Question 1

How can you tell if a chair is a Stickley?

Accepted Answer

To tell if a chair is a Stickley, look for the maker's mark, usually found underneath the seat. Depending on the age of the chair, it may appear on a paper or metal label, be burned into the frame or be stamped on it with ink. Stickley used a number of different markings over the years, but has images of most of its historic marks available for viewing on the maker's official website. You can compare the markings on your chair to those found in this reference. If you need assistance, enlist the help of a certified appraiser or knowledgeable antique dealer. On 1stDibs, explore a collection of Stickley chairs.

Question 2

How do I identify a Stickley chair?

Accepted Answer

To identify a Stickley chair, look under the seat and on the legs for a paper label or metal tag. Stickley has modified its markings over time, so you can use these to determine the approximate age of your chair as well as to figure out if it is a Stickley. You can find image guides to interpreting Stickley maker’s marks on trusted online resources. Alternatively, you can have a certified appraiser or experienced antique dealer perform the identification process for you. On 1stDibs, find a selection of Stickley chairs.

Question 3

Are Stickley chairs marked?

Accepted Answer

Yes, Stickley chairs are usually marked. However, the markings changed over time. Early pieces have the brand burned onto the frame. Later pieces may show the name on a paper label, decal, metal plate or carved medallion. On 1stDibs, find a variety of Stickley furniture.

Question 4

Is a wingback chair comfortable?

Accepted Answer

Whether a wingback chair is comfortable is largely a matter of personal opinion. However, many wingback chairs feature plush cushioning, and the tall backs can provide ample back support. A wingback’s protruding arms were initially designed to protect a sitter from drafts or intense heat from a fireplace. This may be obsolete in the 21st century, but the chairs have maintained their popularity over the years and have seen waves of revivals, from mid-century modern spin offs 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). On 1stDibs, shop a range of wingback chairs.

Question 5

Where should a wingback chair be placed?

Accepted Answer

There is no hard and fast rule about where a wingback chair should be placed. Historically, people used the large chairs in front of block drafts, and you can continue this tradition in your home. Alternatively, you can place one wherever it fits the layout of your room. To show off the distinctive shape of the chair, it is a good idea to position it somewhere that allows it to be viewed from the sides and back as well as the front. On 1stDibs, shop a selection of wingback chairs.

Question 6

What are wingback chairs called?

Accepted Answer

Wingback chairs are sometimes called fireside chairs, easy chairs or grandfather chairs. However, many people simply call them wingback chairs or wing chairs. The name comes from the two curved wings mounted on the sides of the backrest. On 1stDibs, find a variety of wingback chairs.

Question 7

What era is a wingback chair from?

Accepted Answer

Wingback chairs emerged during the 17th-century era. The wings on classic wingback chairs certainly do have a purpose, or did, when they were 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 explanation is why the wingback is 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. Shop a selection of wingback chairs on 1stDibs.

Question 8

What is the purpose of a wingback chair?

Accepted Answer

The purpose of a wingback chair is to provide seating. Usually, these upholstered chairs go in seating areas and allow people to rest comfortably while carrying on conversations, reading and performing other activities. On 1stDibs, shop a range of antique and vintage wingback chairs.

Question 9

What is the difference between a Morris chair and a Stickley chair?

Accepted Answer

The difference between a Morris chair and a Stickley chair comes down to origins and characteristics. A Morris chair gets its name from William Morris, one of the founders of the British company Morris, Marshall, Faulkner & Co. During the late 1860s, the company began producing the Morris chair, which has a reclining seat back and an intricately carved wood frame. This design spread to the U.S., where it was seen by Gustav Stickley. Drawing inspiration from it, Stickley produced the Stickley chair in 1904. Like the Morris chair, the piece has a reclining back but a simpler slatted frame that aligns with the American Arts and Crafts design style. Due to its origins, some people call the Stickley chair the Stickley Morris chair or the Mission Morris chair. Explore a collection of Stickley chairs and Morris chairs on 1stDibs.

Question 10

How can I tell if a Morris chair is a Stickley?

Accepted Answer

To tell if a Morris chair is a Stickley, look for the furniture designer's mark. Often, Gustav Stickley marked his pieces with a compass logo, his signature and the phrase "Als ik kan." The phrase roughly means "to the best of my ability." On 1stDibs, shop a collection of expertly vetted Stickley chairs.

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