What is a carver chair?

A carver chair is a dining chair with arms. It is sometimes called an elbow chair. Vintage carver chairs were often made in pairs as a part of a set of dining chairs. Reproductions of antique carver chairs are also very popular.

What does Carver chair mean?

A Carver chair is a type of seating crafted out of wood. Normally, the backs feature curved rails and may feature cutouts or spindles. Arms generally slope downwards and have only front supports. On 1stDibs, shop a collection of Carver chairs.

Where can I buy a carver chair?

Many stores sell carver chairs, and antique carver chairs can typically be found in secondhand/vintage shops across the country. Simple and comfortable, the carver chair is one of the most popular dining chairs in the United States. Here at 1stDibs, there are many different styles of carver chairs for sale .

What is a carver dining chair?

A carver dining chair is a kind of spool chair with legs rising above the seat level to frame the back and support the armrests. A theory about how carver chairs got their name is that the “master of the household” would sit at the head of the dining table and carve the meat that would be served for dinner. A widely reported origin story for the carver chair is that the name references a Pilgrim named John Carver, who was the founder of the Plymouth colony of Massachusetts in the United States. On 1stDibs, shop a range of antique and vintage carver chairs.

Is carver chair a brand?

Carver chairs do not refer to a specific furniture brand — a carver chair is a generic kind of dining chair, although it features the added comfort of armrests. Vintage carver dining chairs and antique carver chairs are frequently requested at furniture stores around the United States as a staple of the American household.

Why is it called a carver chair?

A theory about how carver chairs got their name is that the “master of the household” would sit at the head of the dining table and carve the meat that would be served for dinner. A widely reported origin story for the carver chair is that the name references a Pilgrim named John Carver, who was the founder of the Plymouth colony of Massachusetts in the United States. Carver is said to have owned a dining chair with armrests. This theory has been challenged , however, as John Carver may have died before the first carver chairs were made.

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.

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.

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.

Why are dining chairs with arms called carvers?

No one knows for sure why some dining chairs with arms are called carvers. However, it likely relates to the historical use of these chairs. Technically, carver is the nickname for a specific type of dining chair with arms, not for all dining armchairs. A Colonial American design, a carver chair features a backrest that wraps around the sides and forms arms. Traditionally, the carver chair went at the head of the table, and often the family member responsible for carving the primary entrée sat at this place. As a result, the chair's purpose for seating the carver of the meal is one potential explanation for the nickname. Another is that the name comes from John Carver, the governor of the Plymouth Colony. Reportedly, Carver owned one of these chairs, and people began referring to them by his name as a result. On 1stDibs, find an assortment of carver 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.

What did antique carver chairs originally look like?

The design has changed over the years, but most antique carver chairs were made of wood . Antique carver chairs were wide chairs made in 17th century New England — with backs that featured several supporting spindles — although there were no spindles between the armrests and the seat. Antique carver chairs were typically topped with decorative ornaments.

Windsor Carver Chair

Ercol Beech

Hoop Back Windsor

Georgian Carver

Double Stretcher Chairs

English Elm Chairs

Crinoline Chair

Smokers Bow Chairs

Rustic Wood Chairs Dining

Georgian Elm and Ash Wheel Back Windsor Carver Chair

$766

H 35 in W 22 in D 17 in

Georgian Elm and Ash Wheel Back Windsor Carver Chair

Located in Godshill, Isle of Wight

Georgian Elm and Ash Wheel Back Windsor Carver Chair This is an early 19th Century chair made from Elm with an Ash hooped back in the traditional Windsor style, it has a saddle sea...

Category

Antique 18th Century Georgian Windsor Chairs

Materials

Elm

Fretwork Back Elm Windsor Desk Chair This style is known by many names

$1,066

H 31 in W 25 in D 20 in

Fretwork Back Elm Windsor Desk Chair This style is known by many names

Located in Godshill, Isle of Wight

Fretwork Back Elm Windsor Desk Chair This style is known by many names Smokers Bow, Windsor Chair or Captain’s Chair A good original English Elm Windsor Carver Chair, all in ver...

Category

Antique 19th Century Country Windsor Chairs

Materials

Elm

Set of 6 English Oak and Elm Captain’s Chairs, Windsor Chairs

$5,473 / set

H 32 in W 26 in D 25 in

Set of 6 English Oak and Elm Captain’s Chairs, Windsor Chairs

Located in Godshill, Isle of Wight

Set of 6 English Oak and Elm Captain’s Chairs, Windsor Chairs This style is known by many names Smokers Bow, Windsor Chairs or Captain’s Chairs It is very rare to find and origina...

Category

Antique 1870s Country Windsor Chairs

Materials

Elm, Oak

19th Century Windsor Country Penny Seat Carver Chair

$957

H 37 in W 23 in D 20 in

19th Century Windsor Country Penny Seat Carver Chair

Located in Godshill, Isle of Wight

19th Century Windsor Country Penny Seat Carver Chair The chair has a curved back and spindles in the traditional Windsor style with a round seat and turned legs This lovely countr...

Category

Antique 1890s Victorian Windsor Chairs

Materials

Beech

Antique 19th Century Ash & Elm Windsor Carver Elbow-Chair – Fine Quality

$1,240Sale Price|30% Off

H 39.77 in W 22.45 in D 21.66 in

Antique 19th Century Ash & Elm Windsor Carver Elbow-Chair – Fine Quality

Located in Wisbech, England

Antique 19th Century Ash & Elm Windsor Armchair or Carver Elbow-Chair – Fine Quality An antique 19th-century Windsor armchair crafted from ash and elm, full of age, character, and p...

Category

Antique 19th Century British Windsor Chairs

Materials

Ash, Elm

Antique 19th Century Ash & Elm Windsor Armchair or Carver Elbow-Chair

$1,240Sale Price|30% Off

H 41.74 in W 23.23 in D 26.78 in

Antique 19th Century Ash & Elm Windsor Armchair or Carver Elbow-Chair

Located in Wisbech, England

Antique 19th Century Ash & Elm Windsor Armchair or Carver Elbow-Chair – Fine Quality An antique 19th-century Windsor armchair crafted from ash and elm, full of age, character, and p...

Category

Antique 19th Century British Windsor Chairs

Materials

Ash, Elm

Early 19th Century Beech and Elm Childs Country Carver Chair

$766

H 24 in W 16 in D 15 in

Early 19th Century Beech and Elm Childs Country Carver Chair

Located in Godshill, Isle of Wight

Early 19th century beech and elm childs country carver chair This is an early 19th century chair with an elm seat, it has a hooped back in the traditional Windsor style with a s...

Category

Antique Early 19th Century Country Windsor Chairs

Materials

Beech

Elm Country Carver Chair, Mid-Century Modern, Windsor Style, 1960

$1,025

H 41 in W 27 in D 19 in

Elm Country Carver Chair, Mid-Century Modern, Windsor Style, 1960

Located in Godshill, Isle of Wight

Elm Country Carver Chair with Crinoline Stretcher This is a craftsman made chair with an Elm seat, it has a hooped back in the traditional Windsor style with a saddle seat and turne...

Category

Vintage 1960s Mid-Century Modern Side Chairs

Materials

Elm

Antique 19th Century Yew & Elm Windsor Armchair or Carver Elbow Chair

$2,388Sale Price|30% Off

H 41.34 in W 21.66 in D 25.99 in

Antique 19th Century Yew & Elm Windsor Armchair or Carver Elbow Chair

Located in Wisbech, England

Antique 19th Century Yew & Elm Windsor Armchair or Carver Elbow Chair – Fine Quality An antique 19th-century Windsor armchair crafted from yew and elm, full of age, character, and pa...

Category

Antique 19th Century British Armchairs

Materials

Wood, Elm, Yew

Late 19th Century Solid Wood English Country Armchair Windsor Carver Elbow Chair

$1,800

H 41.75 in W 22.25 in D 23.25 in

Late 19th Century Solid Wood English Country Armchair Windsor Carver Elbow Chair

By Hooker Furniture, Widdicomb Furniture Co., American of Martinsville

Located in Miami, FL

Late 20th Century hand-crafted Solid Wood Windsor Armchair or Carver Elbow Chair. Features a classic spindle-back adding rustic European provincial flair with the exquisite silhouett...

Category

Antique Late 19th Century English British Colonial Armchairs

Materials

Wood, Elm

Recent Sales

English Oak and Elm Windsor Carver Chair

Sold

H 32 in W 26 in D 21 in

English Oak and Elm Windsor Carver Chair

Located in Godshill, Isle of Wight

English Oak and Elm Windsor Carver Chair This style is known by many names Smokers Bow, Windsor Chair or Captain’s Chair A very rare original English Oak and Elm Windsor Carver...

Category

Antique 1850s Country Windsor Chairs

Materials

Oak

Arts & Crafts High Back English Windsor Carver Chair

Sold

H 38 in W 20 in D 19 in

Arts & Crafts High Back English Windsor Carver Chair

Located in Godshill, Isle of Wight

Arts & Crafts high back English Windsor carver chair, A superior Arts & Crafts Windsor carver chair The chair has a superb saddle shaped solid elm seat with wedge back which add...

Category

Antique Late 19th Century Arts and Crafts Windsor Chairs

Materials

Beech

Georgian Elm and Ash Wheel Back Windsor Carver Chair

Sold

H 40 in W 22 in D 22 in

Georgian Elm and Ash Wheel Back Windsor Carver Chair

Located in Godshill, Isle of Wight

A Georgian elm and ash wheel back windsor carver chair This is an early 19th century chair made from elm and ash it has a hooped back in the traditional Windsor style, it has a sa...

Category

Antique Early 19th Century George III Windsor Chairs

Materials

Ash

Set of 7 Arts & Crafts Beech and Elm Windsor Carver Chairs

Sold

H 42 in W 22 in D 22 in

Set of 7 Arts & Crafts Beech and Elm Windsor Carver Chairs

Located in Godshill, Isle of Wight

Set of 7 Arts & Crafts beech and elm windsor carver chairs The chairs are large pieces with a Saddle seat, turned legs and a crinoline stretcher The chairs were made in the 19...

Category

Mid-20th Century Country Windsor Chairs

Materials

Elm

Pair of English Beech and Elm Slat Back Windsor Carver Chairs, Late 19th Century

Sold

H 47.25 in W 20.08 in D 25.6 in

Pair of English Beech and Elm Slat Back Windsor Carver Chairs, Late 19th Century

Located in Staffordshire, GB

Pair of English beech and elm slat back windsor carver chairs, late 19th century Near pair of his and hers (slightly different proportions & design) good original wear and rich color.

Category

Antique Late 19th Century English Windsor Chairs

Materials

Beech, Elm

Stick Back Ash & Elm Windsor Chair, Antique Rustic Country Made Carver Armchair

Sold

H 42.13 in W 24.02 in D 22.05 in

Stick Back Ash & Elm Windsor Chair, Antique Rustic Country Made Carver Armchair

Located in Bristol, GB

WINDSOR STICK BACK CHAIR Simple stylish lines with a large hoop back, generous seat and arms and turned legs separated by a simple H- stretcher Completely handmade and charming sli...

Category

Early 20th Century British Windsor Chairs

Materials

Wood, Ash, Elm

STICK BACK ASH & ELM WINDSOR CHAIR, Antique Rustic Country Made Carver armchair

Sold

H 42.92 in W 24.41 in D 24.02 in

STICK BACK ASH & ELM WINDSOR CHAIR, Antique Rustic Country Made Carver armchair

Located in Bristol, GB

WINDSOR STICK BACK CHAIR Simple stylish lines with a large hoop back, generous seat and arms and turned legs separated by a simple H- stretcher Completely handmade and charming slig...

Category

Early 20th Century British Windsor Chairs

Materials

Wood, Ash, Elm

Gorgeous Windsor Low Back Beechwood Carver Armchair on Ball and Reel Legs

Sold

H 29.93 in W 26.38 in D 25.6 in

Gorgeous Windsor Low Back Beechwood Carver Armchair on Ball and Reel Legs

Located in West Sussex, Pulborough

We are delighted to offer for sale this gorgeous Windsor beechwood chair on reel legs. This is such a pretty little chair. The wood used to make it it’s just lovely, both front le...

Category

Antique 19th Century English Victorian Windsor Chairs

Materials

Beech

Early 19th Elm Wheel Back Carver Chair

Sold

H 36 in W 21 in D 17 in

Early 19th Elm Wheel Back Carver Chair

Located in Godshill, Isle of Wight

An early 19th century elm wheel back carver chair The chair is early 19th century and made in the traditional Windsor style, it is a good sturdy chair the wood has a wonderful nat...

Category

Antique Early 19th Century Country Windsor Chairs

Materials

Elm

Victorian Beech and Elm Slat Back Carver Chair

Sold

H 41 in W 24 in D 18 in

Victorian Beech and Elm Slat Back Carver Chair

Located in Godshill, Isle of Wight

Victorian beech and elm slat back carver chair This superb old granddad chair has been cleaned and polished and given a new lease of life The chair is Victorian and made in beech...

Category

Antique Late 19th Century Country Windsor Chairs

Materials

Beech

Early Victorian Beech and Elm Wheel Back Carver Chair

Sold

H 36 in W 20 in D 18 in

Early Victorian Beech and Elm Wheel Back Carver Chair

Located in Godshill, Isle of Wight

An early Victorian beech and elm wheel back carver chair The chair is early Victorian and made in the traditional Windsor style, it has the most charming curls carved into the end...

Category

Antique 1840s Country Windsor Chairs

Materials

Beech

Early 19th Century Ash and Elm Hoop Back Country Carver Chair

Sold

H 37 in W 20 in L 37 in

Early 19th Century Ash and Elm Hoop Back Country Carver Chair

Located in Godshill, Isle of Wight

Early 19th century ash and elm hoop back country carver chair This is an early 19th century chair with an elm seat, it has a hooped back in the traditional Windsor style with a sa...

Category

Antique Early 19th Century Country Windsor Chairs

Materials

Ash

Pair of 1940s Elm Captain carver chairs CC41 Utility Design Furniture

Sold

H 31.11 in W 22.05 in D 23.63 in

Pair of 1940s Elm Captain carver chairs CC41 Utility Design Furniture

Located in Stow on the Wold, GB

Good quality pair of Captain's or Carver chairs. Solid Elm seat and back and Beech legs. One chair has Beech arms and the other has Elm arms.. Date from the 1940s Very nice turned ...

Category

Mid-20th Century English Rustic Windsor Chairs

Materials

Beech, Elm

Elm Country Carver Chair with Crinoline Stretcher This is a craftsman made chai

Sold

H 41 in W 27 in D 22 in

Elm Country Carver Chair with Crinoline Stretcher This is a craftsman made chai

Located in Godshill, Isle of Wight

Elm Country Carver Chair with Crinoline Stretcher This is a craftsman made chair with an Elm seat, it has a hooped back in the traditional Windsor style with a saddle seat and turne...

Category

Mid-20th Century Country Windsor Chairs

Materials

Elm

C.19th Set of 6 Elm Ash Beech Windsor Farmhouse Kitchen Dining Chairs and Carver

Sold

H 32.88 in W 17.52 in D 17.33 in

C.19th Set of 6 Elm Ash Beech Windsor Farmhouse Kitchen Dining Chairs and Carver

Located in Leeds, GB

A set of 6 elm, ash and beech country windsor dining chairs and carver, dating from the late 19th century.

Category

Antique 1890s English Country Dining Room Chairs

Materials

Ash, Elm, Beech

Six Vintage Ercol stick windsor back chairs with two Armchairs

Sold

H 37.8 in W 16.93 in D 16.15 in

Six Vintage Ercol stick windsor back chairs with two Armchairs

By Ercol

Located in Bishop's Stortford, GB

Six Vintage Ercol stick windsor back chairs with two carvers, armchairs. Labelled with original ERCOL stamp.

Category

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

Materials

Elm

Vintage Ercol Folding table and six stick windsor back chairs with two Armchairs

Sold

H 37.8 in W 16.93 in D 16.15 in

Vintage Ercol Folding table and six stick windsor back chairs with two Armchairs

By Ercol

Located in Bishop's Stortford, GB

Vintage Ercol Folding table and six stick windsor back chairs with two carvers, armchairs. Labelled with original ERCOL stamp.

Category

Mid-20th Century British Mid-Century Modern Dining Room Sets

Materials

Elm

Two Windsor Antique Carver Chairs

Sold

H 40 in W 19.5 in D 16 in

Two Windsor Antique Carver Chairs

Located in Billingshurst, GB

Two tall Windsor antique wheelback carver chairs. Lovely wide elm seats fully restored, circa 1840.

Category

Antique Early 19th Century British Country Chairs

Materials

Wood

19th Century Harlequin Set of Eight Wheel Back Windsor Chairs

Sold

H 35.5 in W 15 in D 14 in

19th Century Harlequin Set of Eight Wheel Back Windsor Chairs

Located in Billingshurst, GB

19th century set of six and two carver wheel back windsor chairs. The hoop backs enclosing a fretted centre splat with pierced wheel motif flanked by six turned spindles.

Category

Antique Early 19th Century British Country Chairs

Materials

Wood

Mid Century Windsor Ercol Carver Chair Cc41 290 Model F182, 1940s 50s

Sold

H 33.08 in W 23.63 in D 18.9 in

Mid Century Windsor Ercol Carver Chair Cc41 290 Model F182, 1940s 50s

By Ercol, Lucian Ercolani

Located in Leamington Spa, GB

Windsor Ercol Chair CC41 290, Model F182. A rare very early Ercol Windsor chair, featuring the original quality stamp.

Category

Mid-20th Century British Mid-Century Modern Chairs

Materials

Beech, Elm

Mid Century Ercol Windsor Dining Chairs, 1960s, Set Of 6 (Including 2x Carvers)

Sold

H 32.29 in W 15.75 in D 15.75 in

Mid Century Ercol Windsor Dining Chairs, 1960s, Set Of 6 (Including 2x Carvers)

By Ercol, Lucian Ercolani

Located in Ely, GB

Set of 6, Ercol Windsor Hoop-Back Chairs, 1960s. 4x Standard Chairs, 2x Carver Armchairs.

Category

Vintage 1960s British Mid-Century Modern Dining Room Chairs

Materials

Beech, Elm

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Located in Los Angeles, CA

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Seating Under $2,000

Antique and Vintage Seating

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Windsor Carver Chair For Sale on 1stDibs

With a vast inventory of beautiful furniture at 1stDibs, we’ve got just the windsor carver chair you’re looking for. A windsor carver chair — often made from wood, hardwood and beech — can elevate any home. There are many kinds of the windsor carver 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 carver chair, designed in the Arts and Crafts or Georgian style, is generally a popular piece of furniture.

How Much is a Windsor Carver Chair?

The average selling price for a windsor carver chair at 1stDibs is $1,096, while they’re typically $746 on the low end and $6,663 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.

Questions About Windsor Carver Chair

What is a carver chair?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertJune 5, 2020
A carver chair is a dining chair with arms. It is sometimes called an elbow chair. Vintage carver chairs were often made in pairs as a part of a set of dining chairs. Reproductions of antique carver chairs are also very popular.
What does Carver chair mean?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
A Carver chair is a type of seating crafted out of wood. Normally, the backs feature curved rails and may feature cutouts or spindles. Arms generally slope downwards and have only front supports. On 1stDibs, shop a collection of Carver chairs.
Where can I buy a carver chair?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertOctober 21, 2020
Many stores sell carver chairs, and antique carver chairs can typically be found in secondhand/vintage shops across the country. Simple and comfortable, the carver chair is one of the most popular dining chairs in the United States. Here at 1stDibs, there are many different styles of carver chairs for sale.
What is a carver dining chair?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertOctober 12, 2021
A carver dining chair is a kind of spool chair with legs rising above the seat level to frame the back and support the armrests. A theory about how carver chairs got their name is that the “master of the household” would sit at the head of the dining table and carve the meat that would be served for dinner. A widely reported origin story for the carver chair is that the name references a Pilgrim named John Carver, who was the founder of the Plymouth colony of Massachusetts in the United States. On 1stDibs, shop a range of antique and vintage carver chairs.
Is carver chair a brand?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertOctober 21, 2020
Carver chairs do not refer to a specific furniture brand — a carver chair is a generic kind of dining chair, although it features the added comfort of armrests. Vintage carver dining chairs and antique carver chairs are frequently requested at furniture stores around the United States as a staple of the American household.
Why is it called a carver chair?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertOctober 21, 2020
A theory about how carver chairs got their name is that the “master of the household” would sit at the head of the dining table and carve the meat that would be served for dinner. A widely reported origin story for the carver chair is that the name references a Pilgrim named John Carver, who was the founder of the Plymouth colony of Massachusetts in the United States. Carver is said to have owned a dining chair with armrests. This theory has been challenged, however, as John Carver may have died before the first carver chairs were made.
How do you identify a Windsor chair?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertMay 5, 2023
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.
What is a Windsor back chair?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022
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.
Why is it called a Windsor chair?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertFebruary 14, 2023
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?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertOctober 26, 2021
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.
Why are dining chairs with arms called carvers?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertNovember 13, 2024
No one knows for sure why some dining chairs with arms are called carvers. However, it likely relates to the historical use of these chairs. Technically, carver is the nickname for a specific type of dining chair with arms, not for all dining armchairs. A Colonial American design, a carver chair features a backrest that wraps around the sides and forms arms. Traditionally, the carver chair went at the head of the table, and often the family member responsible for carving the primary entrée sat at this place. As a result, the chair's purpose for seating the carver of the meal is one potential explanation for the nickname. Another is that the name comes from John Carver, the governor of the Plymouth Colony. Reportedly, Carver owned one of these chairs, and people began referring to them by his name as a result. On 1stDibs, find an assortment of carver chairs.
How do I identify a Windsor rocking chair?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
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?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertSeptember 28, 2021
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.
What did antique carver chairs originally look like?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertOctober 21, 2020
The design has changed over the years, but most antique carver chairs were made of wood. Antique carver chairs were wide chairs made in 17th century New England — with backs that featured several supporting spindles — although there were no spindles between the armrests and the seat. Antique carver chairs were typically topped with decorative ornaments.

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