Question 1

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 2

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 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

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 5

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 6

What is a platform rocking chair?

Accepted Answer

A platform rocking chair is a rocking chair constructed to have the rockers on a fixed platform rather than the floor. You’ll find a collection of vintage and contemporary platform rocking chairs from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.

Question 7

What does a rocking chair symbolize?

Accepted Answer

What a rocking chair symbolizes is largely a matter of individual interpretation. Some people associate rocking chairs with comfort or relaxation. Because people often sit in the chairs to gently rock babies to sleep, the furniture may also represent parenthood or motherhood. On 1stDibs, explore a diverse assortment of rocking chairs.

Question 8

How old is the rocking chair?

Accepted Answer

The rocking chair is more than 275 years old. Early models date back to around 1725 and were made by outfitting Windsor chairs with skates. By 1787, rocking chairs were common enough for the word to be added to the English dictionary. On 1stDibs, shop a diverse assortment of rocking chairs.

Question 9

What is a Boston rocking chair?

Accepted Answer

A Boston rocking chair is a wooden rocking chair with a decorative top panel and a seat and arms that curve down towards the front. Find an assortment of rocking chairs from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.

Question 10

What is a Windsor rocking chair?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 11

What is the purpose of a rocking chair?

Accepted Answer

A rocking chair helps soothe infants, children, and adults alike. The rocking and swaying movement helps create a meditative and lethargic state.

Question 12

How do I identify a Thonet rocking chair?

Accepted Answer

To identify a Thonet rocking chair, look for the company name. You will normally find it stamped directly onto the underside of the seat, arms or legs. You can find a collection of expertly vetted Thonet rocking chairs on 1stDibs.

Question 13

How do you clean a wooden rocking chair?

Accepted Answer

A wooden rocking chair can be cleaned using a sponge, soap, and water. After, you should proceed to pat the rocking chair down with a cloth.

Question 14

How do you tell if your rocking chair is an antique?

Accepted Answer

To tell if your rocking chair is an antique, search the back, rockers and the underside of the seat for a label, stamp or other marking. If you locate one, conduct online research using trusted resources to learn about the maker. By finding out when the manufacturer produced chairs similar to yours, you may be able to determine if your chair is at least 100 years old, making it an antique. If you cannot find a maker's mark, consider contacting a certified appraiser or antique dealer and asking them to date your piece for you. Explore a range of antique rocking chairs on 1stDibs.

Question 15

How do I identify a Windsor rocking chair?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 16

How much is a wooden rocking chair worth?

Accepted Answer

The cost of a wooden rocking chair varies depending on the type of wood used, its finish and craftsmanship. Also, the period that the rocking chair belongs to will define the price of the chair. An antique rocking chair might cost between $500 and $1,500 while a contemporary rocking chair may cost somewhere between $150 and $400. Find a variety of antique, vintage, and contemporary wooden rocking chairs on 1stDibs.

Question 17

Did Benjamin Franklin invent the rocking chair?

Accepted Answer

No, Benjamin Franklin did not invent the rocking chair. This common misconception is linked to an erroneous statement made in the book The Rocking Chair: An American Institution, published in 1921. In actuality, rocking chairs were created by English farmers early in the 18th century. Early American examples date back to around 1830. On 1stDibs, find a wide variety of rocking chairs.

Question 18

How do you tell the age of an old rocking chair?

Accepted Answer

To tell the age of an old rocking chair, search under the seat, the legs and the bottom of the rockers for a maker's marking. By researching the maker and learning about how the characteristics of its pieces evolved over the years, you can often get a rough idea of how old your rocking chair is. If you are unable to find a mark, your piece could be a newer handcrafted item or an antique, in which case it would be helpful to have a certified appraiser or knowledgeable antique dealer evaluate your piece. An expert can also assist you if you run into any difficulty dating your piece. Explore a variety of rocking chairs on 1stDibs.

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