Wingback Chairs
Early 1900s Arts and Crafts Antique Wingback Chairs
Fabric, Oak
1910s English Arts and Crafts Vintage Wingback Chairs
Oak
1810s English Regency Antique Wingback Chairs
Hardwood, Leather
Early 19th Century English Regency Antique Wingback Chairs
Mahogany
20th Century American Wingback Chairs
Velvet, Wood
1960s American Queen Anne Vintage Wingback Chairs
Damask, Maple
1970s Norwegian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Wingback Chairs
Leather, Rosewood
2010s British Wingback Chairs
Leather, Hardwood, Mahogany
Early 20th Century Scottish Rustic Wingback Chairs
Straw, Wood
Mid-20th Century Central American Wingback Chairs
Horn, Leather
Mid-20th Century British George III Wingback Chairs
Upholstery
21st Century and Contemporary Asian Georgian Wingback Chairs
Wood
1890s American Queen Anne Antique Wingback Chairs
Burlap, Muslin, Wood
1960s British Mid-Century Modern Vintage Wingback Chairs
Bouclé, Birch
20th Century English Chesterfield Wingback Chairs
Leather
Early 20th Century Swedish Victorian Wingback Chairs
Leather, Wood
Mid-20th Century American Regency Wingback Chairs
Rattan
1890s English Arts and Crafts Antique Wingback Chairs
Wool, Mahogany
1890s English Arts and Crafts Antique Wingback Chairs
Wool, Mahogany
Late 20th Century American Regency Wingback Chairs
Leather, Upholstery
Mid-20th Century North American Regency Wingback Chairs
Velvet
20th Century American Regency Wingback Chairs
Brass
Late 20th Century North American Regency Wingback Chairs
Leather
20th Century English Regency Wingback Chairs
Leather
Early 20th Century American Arts and Crafts Wingback Chairs
Oak
1970s French Arts and Crafts Vintage Wingback Chairs
Bamboo
1810s English Regency Antique Wingback Chairs
Mahogany
Early 19th Century English Regency Antique Wingback Chairs
Mahogany
Antique, New and Vintage Wingback Chairs
They may not offer structural support, but the wings on antique and vintage wingback chairs certainly do have a purpose or did, when the design was 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 explains why the wingback is so 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 and have seen waves of revivals, from mid-century modern spinoffs 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).
Shop the most innovative versions of wingback chairs today on 1stDibs.