Monday, November 8, 2010

wing chairs

We haven't had a fire in our fireplace yet this season, but the evening is nearing. With the arrival of daylight savings time, evening comes so sudden. Certainly a warm fireplace giving off flickering light and toasty warmth is one of the great delights of the season. There are still a few leaves on the trees outside, but with a few windy days, bare branches will cover the view. It's time to come inside to a wing chair.

(West Elm)

These lovely chairs can be found in every fabric, every style period, and every budget. Wing chairs exude conversation, introspection, and contemplation. The author of my current read, The Journal Keeper, writes from her wing chair. I just love how Phyllis Theroux's red toile upholstered wing chair is brought outside and photographed for her book cover. I was immediately drawn to this book when I saw it, who can resist a wing chair on the cover of a book?

(The Journal Keeper)

(credit: deisgnboom.com)

Wing chairs apparently made their debut around 1660, created to protect one from chilly drafts or unwanted distractions. They were also known as fireside chairs. According to Historeics blog on the history of the wing chair, the orginal shape had straight sides or wings that were more in keeping with the puritanical thinking of the time. Curves were seen as nod to the female shape. It was during the Restoration period that the curve of the wing was introduce, giving way to more self indulgence. Hard to imagine this chair (dating late 1700's) as anything but self indulgent!

Wing chairs are not typically used in our beloved media spaces. They make great secondary sitting space, set apart from the large TV screen and reclining pose. I suppose there is a bit of snobbery to this chair, being above commericials and sitcoms. This chair is meant for a quiet space, thoughtful, slowing down space. So, if you're trying to figure out what to do with that empty corner or small secondary space, find a wing chair, find a book and don't forget that every chair needs good lighting and a place to set down your beverage of choice. And, if your spot includes a fireplace, it's time to bring in the wood.