Wingback Barrel Chairs
Antique 1840s English Early Victorian Wingback Chairs
Upholstery
Antique Early 19th Century English Wingback Chairs
Hardwood
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Wingback Chairs
Brass
Antique 19th Century English Wingback Chairs
Upholstery
Antique 1840s British Early Victorian Wingback Chairs
Brass
21st Century and Contemporary Asian Georgian Wingback Chairs
Wood
Antique 1810s English Regency Wingback Chairs
Hardwood, Leather
Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Slipper Chairs
Fabric, Wood
Antique 19th Century Armchairs
Leather
Recent Sales
2010s American Chairs
Brass
Late 20th Century Modern Wingback Chairs
Upholstery, Hardwood
Antique Late 18th Century British George III Wingback Chairs
Upholstery, Wood, Oak
Antique 19th Century English Wingback Chairs
Leather, Wood
21st Century and Contemporary British Victorian Wingback Chairs
Leather
Antique 19th Century American Wingback Chairs
Wood
Antique 19th Century English Georgian Wingback Chairs
Fabric, Mahogany
Antique 19th Century English Wingback Chairs
Wood
Antique 1880s English High Victorian Wingback Chairs
Upholstery, Hardwood
Antique 19th Century English Wingback Chairs
Leather
Antique 19th Century English Wingback Chairs
Wood
Antique 1830s English Victorian Wingback Chairs
Brass
Early 20th Century English Wingback Chairs
Wood
Vintage 1940s American American Classical Wingback Chairs
Upholstery
Vintage 1930s American Wingback Chairs
Mahogany
21st Century and Contemporary Modern Wingback Chairs
Leather
Antique Mid-19th Century English Georgian Wingback Chairs
Mahogany
Antique 18th Century English George III Wingback Chairs
Ultrasuede
Antique 19th Century English Wingback Chairs
Antique 19th Century British Wingback Chairs
Leather
Antique 1770s English George III Wingback Chairs
Vintage 1940s American American Classical Wingback Chairs
Leather
Early 20th Century American Federal Wingback Chairs
Upholstery
Antique 19th Century English Chippendale Wingback Chairs
Brass
Antique Late 19th Century English Wingback Chairs
Upholstery, Mahogany
Antique Mid-19th Century European Neoclassical Wingback Chairs
Upholstery, Velvet, Walnut
Antique 18th Century and Earlier British Chippendale Wingback Chairs
Antique 19th Century English Wingback Chairs
Vintage 1930s English Chesterfield Wingback Chairs
Leather
Vintage 1940s American Wingback Chairs
Brass
20th Century British Wingback Chairs
Leather
Late 20th Century British Wingback Chairs
Leather
Antique Mid-19th Century English Victorian Wingback Chairs
Brass
Antique Late 18th Century Great Britain (UK) George III Wingback Chairs
Fabric, Mahogany
20th Century British Victorian Wingback Chairs
Leather
Mid-20th Century English Chesterfield Wingback Chairs
Leather
Antique 19th Century English High Victorian Wingback Chairs
Leather, Mahogany
Antique Early 1900s English Edwardian Wingback Chairs
Hardwood, Leather
Antique Early 19th Century English Regency Wingback Chairs
Mahogany
Antique 1830s English Regency Wingback Chairs
Linen, Wood
Vintage 1940s North American Wingback Chairs
Velvet, Mahogany
Vintage 1940s North American Wingback Chairs
Velvet, Mahogany
Vintage 1940s American Georgian Wingback Chairs
Brass
Early 20th Century Unknown Wingback Chairs
Upholstery, Wood
Antique 1810s English Regency Wingback Chairs
Mahogany
Late 20th Century Art Deco Wingback Chairs
Upholstery, Mahogany
Vintage 1910s English Edwardian Wingback Chairs
Mahogany
Vintage 1920s British Georgian Wingback Chairs
Leather, Wood
Antique Early 1800s English Regency Wingback Chairs
Leather
Vintage 1940s American Hollywood Regency Lounge Chairs
Upholstery
Vintage 1930s Wingback Chairs
Leather
Mid-20th Century Wingback Chairs
Leather
Antique 19th Century British Wingback Chairs
Upholstery, Mahogany
20th Century English Wingback Chairs
English Wingback Chairs
Mahogany
English Wingback Chairs
Wood, Canvas
Vintage 1940s American Wingback Chairs
20th Century Wingback Chairs
Linen
Mid-20th Century English Edwardian Wingback Chairs
Leather, Mahogany
Antique 19th Century English Wingback Chairs
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Wingback Barrel Chairs For Sale on 1stDibs
How Much are Wingback Barrel Chairs?
Finding the Right Wingback-chairs for You
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.
- What is a barrel chair?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022Barrel chairs are accent chairs that feature a curved back shaped like half of a barrel. In some cases, the back slopes down at the sides to form arms. Other pieces are armless or have separate rolled arms at the sides. You'll find a variety of barrel chairs on 1stDibs.
- What are barrel chairs?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertAugust 16, 2019
Barrel chairs have high, semicircular backs which form a single piece with the arms.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022The 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.
- 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 13, 2023Wingback 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.
- What are wingback chairs called?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertMay 5, 2023Wingback 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.
- Is a wingback chair comfortable?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertMay 5, 2023Whether 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.
- 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 13, 2023There 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.
- What era are barrel chairs from?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertFebruary 13, 2023The earliest barrel chairs are from is the era of the early 19th century. However, Frank Lloyd Wright created one of the most famous barrel chairs in 1937 as a part of his design for Wingspread, a home in Wind Point, Wisconsin. On 1stDibs, find a collection of barrel chairs.
- Who invented the barrel chair?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertMarch 3, 2023No one knows who invented the barrel chair originally, or even where the chairs appeared first. They became popular during the mid to late 19th century, but it was Frank Lloyd Wright who made them famous when he designed an iconic version for Wingspread, a home he designed in Wind Point, Wisconsin. Wright also used his Taliesin Barrel chair to furnish his own home in Wisconsin. Shop a selection of barrel chairs on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022Reupholster a barrel back chair by first removing the old upholstery from the chair. Use the old pieces of material as a guide to help you cut the new upholstery into properly sized pieces. Reupholster the chair by using a furniture stapler to re-secure the new upholstery in the same manner that the old upholstery was attached. Shop a range of vintage and contemporary barrel back chairs on 1stDibs.
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