Identifying Antique Chair Styles

This is rumored to have been the first antique chair. The Wainscot Chair style dates back to the 1550s. Identified by its flat, heavy wooden seat and a medium rising, and a extensively carved, back. The front legs of the chair are slightly turned while the back legs are straight. The carvings and details of the chair often indicate its specific origin and status. Usually, these chairs would be paired with a light0colored upholstered cushion for seating.

The Queen Anne chair is very distinguished amongst antique chairs. The backs have a curved outline, often elaborately carved, and drop-in seats. Earlier versions of this chair sported taller backs, and later styles showed lower, broader backs and slightly rounded seat edges. The Queen Anne armchair is considered a rarity in antique chair collections.

The Windsor Chair is commonly referred to as the Antique Country chair. It first became popular with those in lower classes of society in the late 17th century. The legs and backing stem from the flat, fixed wooden seat. The back is generally a hooped style but can also be found in a combed back style or a pointed, arched style back. The Windsor Chair was mass produced in the late 19th century, but original antique styles can be identified by craftsmanship and chair markings.

Well-preserved instances of this chair are often elegant in appearance. It has a shorter back compared to the Queen Anne chair. The Regency Chair is is characterized by two back rails between two upright posts. The front legs of this chair curve outward with back legs similar and noticeably less curved. Designs of the chair became more elaborate and detailed in the late 1830s. All styles of antique Regency chairs are found to be highly desirable when in good condition.