Pair of Wingback Chairs
A pair of wingback chairs brings immediate presence to a room, offering deep seats and sheltered sides designed to keep the draughts at bay.
Pair of Wingback Chairs
A pair of wingback chairs comprises two matching high-backed armchairs designed with protective side panels flanking the headrest. When searching for a pair of wingback chairs, buyers encounter pieces primarily originating from the Victorian and Edwardian periods, alongside many early twentieth-century examples.
The form developed to shield the sitter from chilly drafts near an open hearth while trapping the heat of the fire. Most examples seen here lean towards revival aesthetics, including Georgian style, Queen Anne revival, and French chateau influences.
Makers utilised sturdy internal frames upholstered in leather, rexine, velvet, and patterned silk fabrics. These seating pairs often serve as the focal point of a library, study, or drawing room.
Materials and Construction
The structural framework relies upon hardwoods such as walnut, mahogany, and oak, providing the necessary strength for deep-set seating. Carved details occasionally appear on the exposed legs and arms, utilising gilding or natural wood finishes.
Upholstery forms the primary tactile element, with traditional hides, oxblood leather, and heavy woven fabrics secured over coiled or sprung interiors. Brass tacks frequently edge the leather upholstery, adding structural reinforcement and a neat finish.
Pair of Wingback Chairs Retail Price Guide 2026
Typical asking prices for pair of wingback chairs 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.
The selection spans the Victorian and Edwardian eras alongside specific years from 1890 to 1930.
Assessing Quality and Execution
The weight and selection of the timber frame indicate the underlying craftsmanship, with dense walnut and mahogany providing superior rigidity compared to lighter hardwoods. Well-executed carving on the legs and wings demonstrates the skill of the original maker.
The depth of the upholstery work and the resilience of the internal springing dictate how the seating retains its shape over decades of use. Matched pairs with uniform wear and consistent hide patination hold greater visual harmony than those assembled from mismatched components.
William Morris
The Pair of Wingback Chairs Glossary
- Wingback
- An armchair featuring projecting side panels designed to deflect cold air away from the head and shoulders. This defining feature appeared centuries ago and remains popular in revival forms.
- Chesterfield
- A traditional style of upholstered seating characterised by deep buttoning and rolled arms of equal height to the back. These often appear executed in heavy leather.
- Rexine
- A branded leathercloth material made from cotton fabric coated with nitrocellulose mixture. It provided a durable and wipeable alternative to natural hide during the early twentieth century.
- Ball and claw
- A furniture foot design representing a bird's talon grasping a ball, carved onto the base of wooden cabriole legs. This motif draws heavily upon eighteenth-century design traditions.
Pair of Wingback Chairs: Frequently Asked Questions
How do I date a pair of wingback chairs?
Dating relies on examining the timber species, the style of the legs, and the internal upholstery methods. Earlier pieces often display solid mahogany or walnut frames with hand-carved details, while twentieth-century examples may use rexine or modern fixings beneath the fabric.
Comparing the stylistic revival elements, such as Georgian or French chateau influences, against known production periods helps narrow down the decade of manufacture.
Where should I place these chairs in a room?
These seats suit large living spaces, libraries, or studies where their high backs and projecting wings can frame a fireplace or a reading corner. Because they command visual attention, placing them together creates a natural conversation area.
Ensure there is sufficient clearance around the chairs to appreciate their silhouette and allow the side wings to function visually as well as practically.
Are leather and fabric models cared for differently?
Leather upholstery requires regular feeding with suitable balms to prevent the hide from drying out and cracking over time. Fabric and velvet surfaces benefit from gentle brushing and professional cleaning to preserve the pile and colours.
Both materials respond best to being kept away from direct sunlight and strong heat sources that might fade or warp the coverings.