Ladderback Chair History

Ladderback Chair History thumbnail
Many rocking chairs come with ladder backs.

A ladder back chair is recognizable by its slated back construction. Horizontal rungs or spindles run between the uprights on the back of the chair giving the visual impression of rungs on a ladder. Does this Spark an idea?

  1. Beginnings

    • Ladder back chairs were developed during the middle ages. In the 17th century their popularity spread across Europe.

    New World

    • During the 18th century the design was refined and made with lighter proportions. The popularity of the chair continued to flourish as it was used throughout the colonies as well.

    Names

    • A ladder back chair is also known as a slat-back chair. These chairs were a four-legged standing design, however, slat-backs also appeared on America's invention, the rocking chair.

    Seating

    • Seating in ladder back chairs was often woven from cane or rushes. Ladder back chairs with a more sturdy design were built with solid wood seats.

    Style

    • Generally, even a simple style ladder back chairs often bore embellishments. The top rung of the ladder was generally wider then the rest and was often carved or pierced to create pleasing images.

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References

  • Photo Credit rocking chair image by Photoeyes from Fotolia.com

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