What are barrel chairs?

Barrel chairs have high, semicircular backs which form a single piece with the arms.

What is a barrel chair?

Barrel chairs are accent chairs that feature a curved back shaped like half of a barrel. In some cases, the back slopes down at the sides to form arms. Other pieces are armless or have separate rolled arms at the sides. You'll find a variety of barrel chairs on 1stDibs.

What is a Windsor back chair?

A Windsor back chair is a solid wooden chair with an arched spindle back. Most designs have curved arms positioned on angled stands and carved legs connected by a cross stretcher. The chair gets its name from the English city of Windsor, where the chairs were first made in the 18th century. On 1stDibs, shop a collection of Windsor back chairs.

How do you identify a Windsor chair?

To identify a Windsor chair, look at how it was made. On authentic pieces, the bentwood back frames are assembled with slender wooden spindles that are plugged into drill holes in the sculpted seat, which was usually made of elm and slightly sunken or dish-shaped for the sitter’s comfort. The chairs have wooden legs that splay outward to provide stability, and unlike other chair designs, the back legs have no connection to the chair back. Shop a range of Windsor chairs on 1stDibs.

Why is it called a Windsor chair?

A Windsor chair is called that after the town where it was first made, Windsor, England. In 1710, artisans in the village began producing wooden spindle chairs. Craftsmen in the American colonies began making their own versions in the 1730s. A handful of Windsor chairs are said to have appeared in Philadelphia by the late 1720s, however, owing to Pennsylvania lieutenant governor Patrick Gordon’s fondness for the seat. Colonial furniture makers sometimes painted their Windsor chairs, which were crafted from a variety of woods such as thick pine, ash or birch. On 1stDibs, shop a range of antique Windsor chairs.

What is a Windsor rocking chair?

A Windsor rocking chair is built for comfort and is usually manufactured in such a way that the seat’s spindles, along with the chair-back and legs, are pushed into holes that have been drilled. This sets this type of chair apart, as the standard construction of a chair sees that the back legs are continuous. The Windsor chair originated in the early 1700s in the English town of Windsor. As mentioned, their bentwood back frames are assembled with slender wooden spindles that are plugged into drill holes in the sculpted seat, which was usually made of elm and slightly sunken or dish-shaped for the sitter’s comfort. Shop a collection of antique and vintage Windsor rocking chairs from some of the world’s top dealers on 1stDibs.

Who invented the barrel chair?

No one knows who invented the barrel chair originally, or even where the chairs appeared first. They became popular during the mid to late 19th century, but it was Frank Lloyd Wright who made them famous when he designed an iconic version for Wingspread, a home he designed in Wind Point, Wisconsin. Wright also used his Taliesin Barrel chair to furnish his own home in Wisconsin. Shop a selection of barrel chairs on 1stDibs.

What era are barrel chairs from?

The earliest barrel chairs are from is the era of the early 19th century. However, Frank Lloyd Wright created one of the most famous barrel chairs in 1937 as a part of his design for Wingspread, a home in Wind Point, Wisconsin. On 1stDibs, find a collection of barrel chairs.

How do I identify a Windsor rocking chair?

To identify a Windsor rocking chair, enlist the help of a licensed furniture appraiser. Many convincing distressed reproductions exist due to their popularity and value. An experienced professional can accurately determine if yours is an authentic antique or a replica. Find a range of expertly vetted Windsor rocking chairs on 1stDibs.

How much is a Windsor chair worth?

A set of antique Windsor chairs can sell from about $500 to well into the thousands, depending on the quality and condition. Single chairs range from about $100 to thousands, with age being a major factor in value. Find a range of antique vintage Windsor and other chairs on 1stDibs.

How do I reupholster a barrel back chair?

Reupholster a barrel back chair by first removing the old upholstery from the chair. Use the old pieces of material as a guide to help you cut the new upholstery into properly sized pieces. Reupholster the chair by using a furniture stapler to re-secure the new upholstery in the same manner that the old upholstery was attached. Shop a range of vintage and contemporary barrel back chairs on 1stDibs.

Windsor Barrel Chair

Early 20th Century Nichols and Stone Barrel Back Windsor Armchair

$1,995

H 35.5 in W 25 in D 23 in

Early 20th Century Nichols and Stone Barrel Back Windsor Armchair

By Nichols & Stone

Located in Germantown, MD

An early 20th century Nichols And Stone Barrel Back Windsor stained ArmChair. Very sturdy. Good

Category

Early 20th Century American American Classical Windsor Chairs

Materials

Hardwood

Pair of Japanese Mid Century Modern Akita Mokko Fan Barrel Back Lounge Chairs

$7,500 / set

H 28 in Dm 18 in

Pair of Japanese Mid Century Modern Akita Mokko Fan Barrel Back Lounge Chairs

By Edmond J. Spence, Akita Mokko

Located in Rockaway, NJ

Pair of Japanese Mid Century Modern Akita Mokko fan barrel back lounge chairs.

Category

20th Century Japanese Mid-Century Modern Windsor Chairs

Materials

Birch

Marge Carson Large Silk Down Tufted Olive Gold Swivel Barrel Chairs, Set of 2

$7,295 / set

H 36 in W 34 in D 36 in

Marge Carson Large Silk Down Tufted Olive Gold Swivel Barrel Chairs, Set of 2

By Marge Carson

Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL

large swivel chairs on a wood base. The ultra rare barrel tub style swivel chairs exudes an air of

Category

Early 2000s American Hollywood Regency Windsor Chairs

Materials

Upholstery, Wood, Down

Recent Sales

Antique Child’s Windsor Barrel Chair with Leather Seat

Sold

H 20 in W 14 in D 16.5 in

Antique Child’s Windsor Barrel Chair with Leather Seat

Located in LOS ANGELES, CA

Antique Child’s Windsor barrel chair W leather seat. It is a very unusual example with a beautiful

Category

Antique 19th Century Chairs

Materials

Leather

Windsor Style Barrel Back Chair

Sold

H 40.56 in W 22.05 in D 19.69 in

Windsor Style Barrel Back Chair

Located in Petworth, GB

Arts & Crafts barrel back Windsor style chair in stained beech Re-upholstered in original Liberty

Category

Antique 1890s English Arts and Crafts Windsor Chairs

Materials

Brass

Antique Barrel Back Firehouse Windsor Chair with Cane Seat

Sold

H 30 in W 21.5 in D 22 in

Antique Barrel Back Firehouse Windsor Chair with Cane Seat

Located in Germantown, MD

Early 20th century mismatched barrel back oak Windsor pub chairs American chairs in the style of

Category

Early 20th Century American Edwardian Windsor Chairs

Materials

Cane, Oak

Hollywood Regency Napoleon Style Faux Bamboo Barrel Back Chairs in Teak

Sold

H 34 in W 26 in D 25 in

Hollywood Regency Napoleon Style Faux Bamboo Barrel Back Chairs in Teak

By Baker Furniture Company

Located in Southampton, NJ

A pair of carved teak barrel back chairs. Faux bamboo down to the carved rootball feet with ornate

Category

Vintage 1980s American Hollywood Regency Windsor Chairs

Materials

Cotton, Polyester, Teak

Set of Four Early 20th Century Mismatched Barrel Back Oak Pub Chairs

Sold

H 31 in W 21 in D 18 in

Set of Four Early 20th Century Mismatched Barrel Back Oak Pub Chairs

Located in San Francisco, CA

Set of four early 20th century mismatched barrel back oak pub chairs American chairs in the

Category

Early 20th Century American Windsor Chairs

Materials

Oak

19th Century Barrel Back Windsor Chair

Sold

H 35 in W 22 in D 16 in

19th Century Barrel Back Windsor Chair

Located in Los Angeles, CA

The curved nature of the back to this Windsor chair provides a descriptive name. The term barrel

Category

Antique Late 19th Century English Country Chairs

Materials

Wood

Statton Solid Cherry Windsor Barrel Back Farmhouse Dining Arm Chairs Tavern Pub

Sold

H 30.5 in W 22 in D 24 in

Statton Solid Cherry Windsor Barrel Back Farmhouse Dining Arm Chairs Tavern Pub

By Statton Furniture

Located in Dayton, OH

"7 Vintage Statton solid cherry barrel back saloon or Caboose dining arm chairs, circa mid 20th

Category

Mid-20th Century Country Dining Room Chairs

Materials

Cherry

12 RED BARREL-BACK WINDSOR CHAIRS, RED PAINT, DECORATED

Sold

H 29.5 in W 19.25 in D 18 in

12 RED BARREL-BACK WINDSOR CHAIRS, RED PAINT, DECORATED

Located in York County, PA

SET OF 12 BARREL-BACK WINDSOR CHAIRS, IN RED PAINT, WITH THE 3-LINK CHAIN (FRIENDSHIP, LOVE, AND

Category

Antique 19th Century American Armchairs

Materials

Wood

Arts & Crafts Windsor Style Barrel Back Chair By Liberty & Co

Sold

H 44.89 in W 24.61 in D 22.84 in

Arts & Crafts Windsor Style Barrel Back Chair By Liberty & Co

By Liberty & Co.

Located in Petworth, GB

Arts and Crafts Windsor style barrel back chair In stained beech with spindle back Attributed to

Category

Antique 1890s English Arts and Crafts Armchairs

Materials

Beech

Pair of Paul McCobb Dark Maple Modern Windsor Style Armchairs

Sold

H 29.75 in W 23.75 in D 22 in

Pair of Paul McCobb Dark Maple Modern Windsor Style Armchairs

By Paul McCobb, Planner Group

Located in Chicago, IL

take on the traditional style Windsor chair, barrel back with the McCobb "shovel" seat and double

Category

Vintage 1950s American Armchairs

Materials

Maple

4 Handmade Vintage Pine Windsor Barrel Back Farmhouse Dining Chairs Tavern Pub

Sold

H 29 in W 24 in D 25.5 in

4 Handmade Vintage Pine Windsor Barrel Back Farmhouse Dining Chairs Tavern Pub

Located in Dayton, OH

4 vintage windsor style pine barrel back saloon or Caboose dining arm chairs, circa 1960s. Custom

Category

Vintage 1960s Country Dining Room Chairs

Materials

Pine

Assembled Set of 10 Firehouse Windsor Arm Chairs

Sold

H 36 in W 21.5 in D 16 in

Assembled Set of 10 Firehouse Windsor Arm Chairs

Located in Wainscott, NY

Assembled Set of ten Barrel Back Windsor Arm Chairs, Nice Patina,four honey brown, mixed set

Category

Antique 19th Century American Armchairs

Pair of 19th Century American Windsor Captain's Chairs

Sold

H 32.25 in W 25.75 in D 23.75 in

Pair of 19th Century American Windsor Captain's Chairs

Located in Essex, MA

A pair of 19th century American country black painted Windsor Captain's chairs, the barrel backed

Category

Antique 19th Century American Armchairs

Materials

Wood

People Also Browsed

Mid-Century Nichols and Stone Maple Comb Back Maple Windsor Armchair

$695

H 32.25 in W 21 in D 23.5 in

Mid-Century Nichols and Stone Maple Comb Back Maple Windsor Armchair

By Nichols & Stone

Located in Germantown, MD

A mid Century maple comb back Windsor armchairs by Nichols and Stone. Measures 23.5" w x 21"D x 32.25"H.

Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Dining Room Chairs

Materials

Maple

Early 20th Century S. Bent & Bros Oak Brace Back Windsor Chair

$875

H 36.5 in W 18.5 in D 18 in

Early 20th Century S. Bent & Bros Oak Brace Back Windsor Chair

By S. Bent and Bros.

Located in Germantown, MD

Early 20th Century S. Bent & Bros Oak Brace Back Windsor Chair. Measures 18.5" in width, 18 " in depth and 36.5" in height. Seat height is 18:

Category

Early 20th Century American Late Victorian Windsor Chairs

Materials

Oak

Set Windsor Chairs - 8 Farmhouse Kitchen Chair

$3,934 / set

H 40 in W 22 in D 21 in

Set Windsor Chairs - 8 Farmhouse Kitchen Chair

Located in Potters Bar, GB

You are viewing a set of 8 Windsor chairs made from the finest English yew. The set of 8 consists of two arm chairs and six side chairs. These are the traditional and much loved Wind...

Category

Vintage 1980s Chairs

Materials

Wood

Pair of Dorothy Draper Style Hollywood Regency Scalloped Fringe Swivel Chairs

$6,400 / set

H 33 in W 34 in D 32 in

Pair of Dorothy Draper Style Hollywood Regency Scalloped Fringe Swivel Chairs

By Dorothy Draper

Located in Saint Louis, MO

Hollywood Regency style is all about joie de vivre with silhouettes that are glamorous and luxurious and this pair of scallop channeled green fringed swivel chairs embody all of it. ...

Category

Vintage 1940s American Hollywood Regency Swivel Chairs

Materials

Bouclé, Upholstery

Set of four Slovenian Maple Continuous Arms Windsor chairs

$2,989 / set

H 41.5 in W 22.5 in D 24 in

Set of four Slovenian Maple Continuous Arms Windsor chairs

Located in Germantown, MD

A set two continuous arm and two side Windsor Chairs in solid red maple with high barrel back, made in Slovenia. Great vintage condition. Measure 22.5" in width, 24" in depth and 4...

Category

Late 20th Century Slovenian Arts and Crafts Windsor Chairs

Materials

Maple

19th Century Low-Back Windsor Chair

$2,800

H 27 in W 22 in D 20.5 in

19th Century Low-Back Windsor Chair

Located in Chicago, IL

This charming mid-19th century English low back Windsor chair is a testament to the craftsmanship and enduring style of the era. The chair features a distinctive bent yew wood crest ...

Category

Antique Mid-19th Century English Country Windsor Chairs

Materials

Elm, Yew

George Smith Mohair Velvet Ottoman Sofa Banquette

$28,000

H 34 in W 168 in D 44 in

George Smith Mohair Velvet Ottoman Sofa Banquette

By George Smith

Located in Rio Vista, CA

Monumental bespoke mohair velvet tufted sectional banquette sofa custom designed by George Smith, London UK. The grand "ottoman sofa" was commissioned by Samantha Todhunter Design fo...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary English Regency Sofas

Materials

Mohair, Hardwood

18th Century Bentwood Windsor Chair

$1,500

H 33 in W 25.5 in D 26 in

18th Century Bentwood Windsor Chair

Located in Stockton, NJ

An interesting late 18th century elm Windsor chair. Interesting and rare continuous bentwood hoop back construction.

Category

Antique Late 18th Century American American Colonial Windsor Chairs

Materials

Wood

18th c. English Thames Valley Windsor Armchair

$3,900

H 39 in W 19.5 in D 21 in

18th c. English Thames Valley Windsor Armchair

Located in Greenwich, CT

Charming late 18th Century English Thames Valley "hoop back" Windsor armchair in ash and elm, the hoop with 10 supporting spindles and the continuous arm with crook supports and fain...

Category

Antique 1790s English Country Windsor Chairs

Materials

Ash, Elm

Lovely 2 Piece Marge Carson Curved Tufted Back Sofa Sectional Mid-Century Modern

$3,640Sale Price / set|20% Off

H 29 in W 99 in D 36 in

Lovely 2 Piece Marge Carson Curved Tufted Back Sofa Sectional Mid-Century Modern

By Marge Carson

Located in Pemberton, NJ

Custom Stylish Marge Carson 2 piece curved sectional sofa with tufted design in a custom textured stitched fabric. This well crafted sofa sectional shows only some light wear and sti...

Category

Vintage 1980s American Mid-Century Modern Sofas

Materials

Upholstery

18th C Dimes Extended Arm Sack Back Windsor Chair

$1,895

H 48 in W 24 in D 18 in

18th C Dimes Extended Arm Sack Back Windsor Chair

Located in Los Angeles, CA

This 18th C extended arm sack back Windsor is from New England. This comes to us from a private collection.This is stamped Dimes underneath the seat.

Category

Antique Late 18th Century American American Classical Windsor Chairs

Materials

Wood

Late 18th Century English Ash and Elm Windsor Armchair

$3,520

H 38 in W 21.5 in D 19.5 in

Late 18th Century English Ash and Elm Windsor Armchair

Located in Middleburg, VA

An exceptional 18th-century English Windsor armchair crafted in the Midlands, circa 1790. This classic example features a hooped back with finely turned spindles, shaped arms support...

Category

Antique Late 18th Century British Windsor Chairs

Materials

Ash, Elm, Wood

Set 8 Windsor Chairs Yew Wood Farmhouse Stewart Linford

$3,106

H 36 in W 18 in D 21 in

Set 8 Windsor Chairs Yew Wood Farmhouse Stewart Linford

Located in Potters Bar, GB

Wonderful set of 8 Windsor chairs in yew wood Set consists of two arm chairs and six side chairs Classic farmhouse kitchen dining chairs Made by Stewart Linford please see signature ...

Category

Vintage 1980s Windsor Chairs

Materials

Wood

Set of Six Georgian Yew Wood Windsor Chairs, England, Circa 1820

$14,909

H 36 in W 20 in D 20.5 in

Set of Six Georgian Yew Wood Windsor Chairs, England, Circa 1820

Located in Bedfordshire, GB

A Charming And Very Attractive Matched Set Of Six Yew Wood, Low Back, Kitchen Windsor Dining Armchairs, Having Extremely Well Figured Pierced Splats And Turned Supports To Curved Bac...

Category

Antique Early 19th Century English Georgian Windsor Chairs

Materials

Yew

Refinished Nichols and Stone Maple Comb Back Maple Windsor Armchair

$595 / item

H 32.25 in W 21 in D 23.5 in

Refinished Nichols and Stone Maple Comb Back Maple Windsor Armchair

By Nichols & Stone

Located in Germantown, MD

A newly refinished set of maple comb back Windsor armchairs by Nichols and Stone. This set is in very good condition as it has been professionally refinished and keeping its vintage ...

Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Dining Room Chairs

Materials

Maple

18th Century English Stickback Windsor Armchair

$3,800

H 42 in W 27 in D 23.5 in

18th Century English Stickback Windsor Armchair

Located in Chicago, IL

This 18th-century English elm wood stickback Windsor armchair presents an aura of understated elegance and historical depth. Stripped of its original paint, the chair now bares the n...

Category

Antique 18th Century English Primitive Windsor Chairs

Materials

Elm

Get Updated with New Arrivals

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Windsor Barrel Chair For Sale on 1stDibs

At 1stDibs, there are many versions of the ideal windsor barrel chair for your home. Each windsor barrel chair for sale was constructed with extraordinary care, often using wood, hardwood and elm. There are many kinds of the windsor barrel chair you’re looking for, from those produced as long ago as the 19th Century to those made as recently as the 20th Century. A windsor barrel chair made by Victorian designers — as well as those associated with mid-century modern — is very popular. Akita Mokko and Statton Furniture each produced at least one beautiful windsor barrel chair that is worth considering.

How Much is a Windsor Barrel Chair?

The average selling price for a windsor barrel chair at 1stDibs is $1,982, while they’re typically $850 on the low end and $7,500 for the highest priced.

Finding the Right Seating for You

With entire areas of our homes reserved for “sitting rooms,” the value of quality antique and vintage seating cannot be overstated.

Fortunately, the design of side chairs, armchairs and other lounge furniture — since what were, quite literally, the early perches of our ancestors — has evolved considerably.

Among the earliest standard seating furniture were stools. Egyptian stools, for example, designed for one person with no seat back, were x-shaped and typically folded to be tucked away. These rudimentary chairs informed the design of Greek and Roman stools, all of which were a long way from Sori Yanagi's Butterfly stool or Alvar Aalto's Stool 60. In the 18th century and earlier, seats with backs and armrests were largely reserved for high nobility.

The seating of today is more inclusive but the style and placement of chairs can still make a statement. Antique desk chairs and armchairs designed in the style of Louis XV, which eventually included painted furniture and were often made of rare woods, feature prominently curved legs as well as Chinese themes and varied ornaments. Much like the thrones of fairy tales and the regency, elegant lounges crafted in the Louis XV style convey wealth and prestige. In the kitchen, the dining chair placed at the head of the table is typically reserved for the head of the household or a revered guest.

Of course, with luxurious vintage or antique furnishings, every chair can seem like the best seat in the house. Whether your preference is stretching out on a plush sofa, such as the Serpentine, designed by Vladimir Kagan, or cozying up in a vintage wingback chair, there is likely to be a comfy classic or contemporary gem for you on 1stDibs.

With respect to the latest obsessions in design, cane seating has been cropping up everywhere, from sleek armchairs to lounge chairs, while bouclé fabric, a staple of modern furniture design, can be seen in mid-century modern, Scandinavian modern and Hollywood Regency furniture styles.

Admirers of the sophisticated craftsmanship and dark woods frequently associated with mid-century modern seating can find timeless furnishings in our expansive collection of lounge chairs, dining chairs and other items — whether they’re vintage editions or alluring official reproductions of iconic designs from the likes of Hans Wegner or from Charles and Ray Eames. Shop our inventory of Egg chairs, designed in 1958 by Arne Jacobsen, the Florence Knoll lounge chair and more.

No matter your style, the collection of unique chairs, sofas and other seating on 1stDibs is surely worthy of a standing ovation.

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