All about the Wing Chair

The first models of wing chairs, also known as fireside chairs, were developed in England during 17th Century. The protruding wings rising up from the arms joined the back at a 90-degree angle and were supposed to enclose the upper body, thus sheltering it from cold drafts and accumulating the warmth from the fireplace.

Initially, wingback chairs were made from wood with flat, broad arms. This was not the most comfortable or the cosiest solution. As an answer to the demand for comfort, a fully upholstered version of the chair was created. Generously stuffed with horsehair, the wing chair reached a new level of comfort and popularity. To imitate the popular French style, chairs of the period were covered with velvet and embroidery. A variety of styles also evolved in the 18th Century. George Hepplewhite lowered the seat in some of his designs, while Chippendale introduced models with oversized wings and scrolling arms.

In the mid-18th Century, the French adapted the classic armchair to their needs and created a bergère. This was a fully upholstered chair with a flat back. American wing chairs, also called easy chairs or grandpa chairs, found their place in the bedroom rather than in the living room. These were associated with elderly people who, due to their fragile health, needed comfort and protection from cold.

Wing chairs haven’t lost their appeal and today are still a popular choice for living rooms and bedrooms alike. Having evolved over time, they are now available in a wide range of different designs and fabrics. A modern take on the wing chair can be seen in the designs of Arne Jacobsen (Egg Chair 1958), Grant Featherstone in 1951 and Edward Wormely (1950).

More than 400 years old, the wing chair design is still a major feature in modern houses all over the world.