Upholstered Winged Armchair
An upholstered winged armchair offers deep seat comfort and draught protection, making it a timeless fireside companion.
Upholstered Winged Armchair
An upholstered winged armchair is designed to shield the sitter from draughts while providing a high back and prominent side panels. You will frequently encounter examples originating from the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries, alongside revival pieces produced in the Edwardian era.
The selection ranges from grand Georgian mahogany and walnut iterations with cabriole legs to later Victorian and Edwardian country house interpretations. Smaller child-sized variants and barrel-backed formats also appear within the wider selection.
Most pieces combine exposed timber framing with textile coverings, varying from traditional wool plaids and chenille twills to calico under-upholstery. Sofas and library chairs with similar upholstered wings occasionally accompany the core armchair offerings.
Build and proportion
Superior examples demonstrate harmonious proportions between the high wings, scrolled arms, and supporting legs, avoiding clumsy or overly heavy frames. The integrity of the internal woodwork and the crispness of any exposed carvings distinguish finer workshop output.
Upholstery quality rests on the retention of supportive internal padding and the neatness of finishing around the tack lines and seams. Pieces retaining original timber patination and documented provenance command greater appreciation from collectors.
One remarkably small armchair is specifically scaled for a child, proving that even toddlers required draught-free fireside comfort.
Howard And Sons·Whytock & Reid
The Upholstered Winged Armchair Glossary
- Wingback
- A high-backed chair featuring side panels designed to trap heat and block room draughts. These upholstered extensions frame the sitter's head.
- Barrel back
- A seating design where the high back curves seamlessly into the arms in a continuous semicircle. This enclosing shape offers enhanced insulation and support.
- Chenille
- A heavy, tactile woven fabric characterised by a fuzzy pile resembling a caterpillar. It provides warmth and texture to traditional upholstery.
- Whytock & Reid
- A notable cabinet-making firm based in Edinburgh known for quality craftsmanship. Their smaller scale seating appears within twentieth-century production.
Upholstered Winged Armchair: Frequently Asked Questions
How do I identify a Georgian wing chair?
Look for characteristic timber choices like mahogany or walnut combined with period leg forms such as cabriole or straight Marlborough supports. Proportions tend to be generous with hand-shaped framing beneath the upholstery.
Examine the construction under the seat and behind the wings for period joinery methods. True eighteenth-century examples exhibit appropriate tool marks and timber shrinkage consistent with age.
Are these chairs comfortable for daily use?
Most upholstered winged armchairs are built with deep seating and high backs designed for sustained relaxation. Many examples feature feather-filled cushions or traditional sprung upholstery that adapts well to modern sitting habits.
Seat heights and depths vary depending on the specific period of manufacture. Checking the internal padding ensures the piece meets personal comfort expectations.
How should I care for antique upholstery?
Protect the fabric from direct sunlight to prevent fading of textiles like velvet, plaid, or chenille. Regular gentle vacuuming with a soft brush attachment removes surface dust without stressing the weave.
Maintain stable room humidity to preserve both the outer fabric and the internal wooden frame. Professional conservation cleaning is recommended for antique textiles.