Why Every Home Needs A Wingback Chair

The other weekend we were shopping at Ikea.

Yes, I know what you’re thinking…we brave Ikea on the weekends with kids in tow? We actually always go on the weekends because our WHOLE family enjoys shopping there from the show room to the market place to dinner with a movie.  The whole trip topped off with an ice cream cone and some happy shoppers.  If you didn’t know better you might think I was talking about a theme park.

We went with a list (as we usually do) but we really wanted to look at the wingback chairs. For a very long time we’ve wanted a wingback chair and we opted for the Strandmon in Norvolla Dark Gray. I really LOVE white furniture and LOVE my Ikea slipcovered chairs BUT this wing back chair is upholstered so I thought white upholstery with two little boys would be a bad choice on my part.  Gray can cover some of the dirt 😉

I’m getting off topic though.  I wanted to tell you why every home NEEDS a wingback chair. You may think your home doesn’t but I have news for you….

The wingback originated in England in the 1600s (perhaps this is why I like it so much). The wings, you can see on the back helped to support the head and also hold the heat in from the fireplace.  Usually these chairs are placed in front of fireplaces in old homes. Can’t you just picture it? Sipping Cognac by the fireside.

The wingback came to America in the 1800s and there are so many fun styles to choose from. Before I share more styles.  I wanted to show you a bit more about our chair.

It fits perfectly over in the corner of our living room and I think gives it a bit of an English look.  I love how the gray fabric picks up our faux galvanized console behind the couch and the grays in our sailboat photographs.

I love sitting here reading or blogging. Conor tried it out while we were shopping and was in heaven.

We couldn’t resist the matching ottoman either. My dad is diabetic and his legs and feet are swollen so it’s good for him to put his feet up when he’s visiting. He enjoys sitting here doing crosswords while my mom and I go antiquing or consignment shopping.

Here’s why you need a wingback in your home:

1. Comfortable enough for the whole family.
2. Cat nap?  Your head is supported in this chair if you feel the need to dose.
3. A warm spot by the fireplace (if you have a working one).
4. Elegance. The shape is just so elegant. This style will elevate any living area and give a more expensive look regardless of how much you spend on the actual chair.

I thought it would be fun to share a few more that I like and go with all different tastes. There are a few affiliate links here.

The Pottery Barn Thatcher is a classic in black leather.  It is what I think of when I think of Men’s Clubs, Ralph Lauren and old English antiques:

via Pottery Barn

Perhaps you love the glam look. Velvet, jewel tones and a bit of a bohemian vibe. Then this is the chair for you. Anthropologie has updated the wingback with this sleek style. I LOVE the color of this one by the way!

via Anthropologie

Oh, no, you say? Shabby Chic is more your style? Then check out this one from Target?  How great is that burlap fabric? I like how this one has an old world look.

Via Target

The coastal look is more for you? I love the wingback with a coastal flair from Pottery Barn. They Saybrook All Weather Chair is gorgeous. I picture it in a beautiful sunroom looking out over the sea.

Via Pottery Barn

Shabby Chic on a budget?  This one by Safavieh is lovely and is under $400 over on domino.  Love the detailing and the muted color.

via domino

I hope you’ll give the wingback a chance in your home. We’re so happy we now have one in ours.

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