Monday, February 6, 2023

Decorating With The Wingback Chair......It's Trendy Again!



I am delighted to welcome a classic friend back from the scorned and rejected décor area. I have always loved the comfort and style of the Wingback Chair and once had one covered in crewel embroidery in which I regularly curled up in for a good read. That was in the 80's before they fell out of favor and became thought of as old fashioned. Now you see them everywhere and while these modern Wingback Chairs sport updated shapes, colors, and fabrics, they still maintain the charm that we have come to expect from them.

The Wingback chair has quite a pedigree. Developed in England in the 1600's as wooden chair designed with wings that served two purposes....... keeping cold drafts off the upper part of the body and providing protection from the intense heat of blazing fireplaces. 

The style of this chair took off in popularity in Colonial America during the 1700's where it became a household staple. The Wingback Chair began getting cozier with time and by the 1800's the manufacturers of  Wingbacks turned to comfort and began incorporating upholstery and generous horsehair stuffing. 

The timeless style and practicality of this piece ensures its longevity and whether it is intended for a living room, entryway, or bedroom space, a Wingback Chair will provide a distinguished design element to your home.


Wingback Chairs are characterized by a high back and “wings” that project out and usually extend down the arm rests.The high-backed Queen Anne style is the wingback chair most thought of as traditional Early American. It features cabriole legs, a curved seat cushion, and an exaggerated “wing” that fully encases the head and shoulders of the seated person.

The timeless style and practicality of this piece ensures its longevity and even today whether it is intended for a living room, entryway, or bedroom space, a wingback chair will provide a distinguished design element for your home.

Sometimes call a "fireside chair", wingback chairs graced the hearths of many colonial and traditional homes. Today the Grandmillennial home is the new beneficiary of these lovely chairs.


In keeping with the Grandmillennial style, which combines traditional pieces with modern elements, this interior is chic and sophisticated for today's modern home.

BHDM Design, via lonnymag.com

This image is living proof that the wingback chair should not be thought of as as old fashioned or the chair from grandma's house. Same style but when used in modern ways this chair can shine.


With so many fresh designs flooding the marketplace, wingback chairs have brought a new perspective to luxury décor.


Color and pattern is a huge part of the interior trend for the return of the elegant home. Wingback chairs have evolved and are now sought after for this style interior.


The wingback chair originated from humble beginnings in England, but it gained popularity in America and France. Today this chair is still loved worldwide and is entering a new phase of design and application.


If you love color and energy you will be pleased to know that the wingback chair presents well covered in bold exciting fabrics.

via Pintrest

Even if upholstered in neutral colors the wingback chair is still a scene stealer.


The timeless style and practicality of this piece ensures that it makes the perfect option for not only bedrooms and living rooms but foyers, family rooms,......

Sarah Richardson Design via houseandhome.com

...... and libraries. These stunning chairs with striped upholstery would look great in any style interior.



Generations are constantly drawing inspiration from past trends. The new followers of maximallism are demanding interiors full of pattern and color...... 


......plus vintage, antique or heirloom inspired furnishings and collectibles.


 This pair of wingbacks is covered in classical leather but still looks fresh because of the pops of black, textured wallcovering, and faux zebra style rug.


While the Wingback Chair is traditional in design, the fabric selection, rug, and accessories make this a current and chic space.

Wingback chairs make great "heads of the table" chairs. These two are slipcovered in a colorful modern pattern. Remember custom slipcovers will hide a multitude of sins and update a room quickly so you can be right on trend.

via Pinterest

A modern, more angular version of the wingback chair, upholstered in a quatrefoil pattern takes a place of honor at this dining room table.


These  lovely Wingback Chairs from Horchow reflect a more modern silhouette.


The leather wingback chair is a perennial favorite. This was one of the first type of chairs to be upholstered in leather rather than fabric.



I love how the wingback chair has made it's way into the kitchen and dining room.


Today's wingback chair can be found covered in bold pattern and color. This is a chair that can be more fun to play with than ever before as it is no longer such a serious piece.

Perfect for an English cottage style interior these skirted Wingback Chairs invite guests to sip tea in comfort. Again skirts are so versatile, and as seen here, can turn a more formal chair into a country cousin.

Leigh Olive Mowry-Olive Interiors

Wingback chairs can show up in almost every room of the house in about every design style you can envision.


These types of chairs also often feature decorative nail heads.


Covered in bold upholstery, modern wingback chairs can be used to illicit that coveted "wow" from your family and visitors.......


........or they can exude a quite, sophisticated elegance.



Look for vintage cane versions of the wingback chair. Add some bright paint and a lively pillow and you have added some real interest to your space.


These wingback chairs are definitely the stars of this stylish foyer.


This beautiful wingback chair does not compromise on either comfort or aesthetics!



The Ritz Hansen Ro Lounge Chair proves that this 300 year old design remains popular today. Bright and futuristic, these Wingbacks have simple, swooping, exaggerated lines due to modest leg styles and dramatically curving backs.


Today's modern Wingbacks may look a bit edgier but all retain the original design of the high back and wings, while still satisfying  the demand for comfort.


I hope you are inspired enough to explore the many stylish ways to decorate with this iconic chair.


No matter what your personal taste is there will be a Wingback Chair in a style.........


......or color to satisfy your desire.



This blog post was published by Lisa Farmer

In the event that I have not credited the correct source of an image, please contact me at lisafarmerdesigns46@yahoo.com and I will be glad to correct it.