I absolutely love wingbacks. I’m not at all surprised they are back in fashion.
I’m fortunate because my folks, who are into buying and restoring antiques, gifted me and my wife an amazing set of antique beauties. The two feature button-tufting, rolled arms and winged sides. They are gorgeous wingback accent pieces and guests often comment on their beauty. Stylistically, they create a nice balance and complement other elements in the space.
I’ve researched many styles, materials, and customer reviews to come up with our list of the top wingbacks.
My Top 10 Wingback Chairs
As you may guess, there is a wide range of styles. Many bear little resemblance to the traditional shape. I’ve included a mix of styles to find examples of the best wingback chair.
- Solid construction was a primary consideration. The design often lends itself toward a smaller frame. Therefore, I only considered well-made chairs.
- I preferred models closer to the original design. I like to see new takes on designs. But to keep to our task, I stuck with those that stayed close to the traditional form.
My choices include examples from several styles. Many cross over into other decor as well. They offer excellent examples of the design as it evolves over time.
| Chair | Design | Elements |
| Baltic | Traditional | Nailhead trim, ottoman |
| Grangeville Swoop | Cottage/Country | Homey floral fabric |
| Flavin Concave | Modern/Contemporary | Wide frame, flared arm |
| Stonehill Velvet | Glam | Lush material |
| Bora Bora | Coastal | Rattan frame, ottoman |
| Spring Ridge | French Country | Reduced side panels |
| Dampicourt | Modern/Contemporary | High back tapers down |
| Chalina | Rustic | Reduced side panels |
| Baxton Studio Vincent | Traditional | Closed side panels |
| Britannia Fan Damask | French Country | High legs, nailhead trim |
1. Baltic
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- Design: Traditional
- Elements: Classic shape with curved back, brass-finished nailhead trim
The Baltic brings a stylized element to the design that gives it a measure of class. The back is curved with the panels reduced to flared arms.
The seat cushion contains high-density foam for cozy comfort. I loved the simple, but elegant ergonomic design. The exposed wooden legs are tapered with a simple straight design. With the brass-finished nailhead trim, this piece looks sophisticated with fine craftsmanship to make it a real gem.
2. Grangeville Swoop
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- Design: Cottage/Country
- Elements: Curvy design that is well padded with a pretty floral pattern
The Grangeville Swoop is simply charming. It is a fine example of cottage/country design. High-density foam seating and generous padding on the back and arms offers superior comfort.
The floral pattern is a brilliant touch. It has polyester fabric material with an off-white background and a black design that says elegance.
3. Flavin Concave
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- Design: Modern/Contemporary
- Elements: Wide framed, flared arm chair with modern design
The Flavin Concave scores a home run with their modern wingback chair. It’s a bit of a departure from the traditional form with a back that is lower than you may expect. It features a wide curved back that is quite roomy. The curved lines of the piece lead your eyes all around its form.
The modernized Greek key pattern is an excellent addition that gives it a chic, retro look. The gray/beige polyester material is set off beautifully by the simple black legs.
4. Stonehill Velvet
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- Design: Glam
- Elements: Traditional form with reduced side panels
The Stonehill Velvet begins with the traditional form and takes its own spin on to create a luxurious piece. The oversize wing chair comes in navy or silver, but I like the blue best. The padding is thick and comfortable all through the design.
Little accents like the silver nailheads and the matching accent pillow make it stand out. We could easily see this model take up some prime space in a Manhattan apartment. It has an elegance about it that is undeniable.
5. Bora Bora 2-Piece
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- Design: Coastal
- Elements: Eco-friendly, solid rattan frame with high-density foam cushions
Other than being gorgeous, the Bora Bora 2-Piece creates a mood that makes it an excellent choice as an accent piece. The solid rattan construction is its outstanding feature that gives it an exotic feel that is perfect for the armchair traveler. It retains the characteristic side panels, but they are open rather than closed.
The foam cushions and tucked backrests raise the comfort level on this well-designed piece. It simply invites a refreshing afternoon nap followed by a cold glass of iced tea.
6. Spring Ridge
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- Design: French Country
- Elements: Tall form with reduced side panels and a wider frame
The Spring Ridge is a scaled-down version of the traditional design. The side panels are reduced to a slight flare. The back is less curved than in previous chairs we considered. It keeps the proportions of height to width in line with the design space.
The linen is a nice sophisticated touch to this piece. The design comes in neutral taupe and blue.
7. Dampicourt
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- Design: Modern/Contemporary
- Elements: High back design that tapers toward the seat with closed side panels
The Dampicourt revels in glam. The design is a unique twist on the traditional form with a back that tapers toward the lower space. It keeps the closed side panel, true to form. It adds a huge glam factor with the richly colored brown upholstery.
The chair includes several design elements that give it some extra class like the piping on the ends of the side panels and the dark brown legs that flare out. Even the accent pillow adds to its charm.
8. Chalina
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- Design: Rustic
- Elements: Traditional form with reduced side panels that curve in slightly
The Chalina is the epitome of rustic furniture. The linen cushion and tucked back are offset by sides of dark brown and white. The pattern resembles that of a wild animal to give it an exotic appeal. This chair doesn’t ask for attention; it demands it.
It’s a solid, well-made piece with lots of support. The side panels flare in slightly to keep it true to the traditional form. The exposed wood has a distressed look that fits in well with the character of the piece.
9. Baxton Studio Vincent
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- Design: Traditional
- Elements: Classic wingback form with closed side panels
The Baxton Studio Vincent comes the closest to the traditional design form of all the models we review in this article. There is a quiet elegance about this piece. When I first saw it, I thought it was a space we could sink into without hesitation. I was right. The high-density foam cushioning and tucked backrest make it a very comfortable chair.
The silver nailheads along the length of the side panels add a nice touch.
10. Brittania Fan Damask
=> Buy this and others like it here
- Design: French Country
- Elements: Curved back with high legs and nailhead trim along the edges
The Brittania Fan Damask captures both the French Country and glam styles with a bit of Old World charm. It has a lower profile than many of the models reviewed. The frame is more open with less of the sense of closure with side panels. The material is a chartreuse fan damask fabric that gives it a sophisticated look.
Silver nailheads outline the entire form, making it jump out as an accent chair. Button-tufting and tapered dark brown legs complete the look of this elegant piece.
What is a Wingback?
The wingback has a long history that dates back to 17th century England. The term refers to the two closed panels on either side of the armchair. They extend from the armrests to the top of the space and act to enclose the occupant of the chair. While that may seem claustrophobic by today’s standards, it served a practical function.
The side panels would serve as windbreaks to keep cold drafts away from the sitter. Remember, these chairs go back to a time before fiberglass insulation and central heating. A fireplace provided the only source of warmth.
What Defines the Wingback Style?
A few features define wingbacks. First, there is the overall form. These chairs are typically taller than they are wide which gives them a high profile. Second, there are the side panels. This feature has seen a lot of changes through the decades. You’ll certainly find the classic rounded form, but many styles have an abbreviated shape.
The legs are typically exposed wood. You’ll see plain, simple designs along with ornate details and sometimes curved options. Though as with everything else, there are variations on the theme.
Initially, wood was used as the main material in construction but then fabric and leather caught on, as well. Horsehair was added for extra padding in the 19th century. Today’s designs incorporate many different materials including vegan leather and microfibers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Wingback Chairs Good for Your Back?
Although they are primarily known for their classic elegance, they do offer certain benefits of ergonomic design. But, their suitability for back support depends on the specific features of the design. The Monroe leather wingback chair is designed for extended use with pneumatic height adjustment and hardwood-capped steel base.
What is the Purpose of a Wingback Chair?
The design has evolved over the centuries. The winged sides were originally meant to protect the occupant from cold drafts and trap heat from the fireplace. The high back and side wings provide support and comfort, allowing one to lean back and rest their head. The design still remains popular for its combination of form and function. A classic piece that adds elegance and a touch of history to any room.
Is the Wingback Chair Still in Style?
Yes, the adaptability of the design has allowed it to remain a popular piece in various decor styles. They are comfortable and functional, making them a practical choice for many living spaces.
Conclusion
Wingbacks blend seamlessly into the tapestry of contemporary interior design. The design features elements of the past but also pushes the boundaries with the use of new materials and avant-garde designs. In doing so the chairs continue to evolve and appeal to new generations.
