages and conversions.
3 years ago · Like
pwalter I have been searching for the perfect wing chair for months. They all seem to be too low or too shallow. www.satisfiedsole.com
3 years ago · Like
Margaret Everton pwalter, I know. It can take some major searching to find the right one sometimes! We came upon the one in our library at a flea market and loved the shape, and refinished the upholstery. So worth the effort.
3 years ago · Like
Karen Schaefer Louw i placed these two in the cocktail lounge/bar area, great for the ladies, as they do not always want to sit on the traditional "bar" chair... 
3 years ago · Like
Breezie Castell I collect vintage and antique chairs... thefancyshack.com.
2 years ago · Like
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