Antique chairs will contain unique characteristics of the period in which they were created. Many of the most popular antique chair options developed in Europe and the U.S. over the last 300 years. Fortunately, a variety of these chairs are still being made today, and older ancestors can be refurbished to fit with more modern home décor.

The Wingback Chair

The wingback is a type of upholstered chair that is usually taller than it is wide. This chair will include two side panels that flank a high back, with rolled, closed panels under the arms. The legs tend to be straight, although turned legs with varied feet are also possibilities. Comfortable and plush, the wingback chair is a staple of old-fashioned libraries and men’s clubs, and this chair is most often associated with 18th century styles like the Sheraton, Hepplewhite, and Queen Anne.

Chaise Lounge

A chaise lounge is a type of daybed that traditionally consists of an armchair featuring an elongated cushioned seat. This is a great vintage chair for you to sit and stretch out your legs. It was developed in the early 18th century and is typical of Louis XV and Regence styles. The chair usually sits on six legs, and 19th century versions developed back and footrests for added comfort. Armchair repair services can give new life to these old pieces, allowing them to fit with a home with modern décor.

The Bergère

The bergère is another type of upholstered armchair. With closed, upholstered sides, this antique chair was built for comfort with its wide and long cushioned seat. The back can either be high or low, and despite being at least 250 years old, a deep-seated bergère can still function as an extremely comfortable easy chair.

Windsor Chair

A Windsor is a wooden chair with a back and sides that consist of numerous thin spindles that are attached to a solid seat. It features straight legs that splay outward, and the back will recline slightly. This antique chair is named after the British town of Windsor, which is where it originated in the early 1700s. Today, its comfort and simplicity have many owners using antique furniture inspection and repair services to repurpose the piece for kitchen tables, dining room sets, and outdoor seating.

The Hogarth Chair

This antique chair features distinctive cabriole legs that are associated with the Queen Anne style. It is characterized by its “fiddle” or splat back with unique detailing. This chair was named for British artist William Hogarth, who was a popular cartoonist and painter in the 1700s, as he appreciated the cabriole leg and depicted chairs with this style in his paintings.

Other Antique Styles

If one of these popular, antique chair styles doesn’t appeal to you, don’t worry. There are a variety of other great antique styles out there that can give your space a vintage look:

  • Curule
  • Fauteuil
  • Hitchcock chair
  • Klismos
  • Ladder-back chair
  • Ribbon-back chair
  • Writing-arm chair

If you are looking for help on how to repurpose your antique chair to make it fit with your home, a furniture doctor can help.

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Image Source: Chicago Appraisers