There is a range of library wingback chairs for sale on 1stDibs. The range of distinct library wingback chairs — often made from
wood,
animal skin and
leather — can elevate any home. Library wingback chairs have been made for many years, and versions that date back to the 19th Century alongside those produced as recently as the 21st Century. There are many kinds of library wingback chairs to choose from, but at 1stDibs,
Georgian,
Victorian and
Mid-Century Modern library wingback chairs are of considerable interest. There have been many well-made library wingback chairs over the years, but those made by
Southwood & Co.,
Bernhardt and
Bradington Young are often thought to be among the most beautiful.
They may not offer structural support, but the wings on antique and vintage wingback chairs certainly do have a purpose or did, when the design was first conceived in England in the 1600s.
Back then, the armchair protrusions were meant to protect the sitter from drafts and from the strong heat radiating from the large fireplaces that were popular at the time. This explains why the wingback is so strongly associated with cozying up by the fireplace.
Although the functional aspect of a wingback may be obsolete in the 21st century, the chairs have maintained their popularity over the years and have seen waves of revivals, from mid-century modern spinoffs to playful contemporary adaptations (like the Bear chair by Pierre Yovanovitch, wherein the place of wings are furry ears — a cheeky send-up of Hans Wegner’s iconic mid-century Papa Bear chair).
Shop the most innovative versions of wingback chairs today on 1stDibs.