What is an antique wing chair frame?

An antique wing chair frame is the exposed or stripped wooden skeleton of a traditional fireside armchair, complete with high padded wings and shaped legs. These structural carcasses show the original joinery and timber selection without modern upholstery obscuring the craftsmanship. Buyers often purchase these frames in unrestored condition to commission bespoke upholstery matching historical interiors or personal taste.

How do I date an old wing chair?

Dating relies on examining the timber species, leg geometry, and the construction marks left by cabinetmakers within the internal framework. Eighteenth-century examples typically show heavier oak or early mahogany framing, while Edwardian and later pieces adopt lighter proportions. Stylistic shifts between Georgian curves and Victorian or Arts and Crafts movements also help narrow down the decade of manufacture.

Can I reupholster a vintage frame?

Reupholstering a vintage or antique frame is common practice, particularly as many pieces are sold specifically for restoration and recovered linen or leather. Traditional stuffing methods using hessian and animal hair can be reinstated or updated with modern equivalent materials. Skilled upholsterers work carefully around the original wooden tack holes to preserve the historical integrity of the timber.

Where were wing chairs used?

These armchairs were traditionally placed close to open hearths in country houses and town residences to shield occupants from cold draughts. Library and reading rooms also housed them, sometimes in metamorphic reclining formats designed for extended periods of study. The enclosed wings kept the sitter warm before central heating existed.