Wingback Armchairs and Wing Chairs
Wingback Chairs – Blend of Comfort and Style
Wingback chairs, also known as wing chairs or fireside armchairs, are a timeless addition to any home interior. They strike a perfect balance between elegance and comfort, earning a place in the hearts of homeowners, interior designers, and furniture enthusiasts alike. Let’s delve deeper into the captivating world of wingback chairs, understanding their design, history, and why they significantly contribute to any living space.
Wing Chairs
More4Homes EATON WING BACK FIRESIDE CHECK FABRIC RECLINER ARMCHAIR SOFA CHAIR RECLINING CINEMA (Red)
Amazon.co.uk
£259.99
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Velvet Upholstered Wingback Chair with Lumbar Pillow and Golden Metal Legs-White
Costway
£150.95
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Velvet Upholstered Wingback Chair with Lumbar Pillow and Golden Metal Legs-Grey
Costway
£150.95
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AZRBOPO Wingback Tartan Armchair, Retro Accent Chair Soft Padded Fabric Lounge Padded Sofa Chair, Retro Check Leisure Chair for Living Room Bedroom - Solid Wood Frame - Natural
Amazon.co.uk
£238.89
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Accent Chair VelvetTufted Wingback Armchair Club Chair with Wood Legs Grey
QD stores
£113.99
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Accent Chair VelvetTufted Wingback Armchair Club Chair with Wood Legs Yellow
QD stores
£123.99
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Ullswater Power Recliner Wing Recliner Chair Sofa, Brown Leather | Barker & Stonehouse
Barker & Stonehouse
HOMCOM Wingback Recliner Armchair for Living Room, Pushback Reclining Chair with Round Armrests, Footrest and Rubber Wood Legs, Khaki
Amazon.co.uk
£203.99
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Ullswater Leather Wing Armchair, Brown | Barker & Stonehouse
Barker & Stonehouse
Tetrad Harris Tweed Mackenzie Wing Chair Fabric | Barker & Stonehouse
Barker & Stonehouse
Tetrad Harris Tweed Mackenzie Wing Chair, Brown Fabric | Barker & Stonehouse
Barker & Stonehouse
Tetrad Harris Tweed Mackenzie Wing Chair, Brown Fabric | Barker & Stonehouse
Barker & Stonehouse
Tetrad Harris Tweed Mackenzie Wing Chair, Brown Fabric | Barker & Stonehouse
Barker & Stonehouse
Retro Accent Chair, Wingback Tartan Armchair Soft Padded, Retro Check Leisure Chair, Fabric Lounge Padded Sofa Chair for Living Room Bedroom - Gray
Amazon.co.uk
£229.99
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Modern Wingback Armchair Button Tufted Blue Velvet Recessed Arms Alta
ManoMano UK
Winslow Wing Back Occasional Fabric Lounge Accent Chair Living Room Armchair Grey without Footstool - Grey without Footstool
ManoMano UK
£229.99
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Winslow Wing Back Occasional Fabric Lounge Accent Chair Living Room Armchair Navy without Footstool
ManoMano UK
£229.99
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Winslow Wing Back Occasional Fabric Lounge Accent Chair Living Room Armchair Navy with Footstool - Navy with Footstool
ManoMano UK
£269.99
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Eaton Wing Back Fireside Check Fabric Recliner Armchair Sofa Lounge Cinemo Chair Beige
ManoMano UK
£279.99
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Dining Chair Scandi - padded with Bouclé cover, high backrest - Armchair, Wingback chair, Upholstered chair - light grey Set of 4
ManoMano UK
£328.99
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Dining Chair Scandi - padded with Bouclé cover, high backrest - Armchair, Wingback chair, Upholstered chair - cream Set of 4
ManoMano UK
£328.99
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HOMCOM Modern Accent Chair Velvet-Touch Tufted Wing Back Armchair Grey
ManoMano UK
Button Tufted Accent Wingback Armchair Patchwork Multicolour Upholstery Pink Molde
ManoMano UK
Ullswater Wing Armchair, Green Velvet | Barker & Stonehouse
Barker & Stonehouse
Cottonfy UK Vintage Velvet Wing Back Armchair with Studs - Grey
Frasers
Cottonfy UK Vintage Velvet Wing Back Armchair with Studs - Green
Frasers
Delon Wing Chair, Navy Fabric | Barker & Stonehouse
Barker & Stonehouse
Ullswater Power Recliner Wing Recliner Chair Sofa, Brown Fabric | Barker & Stonehouse
Barker & Stonehouse
The Historic Charm of Wingback Chairs
Born in the late 17th century, wingback chairs have been around for several hundred years. They originated in England to provide a cosy spot for people to sit by the fireplace, protected from draughts by the distinctive ‘wings’. Over the years, they have evolved in design and functionality, but their unique features and inherent charm remain unaltered.
Wingback Chair Designs
What sets a wingback chair apart from its peers is its unique design. It typically features a high back, wing-like structures on either side and often, armrests. The wings were initially designed to shield individuals from cold draughts and trap the heat from a fireplace near the person sitting. Today, these wings provide a stylish aesthetic and a sense of enclosure, creating a personal retreat within a busy home environment.
Variety of Styles and Materials
Modern wingback chairs offer a range of styles and materials to choose from. You could opt for a traditional fabric design, a contemporary leather variant, or a chic velvet one. The chair legs also come in many styles – from ornate wooden legs to sleek metal ones. This diversity means there’s a wingback chair to suit every taste and home décor.
Why Choose a Wingback Chair?
Wingback chairs are not just about their aesthetic appeal; they also provide exceptional comfort. The high back design supports your spine, and the ‘wings’ offer a comfortable spot to rest your head. Moreover, they make a strong style statement. Whether it’s to enhance your living room or provide a reading nook in your bedroom, a wingback chair can instantly elevate the look and feel of any room.
Exploring Styles of Wingback Chairs
Wingback chairs showcase diverse styles and materials, presenting a delightful blend of tradition and innovation. The vast array of options caters to a broad spectrum of tastes and interior styles, ensuring a wingback chair that seamlessly complements your aesthetic and home décor.
Traditional Wingback Chair Designs
Traditional wingback chairs often feature plush, tufted upholstery in rich, deep colours. They may be adorned with elements like nailhead trim or patterned fabric. The choice of materials usually leans towards durable fabrics such as leather or heavy cotton. These traditional chairs often come with wooden legs, sometimes intricately carved, adding a classic touch to their design.
Modern Wing Chair Styles
Modern wingback chair designs celebrate sleek lines and minimalist aesthetics. They usually boast less ornate and more streamlined designs. The materials are diverse, with options like faux leather and microfiber offering a contemporary look and feel. Additionally, metal legs or bases can be seen in modern styles, further enhancing the contemporary aesthetic.
Scandinavian Influences
Scandinavian-style wingback chairs are characterised by simplicity and functionality. They feature a minimalist design combined with natural elements, extensively using light woods and neutral-coloured fabrics. The wing design in these chairs is often less pronounced, lending a subtler aesthetic.
Velvet Wingback Chairs
For a touch of luxury, there are velvet wingback chairs. They’re available in rich jewel tones like emerald, sapphire, and ruby, making them stand out in any interior. The plush, soft velvet texture and its light-reflecting properties give these chairs an air of opulence.
Leather Wingback Chairs
Leather wingback chairs are another popular choice. They offer a sophisticated, timeless look and are exceptionally durable. The rich leather texture adds depth and character to the chair, making it a focal point of any room. You’ll find them in various colours, from classic black and brown to bold red or white.
No matter which style or material you opt for, remember that a wingback chair is more than just a piece of furniture. It’s a statement, a reflection of your style and taste. Whether you lean towards a traditional or modern design, the wingback chair is a versatile piece that promises to add comfort and elegance to your home.
The difference between Flat and Scroll Wingback chairs
Flat and scroll wingback chairs are two distinct types of wingback chairs, a classic type of seating furniture that features “wings” or extended sides that are often high-backed and intended to provide comfort and insulation.
Flat Wingback Chairs:
This is the more traditional type of wingback chair. The wings in flat wingback chairs are straight and angular, following clean lines from the top of the chair’s back down to the armrests. The wings are flat panels that project out from the sides of the chair. These wings keep drafts of air away from the user, a design feature dating back to centuries ago when rooms were typically less insulated. Today, these are often chosen for their classic and neat appearance.
Scroll Wingback Chairs:
The scroll wingback chairs feature rounded or scrolled wings, adding a softness to the chair’s overall aesthetic. The “scroll” refers to the design of the wings, which roll or curl at the top, akin to the scroll of a violin. This design element adds a more ornate, decorative appeal to the chair and is often considered more opulent and elegant than the flat wingback design. Scroll wingback chairs usually fit better in traditional or luxurious interior settings.
The main difference between the two types lies in the design and shape of the wings. Flat wingback chairs provide a more contemporary, minimalist look with clean lines, while scroll wingback chairs offer a more traditional, luxurious look with their curled or rounded wing design.
Where to Buy Wing Chairs
John Lewis & Partners Wing Chairs
John Lewis & Partners, in collaboration with Swoon, presents the Keats wing armchair. This chair’s design highlights bold curves, complemented by a wide seat that surrounds you in comfort. Stylishly tapered wooden legs complete it. Choose from 13 fabric options and three leather finishes in blue, green, grey, pink, purple, and yellow.
For a timelessly traditional seating option, consider the Library wing chair. Reminiscent of a private club’s fireside armchair, it boasts robust scroll arms and intricate deep buttoning on the back. A foam-encased, fibre-filled jacket offers luxurious comfort, while a sprung seat platform adds support.
MyFurniture Wing Back Armchairs
Visit MyFurniture for the distinctive Grayson winged button-back velvet armchair. It is available in black, chalk, or grey and makes a statement with its charismatic winged back. This chair combines comfort and style, featuring an ergonomic design with a headrest, luminary support, and a seat crafted with deep foam and no-sag springs. Additional highlights include deep quilting, blind buttoning, brushed brass studs, and feet caps.
Sofas & Stuff Fluted back Fireside Wing Chairs
Settle comfortably after a long day in the Whitewell winged back chair from Sofas & Stuff. This traditional fireside wing chair features a characteristic high back, scroll arms, and elegant deep-fluted panel detailing. Handcrafted in Britain, this chair embodies a classic design while offering a deep and comfortable seat.
M&S Wing Chairs with Footrest Wingback Loveseats
The Highland winged loveseat from the M&S armchair range stands out for its blend of style and function. Whether nestled in a cosy corner or spotlighted in the room’s centre, this loveseat radiates elegance with deep button-back detailing, winged sides, and scrolled arms.
M&S’s best-selling classic wing chair sets the benchmark for style and comfort with a high, supportive back and plush seat cushioning. The Highland now includes a hand-operated, built-in footrest, offering even more relaxation. Customise it with your choice from over 70 fabric options.
The Parker fabric winged chair from M&S effectively enhances your living room’s modern appeal. This contemporary wingback chair is visually appealing, comfortable, and easy to assemble. A high back and supportive arms provide maximum comfort, while wax-coated wooden feet add a sophisticated contrast.
In summary, wingback chairs blend history, design, and comfort in one elegant piece of furniture. They have stood the test of time and will grace our homes for many years. If you’re seeking a furniture piece that marries functionality with style, the wingback chair might be your perfect match.
Debra Binns is the co-founder of www.myloveseat.co.uk. Debra has been creating and sharing relevant content about home and fashion since 2009, helping customers navigate and select from the vast range of both homeware and fashion available from high street and online stores.
