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Timeline of Chair
Pre 12th century: Seats were primarily three-legged stools or benches. They were primitive,
crudely made, and purely functional.
12th-15th centuries: Seats added backs and four legs to become chairs. Gothic styles influenced
furniture, which was often carved. High-backed and very straight cathedral chairs were typical.
16th-17th centuries: As the Renaissance thrived, chairs became more refined, lighter, more
comfortable and more decorative. Looks became as important as function. The church was no
longer the only patron of the arts; noblemen filled this role, too. But European kings, particularly
the French line of Louis XIII, XIV and XV, wielded the greatest influence. Louis XIV
introduced luxurious ornamentation, veneers, rich fabrics, exotic wood, stones, gold and silver.
18th century: This period took that richness and formality even further. Monarchs ushered in
Rococo forms, curved lines, floral decorations, and even more ornamentation. Instead of owning
just one kind of chair, the middle and upper classes now had several kinds of seating: stools for
perching, dining chairs, side chairs, armchairs, a low bench by the fire.
19th century: After the French Revolution, the Napoleonic Empire brought in heavy, straight
neoclassical lines that replaced Rococo frippery. Large “Empire” chairs became popular. Around
midcentury, the Victorian era took hold, with its opulent displays of wealth. This period became
known for heavy fabrics, like velvet, in dark colors, such as red and green. The counterpart to
this style in America was the Federal movement, a colonial, classical look.
20th century: No longer associated with sovereigns, furniture design came into the hands of the
people. The century started with Mission and Arts and Crafts styles. The chairs’ severe lines
were a response to Victorian excesses and reflected a reaction to industrialism. Art nouveau,
modernism, art deco, and Bauhaus followed.
After World War II, midcentury modernism took off. Its function-first, forthright, minimalist
look fit the nation’s austere mood. Chairs were light and sleek and featured new, inventive
materials — molded plywood, plastic and chrome.
The advantages of wooden chair are undeniable. Combine a piece of wood furniture to furniture
made from steel or glass and the natural beauty of the wood will add warmth and character to
any room.
Value
Although you might pay more to begin with for a piece of solid wood chair, wood is more
valuable than other material used in furniture manufacturing. Wood’s natural grain guarantees
that each piece of furniture is unique. The initial cost of wood furniture /chair may be higher than
lower end materials, but you will reap the benefits for years to come. Depending on your budget,
you can select furniture that is manufactured using wood furniture parts in softwood such as
pine, or you can opt for furniture that is manufactured using harder, more exotic woods.
Modifiable
The beauty of wood chair and furniture is that it can be changed over time to give it a second,
third or fourth life. By sanding and staining, or painting, you can refinish wood furniture and
give it an entirely new look.