STYLISH WING BACK CHAIRS

GREAT STYLES IN WING BACK CHAIRS

THE EVOLUTION OF THE WING BACK

 

When most people think of a wing back chair, they think of the large dark leather chair in their father's study, or their Granny's living room chairs. Now, the old classic traditional wing back chair has come a long way and evolved into one of today's most popular lounge chairs. When in doubt of what chair to put with the living room sofa, take a second look at the wing back. It is the 'Grande Dame' of occasional chairs.

 

Today's wing back comes in many styles and shapes. You can find one to fit in with whatever style of furniture you have; whether you prefer Country French, Modern and sleek, classic and Traditional, Urban Farmhouse or Shabby Chic.

 

I have a pair of modern wing back chairs with a Hollywood Regency flair that I chose for seating in my great room. I personally like the extra tall height on the back of most wing back chairs. I look for a chair with a back height of 40 inches or more. Most sofas will have an average height of 35 to 36 inches. The chair should be taller in proportion to the sofa in the room.

 

This traditional wing back at Ethan Allen is shown in a French style.

This large Pottery Barn chair is great for a more traditional look.

 





The wing back chair can go just about anywhere you want cozy lounge seating. You can even use a pair of wing back chairs for host chairs at the ends of the dining room table. The wing back can also be used as seating in the family room, home office, or master bedroom.

 

This is a chair, that is worth investing money into changing the outdated fabric and reupholstering it. I like to use a solid durable fabric like velvet or chenille. To give the chair a more modern touch, you can add decorative nail head trim around the arms and sides of the chair. There are a few shapes that look great having a different fabric on the outside back and arms than the face fabric on the chair. This feature is worth the extra cost if the chair sits away from the wall and near the center of the room.

 

 

I just love these extra tall ornate wing back chairs that I had custom made in black velvet fabric for a client.

 

The chairs look beautiful in the large room with a green damask sofa.

 

 The leather used on this traditional Massoud  chair gives it a more contemporary look.

 

This large transitional style chair is very popular.

 

 

A pair of wing back chairs was used as host chairs at the dining table.