What Is the Definition of Windsor Side Chairs?
The Windsor side chair is a comfortable and timeless seating choice for a multitude of decorating styles. Originally a colonial design, the Windsor side chair is a classic example of early American furniture that seamlessly transitions into modern homes. Throughout the past two centuries, the Windsor chair's versatility has been part of the reason of its enduring popularity--it works well for kitchen or dining seating. Does this Spark an idea?
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History
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The Windsor side chair was originally an English furniture design and migrated to America with 18th-century colonists. The earliest examples date from 1725. "Whether used indoors at theaters and lecture halls or out of doors in public gardens, Windsors were a reliable choice," writes Nancy Goyne Evans in "Windsor-Chair Making in America." Over two centuries of popularity are a testament to this chair's versatile design. Antique Windsor side chairs can be found at antique stores and historic homes.
Design Styles
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Windsor side chairs are available in two design styles: the bow-back and the comb-back. The bow-back style has a curved back supported by spindles. The comb-back has a horizontal back supported by spindles. Both styles are found in furniture stores, although the bow-back is more common. Windsor side chairs also can be constructed with arms.
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Contoured Seat
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Windsor side chairs are characterized by their contoured seats. The curved shape of the seat piece makes it particularly comfortable. The spindles also make it relatively easy to tie on a chair pad if desired.
Splayed Legs
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Windsor side chairs feature slightly splayed legs with rungs. The splayed legs balance the weight of the chair and keep it stable. The legs are not splayed out so far that they induce tripping, however.
Materials
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Windsor side chairs often are constructed of imported hardwoods such as rubberwood or parawood. High-quality reproductions are constructed of pine with an oak bow-back. Wallace Nutting, in his book "Windsor Chairs," remarks that "The Windsor is the lightest of chairs, considering its durability." These chairs are lightweight and can be moved easily.
Colors
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Windsor side chairs can be all one color or feature a two-tone look. For the two-tone, a natural-colored seat is paired with colored spindles and legs. Common colors are black, white, green and cranberry. Windsor side chairs also can be finished with a multitude of wood stain colors.
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References
Resources
- Photo Credit chair image by hazel proudlove from Fotolia.com
