What is a Windsor Chair?
The History
Named after the English town of Windsor, the Windsor side chair dates back to 1710. According to legend, King George II was given a multi-spindled chair to sit on while seeking shelter from a storm at a peasant’s cottage. He was so impressed by its comfort and simplicity, that he had his furniture maker copy it. The chair crossed the ocean to the American colonies around the 1730s, when it was most likely crafted in Philadelphia.
The Popularity
Not only did all of the founding fathers own Windsor back dining chairs, these chairs were easy to manufacture. In fact, it may have been the first mass-produced style in the United States. Because Windsor style chairs were comprised of parts that were interchangeable, furniture makers began building separate components, including spindles and legs, to be sold and shipped for assembly by local craftsmen. Since then, the popularity of Windsor wood dining chairs has been through ebbs and flows, but today you can find authentic 18th and early 19th century designs that are priced from four to five figures.
The Characteristics
Wooden Windsor dining chairs are characterized by turned spindle backs that are attached to solid, sculpted seats. Their legs, which typically splay outwards, are often reinforced by h-stretchers and their backs slightly recline. Known for their durability, grace and sense of lightness, both the vintage Windsor chair and modern Windsor chair offer charm and quaintness that make them infinitely desirable.
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Editorial Disclaimer: Articles featuring tips and advice are intended for educational purposes and only as general recommendations. Always practice personal discretion when using and caring for furniture, decor and related items.
