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.

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 is the best office desk chair?

There are many kinds of office chairs — it is a matter of preference. An office desk chair should have a few features such as adjustability in height, backrests and armrests, lumbar support, sufficient seat depth and width, sufficient padding in breathable material, and swivel and casters for easy movement. On 1stDibs, explore a diverse collection of office desk chairs today.

What chair is best for a George Nakashima Origins for Widdicomb desk?

Which chair is best for a George Nakashima Origins for Widdicomb desk is largely a matter of preference. George Nakashima chairs with Shaker-inspired spindle backs like the Mira and Conoid tend to complement the lines of the desks in the collection. However, you can mix and match styles to create an eclectic look. On 1stDibs, shop a collection of George Nakashima desks and chairs.

Windsor Desk Chair

Spindle Desk

Colonial American Desk

Windsor Spindle Back

Bow Back Chair

Captains Chair 19th Century

English Elm Chairs

Rotating Desk

Writing Arm Chair

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

$842Sale Price|20% Off

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

Category

Antique 19th Century Country Windsor Chairs

Materials

Elm

Museum Grade Sculpted Tall Oak 2-Drawer Writing Windsor Chair / Desk, C.1890s

$4,692Sale Price|20% Off

H 50.5 in W 36 in D 24 in

Museum Grade Sculpted Tall Oak 2-Drawer Writing Windsor Chair / Desk, C.1890s

Located in Germantown, MD

The Comb-Back, spindle and brace back Windsor Writing chair / Desk features a traditional sack-back

Category

Antique Late 19th Century American Victorian Windsor Chairs

Materials

Oak

1930s Fiddleback Oak Windsor Style Tilting and Rolling Desk Chair W/ Saddle Seat

$1,396Sale Price|30% Off

H 43.5 in W 26 in D 26 in

1930s Fiddleback Oak Windsor Style Tilting and Rolling Desk Chair W/ Saddle Seat

Located in Germantown, MD

A rare 1930s Fiddleback Oak high back Windsor Style Tilting back and Rolling Desk Chair With Saddle

Category

Early 20th Century American Edwardian Office Chairs and Desk Chairs

Materials

Iron

19th Century William IV Mahogany Windsor Chair

$4,094

H 29 in W 28 in D 24 in

19th Century William IV Mahogany Windsor Chair

Located in Dublin 8, IE

19th Century William IV mahogany Windsor chair. This bow back desk chair has been recovered with a

Category

Antique 19th Century English William IV Office Chairs and Desk Chairs

Materials

Brass

Windsor Chair B952F by Adolf Loos for Thonet

$3,509

H 39.38 in W 24.02 in D 16.93 in

Windsor Chair B952F by Adolf Loos for Thonet

By Thonet, Adolf Loos

Located in Banská Štiavnica, SK

Windsor chair B952F by Adolf Loos for Thonet in very good original condition.

Category

Antique Early 1900s Austrian Vienna Secession Office Chairs and Desk Chairs

Materials

Wood, Beech

SUPER RARE HIGHLY COLLECTABLE BURR YEW WOOD WINDSOR SWiVEL CAPTAINS OFFICE CHAIR

$3,848

H 29.93 in W 25.79 in D 24.81 in

SUPER RARE HIGHLY COLLECTABLE BURR YEW WOOD WINDSOR SWiVEL CAPTAINS OFFICE CHAIR

Located in West Sussex, Pulborough

exact price. This chair is really quite exquisite, I have never seen a Windsor office chair before and

Category

20th Century English Victorian Office Chairs and Desk Chairs

Materials

Yew

THEODORE ALEXANDER SECRETAIRE DESK & GOTHIC REVIVAL WiNDSOR BROWN LEATHER CHAIR

$5,198 / set

H 33.08 in W 42.33 in D 22.05 in

THEODORE ALEXANDER SECRETAIRE DESK & GOTHIC REVIVAL WiNDSOR BROWN LEATHER CHAIR

By Theodore Alexander

Located in West Sussex, Pulborough

Windsor chair with the never seen before, brown leather seat pad which has aged beautifully and is held in

Category

20th Century English Gothic Revival Desks

Materials

Leather, Hardwood

Windsor style swivel adjustable height office chair

$1,328Sale Price|20% Off

H 32.5 in W 23 in D 23 in

Windsor style swivel adjustable height office chair

Located in Pasadena, TX

Windsor style swivel adjustable height desk chair Arm length - 23 Arm height -25 Seat height 16 1

Category

Late 20th Century Swivel Chairs

Materials

Wood

Recent Sales

English Windsor Armchair Desk Chair Carved Elm Ash Stickback

Unavailable

H 35.01 in W 22.68 in D 23.08 in

English Windsor Armchair Desk Chair Carved Elm Ash Stickback

Located in Newcastle upon Tyne, GB

An impressive 19th century stickback Windsor armchair. Framed in carved ash with a carved solid

Category

Antique 19th Century English Windsor Chairs

Materials

Elm

Windsor Desk Chair With Swivel Base

Sold

H 19 in W 18 in D 17.5 in

Windsor Desk Chair With Swivel Base

Located in Culver City, CA

Windsor desk chair, unusual form with swivel base, hand crafted rails.

Category

Early 20th Century Office Chairs and Desk Chairs

Materials

Wood

Large American Windsor Desk Chair

Sold

H 46.5 in W 31 in D 29 in

Large American Windsor Desk Chair

Located in Austin, TX

A handsome large American Windsor high back desk (or writing) chair with original painted finish

Category

Antique 19th Century American Windsor Chairs

RARE BARRELL-BACK WINDSOR FORM SWIVELING DESK CHAIR, 1830-40

Sold

H NaN in W NaN in D NaN in

RARE BARRELL-BACK WINDSOR FORM SWIVELING DESK CHAIR, 1830-40

Located in York County, PA

RARE BARRELL-BACK WINDSOR FORM SWIVELING DESK CHAIR, 1830-40: American, barrell-back

Category

Antique 19th Century American Chairs

RARE LOWBACK WINDSOR WRITING ARMCHAIR W/DRAWERS

Sold

H 32 in W 32 in D 32 in

RARE LOWBACK WINDSOR WRITING ARMCHAIR W/DRAWERS

Located in Los Angeles, CA

RARE STATE OF MAINE ORIGINAL PAINT DECORATED LOWBACK WINDSOR WRITING ARMCHAIR W/ DRAWERS IN

Category

Antique 19th Century American Office Chairs and Desk Chairs

Antique Desk Chair, Victorian Captain's Armchair, Oak, Windsor, circa 1890

Sold

H 31.11 in W 20.97 in D 18.9 in

Antique Desk Chair, Victorian Captain's Armchair, Oak, Windsor, circa 1890

Located in Hele, Devon, GB

This is an antique desk chair, a rotating and reclining Victorian captain's armchair in oak. A

Category

Antique 19th Century English Victorian Chairs

Materials

Oak

Vintage River Bend Chair Co. Windsor Bow Back Colonial Desk Accent Side Chair

Sold

H 38.5 in W 19.5 in D 20 in

Vintage River Bend Chair Co. Windsor Bow Back Colonial Desk Accent Side Chair

Located in Dayton, OH

Late 20th century bow back Windsor chair by River bend Chair Co. Features a black crackle finish

Category

Late 20th Century American Colonial Side Chairs

Materials

Hardwood

Antique Folk Art Green Painted Windsor Spindle Back Side Desk Chair Farmhouse

Sold

H 34 in W 15.5 in D 16 in

Antique Folk Art Green Painted Windsor Spindle Back Side Desk Chair Farmhouse

Located in Dayton, OH

Antique Hitchcock style Windsor spindle back side chair painted green with a pink rose accent.

Category

Early 20th Century Folk Art Side Chairs

Materials

Hardwood, Paint

Windsor Leather Seat Swivel Desk Chair

Sold

H 42 in W 25 in D 24 in

Windsor Leather Seat Swivel Desk Chair

Located in Pomona, CA

An English Windsor-style leather seat and arms swivel desk chair.

Category

Vintage 1960s English Office Chairs and Desk Chairs

Materials

Leather, Oak

Vintage Curtis Products American Colonial Maple Windsor Writing Desk Arm Chair

Sold

H 40.5 in W 33.5 in D 28 in

Vintage Curtis Products American Colonial Maple Windsor Writing Desk Arm Chair

Located in Philadelphia, PA

Vintage Curtis Products American Colonial Maple Wood Windsor writing desk arm chair. Item features

Category

Mid-20th Century North American American Colonial Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Maple

Frederick Duckloe Cherry Windsor Spindle Back Right and Left Writing Desk Chairs

Sold

H 46 in W 33 in D 33 in

Frederick Duckloe Cherry Windsor Spindle Back Right and Left Writing Desk Chairs

Located in Philadelphia, PA

Frederick Duckloe Cherry Windsor Spindle Back Right and Left Writing Desk Chair - a Pair. Item

Category

Mid-20th Century American Colonial Desks

Materials

Cherry, Oak

Windsor Office Arm Chair

Sold

H 39 in W 26 in D 17 in

Windsor Office Arm Chair

Located in Culver City, CA

Perhaps from Wallace Nutting this revolving arm chair with knuckle arms will add interest to any

Category

Early 20th Century American Office Chairs and Desk Chairs

Materials

Wood

19th C SEA CAPTAIN'S WINDSOR WRITING ARM CHAIR

Sold

H 31 in W 30.5 in D 33 in

19th C SEA CAPTAIN'S WINDSOR WRITING ARM CHAIR

Located in Essex, MA

Early sea captain's writing windsor arm chair, designed for multifunctional use aboard a ship, the

Category

Antique 19th Century Office Chairs and Desk Chairs

Pair of Windsor Chairs

Sold

H 35.5 in W 15 in D 17 in

Pair of Windsor Chairs

Located in Wainscott, NY

Early Pair of Attractive Faux Bamboo Windsor Chairs, Sturdy, perfect desk chair

Category

Antique 19th Century Chairs

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Pair of American Hoopback Windsor Chairs

$4,200

H 42 in W 24.5 in D 21.5 in

Pair of American Hoopback Windsor Chairs

Located in Chicago, IL

A pair of 20th century American Windsor chairs with continuous hoop backs, saddles seats, turned legs tapering to narrow feet, and their original black painted finishes. Perfect at a...

Category

20th Century American American Colonial Windsor Chairs

Materials

Wood

Early 20th C. Oak and Vinyl Upholstered Seat Rolling & Swivelling Banker's Chair

$542Sale Price|30% Off

H 35 in W 23.5 in D 20 in

Early 20th C. Oak and Vinyl Upholstered Seat Rolling & Swivelling Banker's Chair

Located in Germantown, MD

An Early 20th Century Oak and Vinyl Upholstered Seat Rolling, tilting and Swivelling Banker's Chair. Measures 23.5" in width, 20" in depth and stands 35" tall. Seat height adjustable...

Category

Early 20th Century American Edwardian Office Chairs and Desk Chairs

Materials

Upholstery, Oak

Empire Mahogany Desk Chair, Early 19th Century

$9,500

H 30 in W 24 in D 20 in

Empire Mahogany Desk Chair, Early 19th Century

Located in Spencertown, NY

The desk chair with carved diamond motif on crest and richly carved griffin wings above articulated paw feet with tan colored leather upholstery. Height: 30" Seat height: 17" Depth: ...

Category

Antique Early 19th Century French Empire Office Chairs and Desk Chairs

Materials

Leather, Mahogany

19th Century Upholstered Mahogany Library Chair, England Circa 1840

$3,200

H 33 in W 25.5 in D 23.5 in

19th Century Upholstered Mahogany Library Chair, England Circa 1840

Located in Ottawa, Ontario

The mahogany frame showing a button tufted backrest and open armrests above a sprung seat, raised on turned front supports and splayed rear supports fitted with brass castors. (Dear...

Category

Antique 1840s English Victorian Club Chairs

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Windsor Desk Chair For Sale on 1stDibs

Find many varieties of an authentic windsor desk chair available at 1stDibs. Each windsor desk chair for sale was constructed with extraordinary care, often using wood, hardwood and elm. Whether you’re looking for an older or newer windsor desk chair, there are earlier versions available from the 19th Century and newer variations made as recently as the 20th Century. Each windsor desk chair bearing Folk Art or Victorian hallmarks is very popular.

How Much is a Windsor Desk Chair?

Prices for a windsor desk chair start at $335 and top out at $3,895 with the average selling for $1,384.

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 Desk Chair

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.
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 is the best office desk chair?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertOctober 19, 2021
There are many kinds of office chairs — it is a matter of preference. An office desk chair should have a few features such as adjustability in height, backrests and armrests, lumbar support, sufficient seat depth and width, sufficient padding in breathable material, and swivel and casters for easy movement. On 1stDibs, explore a diverse collection of office desk chairs today.
What chair is best for a George Nakashima Origins for Widdicomb desk?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022
Which chair is best for a George Nakashima Origins for Widdicomb desk is largely a matter of preference. George Nakashima chairs with Shaker-inspired spindle backs like the Mira and Conoid tend to complement the lines of the desks in the collection. However, you can mix and match styles to create an eclectic look. On 1stDibs, shop a collection of George Nakashima desks and chairs.

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