Next time you're looking for a conversation starter at a dinner party, you may be sitting on it. Don't be quick to overlook the story behind most dining room chairs. Each curve and carved detail of a dining room chair begs to tell of its origins, designer and beliefs behind its craftsmanship. Learn all you can about dining room chair styles to add interest to dinner conversations and to help you add style to your own home.
Shaker
Shaker style chairs were crafted in the late 1700s to the early 1900s by a religious group, primarily residing in New England, that called themselves Shakers. Believing that their work was a form of prayer, the Shakers took great care to make ornament-free furniture known for its simplicity and extreme durability. Shaker-style chairs have straight legs and are often called ladder-back chairs because of their characteristic group of three ladder rungs or "rails" on the chair backs.
Duncan Phyfe
Duncan Phyfe chairs, also known as Regency or Empire chairs, were popular from the late 18th century to the middle 19th century and are named after the famous cabinet maker Duncan Phyfe. Their legs are tapered to look like a cavalry saber (sword) and they typically have carved backs which scroll outward. Duncan Phyfe chairs have strong neoclassical appeal.
Queen Anne
Queen Anne chairs were made between 1700 and 1730 and are characterized for their vase-shaped splat or center back support. Queen Anne chairs are sometimes upholstered and often have curved cabriole legs with ball and claw feet.
Chippendale
Named after British cabinet maker Thomas Chippendale, Chippendale dining room chairs made their public debut in Chippendale's 1754 publication, "The Gentleman and Cabinet Maker's Director." Similar to Queen Anne chairs, Chippendale chairs have more elaborate carving details and display evidence of Gothic, French and Chinese influence.
Windsor
Windsor chairs are named after the town of Windsor, Berkshire, England and were first manufactured in the late 1600s. They have a very simple appearance with bow or hoop backs. Spindles are their most notable characteristic and are driven into holes in the seat to form the back support.
Art Nouveau
The early 20th century brought fresh furniture designs including the sleeker silhouette of dining room chairs. Art Nouveau chairs vary widely in appearance but typically have upholstered backs and seats, intricately carved ornamentation and arm rests that curve outward.
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