Question 1

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 2

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 3

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 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

Are accent chairs good?

Accepted Answer

Yes, accent chairs are good additions to a seating area. Not only do they provide extra seating for your family and guests, but they also add interest to the decor. By carefully selecting accent chairs, you can incorporate new colors and textures into your room. Plus, accent chairs are designed for comfort and can help make living rooms and other spaces feel more inviting. On 1stDibs, find a large collection of accent chairs.

Question 7

Is an armchair the same as an accent chair?

Accepted Answer

Whether an armchair is an accent chair varies from piece to piece. Any chair with arms is an armchair, while an accent chair is a decorative chair typically used in a seating area. Armchairs include dining chairs with arms as well as accent chairs, and some accent chairs don't have arms at all. Only a decorative seating area chair with arms can be called both an armchair and an accent chair. Shop a large collection of chairs on 1stDibs.

Question 8

Should accent chairs be comfortable?

Accepted Answer

Although opinions vary, most people prefer that their accent chairs are comfortable. Accent chairs help to enhance the appearance of a seating area, but they also function as seats in many living rooms. As a result, when selecting one, you may want to keep in mind how it feels to sit in an accent chair as well as how it looks. Find a wide variety of accent chairs on 1stDibs.

Question 9

What are accent chairs called?

Accepted Answer

Accent chairs are sometimes called occasional chairs. However, accent chair is also a commonly used name. People may also describe accent chairs by their type. For example, an accent chair with wings on either side of the backrest is a wingback chair, while a slipper chair is a chair without arms. On 1stDibs, shop a collection of accent chairs.

Question 10

Why is it called an accent chair? DISABLED for question id 2072902

Accepted Answer

An accent chair is called that because its purpose is to stand out in a space and add interest to a room. As a verb, accent means to emphasize something, and an accent chair emphasizes a particular spot in a room by drawing the eye to it. Shop a collection of accent chairs on 1stDibs.

Question 11

What is a boucle accent chair?

Accepted Answer

A bouclé accent chair is a chair that features a specific type of upholstery called bouclé. It is a combination of looped and woven wool that has a soft, cozy feel. The word "bouclé" means curl in French and refers to the looping wool fibers that make up the upholstery. On 1stDibs, find a selection of bouclé accent chairs.

Question 12

What is an accent chair in a bedroom?

Accepted Answer

In a bedroom, an accent chair is a decorative chair designed to provide comfortable seating. Some people create small sitting areas in their bedrooms and use accent chairs to furnish them. Alternatively, a single accent chair may be placed somewhere in a bedroom to offer a place to sit while putting on shoes and accessories. An accent chair may also be positioned in front of a dressing table or desk in a bedroom. Shop a wide range of accent chairs on 1stDibs.

Question 13

What is a slipper accent chair?

Accepted Answer

A slipper chair is a chair that sits low to the ground and has no arms. They’re traditionally used as accent pieces or additional seating options. Most slipper chairs are not part of a set of furniture but are purchased separately. Find an assortment of slipper chairs from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.

Question 14

What is an accent chair used for?

Accepted Answer

Accent chairs are single-seat chairs that are used not only as an additional seating space, but also to add visual interest to a room. They are designed to be a focal point in a room — perhaps the color of the upholstery is offbeat or unconventional, perhaps the frame is especially ornate. These chairs are seating pieces that have a role beyond just their basic function. Find a collection of antique and vintage accent chairs on 1stDibs.

Question 15

Why is it called an accent chair?

Accepted Answer

Why it is called an accent chair relates to the function of this type of seating. In a living room or other seating area, an accent chair provides an additional place to sit while also enhancing the appearance of the room. An accent chair can introduce new colors, textures and lines to a space, acting as an attractive accent piece. Find a large collection of accent chairs on 1stDibs.

Question 16

What is the difference between dining chairs and accent chairs?

Accepted Answer

The difference between dining chairs and accent chairs is primarily their function. Generally, dining chairs are used in dining areas, where they provide comfortable seating for people to use while eating at tables. You'll normally find accent chairs in seating areas and other parts of the home, where users can sit on them while they read, make conversation or enjoy other relaxing activities. Shop a wide variety of antique, vintage and contemporary chairs on 1stDibs.

Question 17

What is the difference between an occasional chair and an accent chair?

Accepted Answer

The difference between an occasional chair and an accent chair comes down to usage. An occasional chair is a decorative chair that is placed in a room for its look rather than to function as an everyday seating solution. As a result, occasional chairs may be used infrequently. An accent chair is any decorative chair placed in a seating area. They can be used only occasionally or on a daily basis. Explore a wide variety of chairs on 1stDibs.

Question 18

What is the difference between a lounge chair and an accent chair?

Accepted Answer

The difference between a lounge chair and an accent chair pertains to purpose. Typically, a lounge chair is wider and deeper than an accent chair and tends to have a thicker cushion. These stylistic differences owe to the fact that lounge chairs are meant to provide luxurious, comfortable seating for long periods of time, while accent chairs are more often intended to add visual appeal to a living room. On 1stDibs, shop a collection of living room chairs.

Question 19

What is the difference between an accent chair and a dining chair?

Accepted Answer

The difference between an accent chair and a dining chair comes down to function and design. An accent chair usually goes in a seating area, and makers craft them with comfort in mind. As a result, most accent chairs feature cushioning and upholstery and are characterized by generous proportions. The purpose of a dining chair is to provide a place to sit while enjoying a meal. Usually, dining chairs are lighter and smaller than accent chairs for easy maneuvering. While they may have padded seats and backrests, dining chairs generally aren't as abundantly cushioned as accent chairs. Explore a large selection of chairs on 1stDibs.

Question 20

Are accent chairs meant to be used?

Accepted Answer

Yes, accent chairs are meant to be used. Although they enhance the appearance of a space, accent chairs can also serve as comfortable seats. In fact, many of the most iconic accent chairs like Charles and Ray Eames' Eames lounge chair and Arne Jacobsen's Egg chair were designed to both please the eye and comfortably support the contours of the human body. Explore a wide range of accent chairs on 1stDibs.

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