Chesterfield Wingback
These chesterfield wingback armchairs and sofas bring deep seats, high sides, and buttoned leather directly into a room.
Chesterfield Wingback
A chesterfield wingback combines the high protective sides of a traditional fireside seat with the deep buttoned upholstery characteristic of a chesterfield. The pieces found here range from 18th century originals to 20th century revivals in the Georgian and Victorian styles.
Armchairs dominate the selection, appearing either singly or in matched pairs, alongside occasional two seat sofas and porters chairs. Buyers encounter finishes in tan, brown, oxblood, and faded green leather, as well as alternative materials like rexine.
Origins span the Georgian, Victorian, and Edwardian eras, stretching through the 1910s, 1920s, and 1930s. The assortment moves fluidly between formal 18th century proportions and heavier Victorian interpretations.
How They Were Made
Frames rely on sturdy timbers such as mahogany, oak, and general hardwood to support the substantial weight of the upholstery. Brass hardware appears as decorative detailing, often in the form of individual stud work securing the leather edges.
Chesterfield Wingback Retail Price Guide 2026
Typical asking prices for chesterfield wingback among the pieces listed under this phrase on Sellingantiques today, from the lower quarter to the upper quarter. They describe what is for sale here now, not the wider market.
Some chairs are substantial enough to feature carved wooden lions guarding the arms.
What Varies in Quality
Quality rests in the fidelity of the period style and the substance of the timber frame beneath the hide. Earlier pieces demonstrate more refined proportions in the wings and scrollwork compared to later revivals.
The character of the leather surface, whether hand dyed, uniformly dark, or patinated through decades of use, defines the visual weight of the chair. Frames showing specific regional or maker influences, such as the manner of Gillows, command greater attention.
The Chesterfield Wingback Glossary
- Wingback
- An armchair featuring high side panels designed to shield the sitter from draughts and retain fireplace heat. These projecting wings merge into the arms below.
- Rexine
- A branded leathercloth material made from cotton fabric coated with nitrocellulose, used as an alternative to hide in the early twentieth century.
- Porters chair
- A tall, enclosed armchair originally designed to keep draughts away from servants stationed near cold entrance halls.
- Button back
- An upholstery method where depressions are formed in the padding by buttons pulled tight and secured to the frame.
- George III style
- A revival aesthetic drawing on the refined classical proportions and mahogany woodwork characteristic of the late eighteenth century.
Chesterfield Wingback: Frequently Asked Questions
What is a chesterfield wingback?
A chesterfield wingback merges the high protective sides of a traditional fireside chair with the deep buttoned upholstery typical of a chesterfield sofa.
These pieces provide a formal silhouette combined with deep, enclosing seating designed for comfort.
How do I date a leather armchair?
Dating relies on examining the timber frame construction, the style of the legs, and the method of upholstery.
Earlier examples from the eighteenth century show lighter proportions and different woodworking techniques compared to heavy Victorian or Edwardian revivals.
Are pairs common in these chairs?
Pairs appear frequently among the listings, particularly from the early twentieth century and the revival periods.
Finding matching pairs of large wing armchairs allows for balanced placement on either side of a fireplace.
What colours do the leather finishes come in?
The listings feature a range of natural and hand dyed leather shades, predominantly traditional tan, rich brown, and deep oxblood.
Unusual variations like faded green also appear, alongside alternative coverings such as red oxbrush rexine.