"In Windsor chairs, the seat is made of one piece of solid wood, and the back spindles are separate from the legs."
Anna's Quick History lesson on Windsor Chairs & Their Modern Influence is a great introduction to the origins of the Windsor chair and its modern counterparts and derivations. In this Shopper's Guide, I've collected a varied assortment of pieces in the Windsor style — from collectable Mid Century classics to contemporary affordable stools, chairs and benches.CLASSIC
- • American Windsor | Marlow Side Chair - $299 at Crate & Barrel
• Budget Windsor | Salt Chair - $98 at DWR
• Peacock Windsor | Original 1947 Peacock Windsor Chair by Hans J. Wegner - $6,800 at 1stDibs dealer Design Modern
• Mid-Century Windsor | Nakashima Straight Chair by George Nakashima - $659 at Hive Modern
• Studious Windsor | Nakashima Lounge Chair with Arm by George Nakashima - available from George Nakashima Woodworker
• Lounge Windsor | Walnut Sandberg Chair - $599 at Room & Board (walnut, cherry, maple and ebony stain - $499)
• Trademarked Windsor | Thos. Moser Continuous Arm Chair - $1,325 at Thos. Moser
• Graceful Windsor | "Mademoiselle" Chairs by Ilmari Tapiovaara - $2,500 for pair at 1stDibs dealer Sam Kaufman
CONTEMPORARY
- • Family Windsor | Family Chairs by Lina Nordqvist for Design House Stockholm - $325-$350 each from Design House Stockholm (black, white or natural beech)
• Modern Windsor | Modern Windsor Accent Chair - $399; Modern Windsor Chaise - $699; Modern Windsor Dining Chair - $149 each; Modern Windsor Bar or Counter Stool - $179-$189 all at West Elm
• Outdoor Windsor | Dexter Outdoor Dining Chair - $199 each; Dexter Outdoor Bench - $329; dexter outdoor lounge chair - $269 all at West Elm
• Whimsical Windsor | Settle Bench by Studioilse for De La Espada $3,600 at Hive Modern (pictured in Danish oiled chestnut with a leather pad and copper feet)
CONCEPTUAL
- • Conceptual Windsor | Mikado by Johannes Foersom & Peter Hiort-Lorenzen - distributed by Fredericia Furniture and a set is currently listed by 1stdibs dealer Red
• Inspired Windsor | Soren Dining Chair with Wood Seat - $449 each at Room&Board (also available in maple, cherry and ebony stain - $399)
• Gothic Windsor | English Oak and Yew Wood Gothic Revival Windsor Armchair - $2,600 at 1stDibs dealer Antiquario
Images: as linked above
MORE WINDSOR CHAIRS
• Windsor Chairs & Their Modern Influence
• Windsor Chairs, Swedish Stick Back Chairs & Variations
• Peter Galbert's Wonderful Windsor Chairs
• Warren Chair Works: Classic & Contemporary Windsor Chairs
















White Enamel Flatwa...
would love to know more about the rug in the photo of the crate and barrel chair. I went to the C&B site and don't see it there....
RtU - Winslow Rug
those are really expensive, do you have any in the young professional price range?
An old-fashioned Windsor chair is a lovely object -- as long as none of the spindles are missing (this happens)!
Love the look of the bench! But could somebody please tell me - are Windsor chairs NOT terribly uncomfortable? I feel the need to start an Anti-uncomfy-chairs revolution.
for the cheapest of cheap- Ikea has a poor man's modern loose interpretation
http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/60106447
Some other less expensive versions:
http://www.foodservicewarehouse.com/furniture-imports/885/p337661.aspx?utm_medium=cpc&utm_term=Furniture-Imports-885&utm_campaign=Captains-Chairs&source=googleps
http://www.homegallerystores.com/shop/windsor_arm_chair_17.html?cse=google&mr:trackingCode=16A2059B-1D40-DF11-9DA0-002219319097&mr:referralID=NA
http://www.hyus.com/Rustic-Traditions-Windsor-Arm-Chair--RUSBLR_p_902.html
I'm so excited that my set of 6 hand-me-down windsor dining room chairs are classic and fashionable!
The chairs I have were formally used for clients to sit in at a nail salon. They are high backed and very comfortable. You can add cushions for extra comfort.
Hooray for Windsors!
I currently have 5 of them - one is a 70" long featherback deacon's bench, one an antique high chair, two rockers and one arm chair that is pitched back a bit like a lounge chair. That one is (no joke) over 250 years old and still going strong. I tossed a sheepskin over it to make it more comfortable, but even without any extra padding I've always found them to be quite kind on my back. Maybe because I grew up with an avid collector of Early-American antiques (my mother) and most of our furniture was pretty utilitarian and sometimes...severe.
As to price, I've had great luck on CraigsList. Aside from the super-old example, which was handed down to me from Mom, I haven't spent more than $100 on any of them. Usually far less.
Anyhow, can't say enough great things about this style - they look fantastic paired with furnishings from just about any era and are easy to come by.
Aside from the Nakashima (always a favorite, sooo unattainable for the average bear) I like the West Elm versions best, which surprises me because I'm not usually a fan of their stuff.
This is happily coincidental, as I just scored 4 chairs that look exactly like the first picture at a thrift store for $25 each! They are beautiful and make me smile every time.
I'm liking the the chair rail ledge with art work. May have to steal that idea....