Refresh Your Living Room With the Timeless Wingback Chair

Wingback chairs have been a beloved living room staple for centuries. With their distinctive high backs, sheltering side wings, and statement silhouettes, wingbacks never cease to make an elegant and eye-catching addition to any space. As living rooms continue to serve as the main hub for relaxation and gathering in homes, wingback chairs provide the perfect balance of style, comfort, and timeless tradition. Read on to discover why the wingback chair endures as a go-to living room revitalizer that transcends decades and design trends.

A refreshingly simple yet substantial way to immediately elevate your living room is by incorporating the visual intrigue of a wingback chair. While often associated with classic and traditional interiors, wingback chairs remarkably pair well with just about any aesthetic, from sleekly modern to cozy cottage. With the thousands of fabrics and finishes now available, you can select a wingback that reflects your personal taste and complements your existing furnishings.

The Evolution of the Distinctive Wingback Chair Design

Let's turn back time for a moment to better understand the origins of the wingback chair's design. Back in the 17th century England, wingback chairs first emerged not as furniture, but as accessories of the actual room. Built-in wing-like panels flanked fireplaces to reflect and contain heat into the room. Eventually these winged architectural details evolved into freestanding furniture bearing the same signature wings, perhaps the earliest version of a "fireside chair."

By the early 18th century, English furniture makers were producing the first standalone wingback chairs. With their elevated, fanned-out backs, wing-styled chairs allowed 18th century ladies' elaborate hairstyles and dresses to gracefully drape over the sides without rumpling. The wings also added comfort by insulating sitters from drafty rooms. The pattern and scale of wings varied between modest and exaggerated. But in all forms, we see the beginnings of the sheltering, stately wingback so prevalent today.

Traditional vs. Modern Styles

Most traditional wingback chairs feature exposed wooden legs, frames and bases, with delicately curved wings outlined by nailhead trim. High backs, button tufts, and floral/paisley fabrics emphasize the sense of heritage and opulence. Contrastingly, modern wingbacks go for sleek, clean lines. Many boast continuous upholstery without distinct wings. Others play with daring colors, metallic legs, abstract patterns, and unconventionally shaped wings. But whether old or new, all wingback chairs retain that nostalgic essence.

Choosing the Perfect Wingback Chair Fabric

When selecting a wingback for your living room, one of the most exciting steps is choosing your preferred fabric. Do you envision sinking into buttery soft leather, or draping breezy linen across the chair's frame? Here's an overview of popular wingback chair fabric options:

• Leather: A classic. Leather wingbacks exude luxury. They're easy to clean and super durable for households with kids and pets. Over time, leather develops a coveted patina. On the downside, leather can feel cold to the touch during winter.
• Velvet: Plush, elegant, and romantic. Gorgeous to look at but requires vigilant vacuuming to keep clean. Pile crushed velvet is slightly more durable.
• Linen: A natural fiber fabric praised for its casual, breezy look and ultra-soft feel. The texture adds coziness. Linen is also super breathable. Just beware that it wrinkles easily.
• Chenille: With an irresistibly soft, cushiony feel and fuzzy texture, chenille fabrics infuse serious snuggle-appeal into wingbacks. These fabrics stand up well to everyday use.

If your wingback chair will live in a high-traffic common area, performance fabrics like chenille, microfiber, polyester, acrylic, and olefin are smart options. For catching eyes instead of crumbs, save velvet and linen for lesser used spaces.

Customizing for an Ideal Fit

One of the wingback chair's most winning attributes is its capacity for customization. While wingbacks look grand, they don't have to feel stiff. Select brands allow you to tweak the chair's dimensions for a personalized fit. For instance, you can:

• Adjust arm widths and seat depths
• Select cushion fill firmnesses
• Modify leg lengths
• Choose arm styles like English rolled arms or more daring angular arms
• Select leather or fabric types and colors for each part of the chair

This degree of flexibility means you can design the ideal wingback to accentuate your living room's color palette and layout. You can also dial-in comfortable ergonomics tailored to your height and preferred sitting position. For example, a taller individual may prefer a chair with slimmer arms and greater seat depth.

Arranging Your Wingback Chair

When it comes to placing your wingback chair (or chairs), here are some recommended living room arrangements to test out:

• Flanking a sofa: Position identical or coordinating wingbacks at each end of a sofa to nicely bookend the seating area.
• Anchoring a reading nook: Angle a chair near a side table or under a reading lamp to define a cozy literary escape.
• Framing the TV: Situate chairs across from each other, turned slightly toward the television to create a conversation-friendly viewing spot.
• Near the fireplace: Pull up a wingback alongside a crackling fireplace for an instantly inviting scene.

When arranging, make sure to leave at least 30-36 inches around and between chairs to allow easy traffic flow. Layering in accessories like ottomans, side tables, floor lamps and pillows will only amplify your living room's snug yet sophisticated ambiance.

Caring for Your Wingback

With routine care, a quality wingback chair will stay looking fabulous for years. Here are tips for keeping your chair in top shape:

• Vacuum frequently using the appropriate nozzle/brush for your chairs' fabric.
• Immediately blot any spills, then clean with a fabric-appropriate cleaner.
• Rotate the chair periodically to evenly distribute wear and fading.
• Inspect joints. Tighten up any loosening with glue or clamps.
• Add felt pads to chair legs to prevent scuffs.

Follow the fabric manufacturer's specific recommendations for cleaning codes and methods. With occasional upkeep, your wingback with thank you by remaining a handsome living room staple.

While trends ebb and flow, the wingback chair remains synonymous with luxury, comfort, and heirloom-quality furniture. Few living room additions can match a wingback's visual impact or its ability to seamlessly mingle with any aesthetic. From sleekly modern homes to rustically cozy cottages, wingback chairs infuse aesthetic intrigue and tradition into spaces. With endless customization options, you're sure to discover the perfect wingback to refresh your living room retreat for years to enjoy.