Stickley Wingback Chair

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.