Inspirations

10 Easy Pieces: Wingback Chairs

The wingback armchair is back–and this time around, its shape is pleasingly streamlined.

The wingback armchair dates back to the late 1700s and came stateside by way of Great Britain. The chairs were typically placed near the fireplace; in the chilly houses of the day where the wings acted as a shield against cold drafts and also the extreme heat of the hearth. Over the centuries, the form has had surprising staying power, nimbly adapting to current fashions, but always with wings intact. Here are our 10 favorites.

from bddw, the canett wingback chair is built and upholstered by hand in their  12
Above: From BDDW, the Canett Wingback Chair is built and upholstered by hand in their Pennsylvania workshop. It’s made with carved hardwood feet, a solid Douglas fir frame, traditional joinery, and is available in a wide array of BDDW fabrics and leathers. Contact BDDW for price and ordering information.
designed by tom dixon, the wingback micro chair, shown upholstered in kvadrat&a 13
Above: Designed by Tom Dixon, the Wingback Micro Chair, shown upholstered in Kvadrat’s Gentle 2 0193 black wool fabric and black oak legs, is £3,570 at Tom Dixon.
the alva wingback accent chair is available stocked in camel velvet as shown;  14
Above: The Alva Wingback Accent Chair is available stocked in camel velvet as shown; $1,299 at Crate & Barrel.