Antique Windsor Chair

The Antique Windsor chair is a country piece of antique furniture that usually comes with lovely charm and character. They were first seen in the late 16th century but were more common in the 18th and 19^th century made from native woods such as Oak, Elm, Fruit-woods and the rarest in Yew wood. There were a large number of tradesmen working in villages and towns making everything from coffins, cartwheels and even barrels but they had to diversify to ensure their survival so they started to make country pieces like the Windsor chair. Antique Windsor chairs were often made to measure and this is why you see many similar in design but are different sizes. Their seats are beautifully figured, shaped in solid wood and are extremely comfortable due to the many years of use and wear. The out swept arms that were formed from steam bent pieces of wood giving a lovely curved shape. From the hundreds of years of use the arms on these antique chairs become smooth and wonderful to feel. Some of the nicest examples also have steam bent crinoline stretchers. There is something wonderful about sitting on an antique Windsor chair that has been used for over 200 years, as they come with the rich patina, character and colour that only develops with time and use.  Here on Antiques world we do get some lovely examples for sale and you can see our current selection below or look here on our antique chairs page to see our full collection.

Antique Windsor Chairs for Sale

Styles & Woods used on Antique Windsor Chairs

Some features of a Windsor chair is a crinoline stretcher. This is a curved piece under the seat and this is the most sought after design.You can see the turned spindle along with the shaped seat and back splat in their construction.

Windsor chairs were made with locally sourced woods like Oak, Ash, Elm and Yew.

This is a good example of a Fine Country Oak Wheel Back Antique Windsor Chair

Yew was mainly used in the back splats and arms.