If you’re looking to refresh your interiors in 2023, then this post is for you! To help you get ahead of next year’s trends, we’ve compiled a list of 2023’s top trending chair styles. The market is hot right now and supply will continue to be a challenge well into 2023, so now is the time to start planning to avoid disappointment. Read on for our most requested chair styles trending for 2023 and don’t forget to check out our collection for our latest additions.
Windsor Chairs
Windsor Chairs date back to the early 18th Century, originating from the Thames Valley region. The popularity of the style was due to its ergonomic design and high quality of craftsmanship, which produced an extremely comfortable chair compared to the earlier chair styles.
Ideal for:
Windsor chairs are versatile and their timeless appeal suits a wide range of interior design settings. The chairs were made in a variety of styles including comb-backed, hoop-backed and sack-backed – all with their own distinct shape and form.
How to recognise:
Lightweight with the seat typically made from elm and the back rest, arms and legs made of ash, beech and yew. Windsor chairs consist of several slim spindles to the back, with legs that protrude outward.
View this Windsor Chair and many more styles in our collection.
Safari Chairs
First produced in 1933 by Danish furniture designer Kaare Klint, Safari chairs take their design inspiration from the campaign-furniture era ‘Roorkhee chairs’ that were used from the late 19th century by British military officers in India.
Ideal for:
Given their simple yet distinctive design, safari chairs are perfect for most interior settings including travel-inspired interiors.
How to recognise:
Safari chairs are practical, foldable, and feature “earthy” colours. The seat and back are typically a linen or leather canvas supported by a collapsable wooden frame.
View the current Safari Chairs in our collection.
Arts and Crafts Chairs
The Arts and Crafts trend gained prominence in the UK around the middle to late 19th century. In the UK, it reached peak popularity around the turn of the century but remained popular in the US until the mid-1920s. Lead by the design inspirations of William Morris, the Arts and Crafts movement favoured simplicity of style and quality of craftsmanship.
Ideal for:
Known for its clean lines, Arts and Crafts furniture works well in earthy, natural interiors when combined with light, neutral colours.
How to recognise:
Arts and Crafts furniture is typically made from strong woods, such as Oak and features simple patterns and detailing. It’s also known for its mortise and tenon joinery techniques, which make use of pegs and dowels over glue.
View our current stock of Arts and Crafts armchairs here.
Chippendale Chairs
Inspired by Rococo and Gothic styles, Chippendale furniture first emerged in 18th-century London. Named after the English designer Thomas Chippendale, it was the first style not to take its name from the Monarch of the time.
Ideal for:
Chippendale chairs are versatile and combine with modern styles, although they are typically seen in more traditional interiors.
How to recognise:
Known for their curved legs and fine upholstery, Chippendale chairs are bold in shape and usually made from darker woods, such as mahogany and cherry wood.
Please get in touch with us at sales@pointersantiques.com if you’re interested in this style of chair. Or sign up for our newsletter by clicking here to stay up-to-date with our newest additions.
Sheraton Chairs
Sheraton furniture is famed for its neoclassical style, which was inspired by the popularity of Greek and Roman revival design in the late eighteenth to early 19th century. The style first came about during this period in London and is named after cabinet maker Thomas Sheraton.
Ideal for:
Due to their simple-but-elegant design, Sheraton chairs fit well with a wide range of interior design styles.
How to recognise:
Sheraton chairs are characterised by their straight legs and rectangular backs. They are made from lighter woods, such as satinwood and embrace the elegance of neoclassical design.
Please get in touch with us at sales@pointersantiques.com if you’re interested in this style of chair. Or sign up for our newsletter by clicking here to stay up-to-date with our latest additions.
Queen Anne Chairs
Queen Anne furniture became popular in England in the early 1700s and is most famous for its curved legs, known as cabriole legs, and emphasis on comfort. The style is often regarded as a transition between William and Mary and Chippendale styles.
Ideal for:
Its formal and elegant style makes Queen Anne furniture ideal for classic and regal interiors.
How to recognise:
The most distinguishing feature of a Queen Chair is its S-shape cabriole legs, designed to resemble the hind legs of an animal. Queen Anne chairs were the first to be made with a cushion, allowing the user to sit for long periods of time at social events. Cherry, maple and walnut were the most common woods used in this style.
Please get in touch with us at sales@pointersantiques.com if you’re interested in this style of chair. Or sign up to our newsletter by clicking here to stay up-to-date with our latest additions.
Chesterfield Chairs
While first designed in the 1800s, Chesterfield chairs became popular during the Victorian era in London’s gentlemen’s clubs. By the early 20th century, Chesterfield chairs were a common feature in homes and offices across the UK and are still featured in many homes today.
Ideal for:
With their sumptuous colour and iconic shape, Chesterfield chairs fit a range of interiors from bold and bright to country house.
How to recognise:
Chesterfield chairs are distinct in design and can be recognised by their thick padding and studded rich brown leather upholstery. Another distinguishing feature is the large, curved arms that reach the same height as the back.
Please get in touch with us at sales@pointersantiques.com if you’re interested in this style of chair. Or sign up for our newsletter by clicking here to stay up-to-date with our latest additions.
Wingback Chairs
Wingback chairs date back to the 1600s and were originally designed for both comfort and warmth. Their large backs and thick upholstery helped trap warmth and shield the user from cold drafts.
Ideal for:
Wingback chairs are perfect for country house interiors, especially those with a large fireplace as they were originally used in front of chimney hearths.
How to recognise:
Wingback chairs are known for their tall backs and protruding edges, known as wings, from which the style takes its name.
Please get in touch with us at sales@pointersantiques.com if you’re interested in this style of chair. Or sign up for our newsletter by clicking here to stay up-to-date with our latest additions.
Fiddle Back Chairs
Fiddle back chairs first originated in the 18th-century New England area and were inspired by Chinese oviprom vases. The name “fiddle back” comes from the back slats, which resemble the bows of a violin.
Ideal for:
Simple in design, Fiddle Back chairs combine well with a range of interior design styles.
How to recognise:
Typically made from solid wood, fiddle back chairs are built with intricate slats and can come with or without armrests.
Please get in touch with us at sales@pointersantiques.com if you’re interested in this style of chair. Or sign up for our newsletter by clicking here to stay up-to-date with our latest additions.
Bauhaus Chairs
Originating in Germany in 1919, Bauhaus style is known for its geometric shapes and simplistic design, with pieces being practical and functional. Given its simplicity, Bauhaus furniture was mass-produced and became one of the most popular interior design trends of the 20th century.
Ideal for:
As the style favours a “less is more” approach, Bauhaus chairs fit best in minimalist interiors.
How to recognise:
Bauhaus chairs are sleek and rectangular in shape, with a slim and lightweight frame. The main material used is steel, with leather upholstery.
French Button Back Chairs
French button-back chairs first originated during the reign of King Louis XV in 19th-century France and are still highly sought-after pieces, they are one of 2023’s top trending chair styles.
Ideal for:
French button-back chairs suit a wide range of settings such as an intricate centrepiece in more minimalist interiors.
How to recognise:
French button-back chairs are entirely upholstered in fabric and boast a unique button-back design, from which the style takes its name.
We currently have a fine example of a French button-back armchair in stock, click here to view.
Regency Chairs
Sturdy and heavy, Regency furniture is made from dark woods with ornate veneers and gilded detailing. Influential designers of the Regency era include John Nash, Henry Holland and George Smith.
Ideal for:
With their elegant design and elaborate gilded carvings, Regency chairs fit best in traditional interiors. They can also serve as a centrepiece or focal point in more neutral and minimalist interiors.
How to recognise:
Regency chairs are typically made from dark woods, such as mahogany or rosewood, and are symmetrical in design. Lighter veneers, decorative mounts and Roman and Greek motifs are also common and project a sense of stately-home luxury.
Click here to view these Regency Chairs and many more styles in our collection.
Country House Chairs & Sofas
One of the most recognisable interior design styles, traditional English country house has remained popular since the 18th century and continues to be one of 2023’s trending chair styles. Floral patterns, a range of traditional colours from pinks to yellows, greens to deep reds and wood panelling are all common features of country house style.
Ideal for:
Country house seating of course fits best in traditional country house interiors, with sofas and chairs often forming the centrepiece of living rooms and studies. Country house seating can also fit as a contrasting focal point in more minimalist styles.
How to recognise:
Country house sofas and chairs are known for their upholstered armrests, commonly referred to as the “rolling arm” and wooden legs.
View this gorgeous Country House armchair and many more in our collection.
Aesthetic Arts Movement Chairs
The Aesthetic Arts Movement gained prominence in the latter of half of the 1800s. It’s commonly known for its “art for art’s sake” approach, with leading designers believing art should be used for aesthetic and beauty purposes, and not to make a political or social statement.
Ideal for:
Aesthetic movement furniture works best with intricate and colourful interiors, such as William Morris-style patterns.
How to recognise:
Aesthetic movement chairs are known for their nature-inspired motifs, natural materials and Far-Eastern shapes.
View this Aesthetic Arts Movement chair currently in stock at Pointers Antiques.
Napoleon III chairs
As the name suggests, this style dates back to the reign of Napoleon Bonaparte in France and is famed for its bright and ostentatious interiors. Also called the “Second Empire” style, this interior design trend boasted highly decorated living and dining rooms, which were the setting of masquerade balls for the French elite.
Ideal for:
Napoleon III chairs are suitable for ornate interiors, such as the “Second Empire” style. They also work well as focal points in modern interiors.
How to recognise:
Napoleon III chairs combine comfort with decoration and typically feature plush cushioned upholstery.
Click here to view a restored Napoleon III chair in our current collection.
Art Deco chairs
Art Deco furniture became popular in the early 20th century and is famed for its futuristic design, ornate patterns and high-quality craftsmanship. You can read about this popular style in our Art Deco blog post. Not surprisingly, it is one of 2023’s trending chair styles!
Ideal for:
Art Deco chairs of course work well in Art Deco and Art Nouveau interiors, as well as minimalist and modern designs.
How to recognise:
Art Deco chairs are made from fine wood and feature sleek shapes, bold curves and the occasional ornate touches.
Find your very own Art Deco chair in our collection.
Feeling inspired? Head over to Pointers Antiques for more of 2023’s trending chair styles and be sure to sign up for our newsletter for an exclusive discount on your first purchase.