What are the most comfortable wooden chairs? Handmade Windsor chairs are among the most comfortable wooden chairs there are. This is because the seat is deeply sculpted and sloped backwards and the angle of the back can be adjusted to fit the individual.
Where can I buy authentic handmade Windsor chairs? There are a number of authentic Windsor chair makers in North America and the UK. You can see some examples and how they are made by hand compared to manufactured at Windsor Heritage.
Where can I buy modern or contemporary Windsor chairs? Most Windsor chair makers make both traditional and contemporary Windsor chairs. Contemporary Windsor chairs have plain tapered legs, which many people prefer. Some examples of Windsor chairs with traditional and contemporary turnings can be found at Windsor Heritage.
Where can I find counter height Windsor chairs? There are a number of chair makers that make handmade counter height Windsor chairs. Some examples can be found here.
What is a Windsor chair? A Windsor chair is a wooden chair whose back and legs attach to the seat independently of each other. This is very different from a traditional chair whose back legs extend up above the seat to form the main supports for the back.
How long do Windsor chairs last? Handmade Windsor chairs are built using the same techniques that were used during the 18th century. The legs have tapered tenons and all the components are held together mechanically and with glue. This means that the chairs are built to last for generations. More information can be found here.
Is it better to purchase new or antique Windsor chairs? Unless you are an antique collector, a new handmade Windsor chair is a better option than an antique. This is because we are considerably larger today than we were 150 years ago. Only a teenager will be comfortable sitting on a chair that is 16 inches high!
What materials are used to make a traditional Windsor chair? Traditional Windsor chairs are made from three kinds of wood. Maple or birch are used for the legs for strength, the seat can be made from pine or poplar to keep the chair as light as possible and oak, ash or hickory are used for the back for its flexibility and bending properties. The use of these three different types of wood is one of the reasons that antique Windsor chairs have lasted for generations!
What is the difference between a manufactured and a handmade Windsor chair? Most manufactured Windsor chairs are made with one type of wood, the seats are thin (1” thick or less) and, as such, they are not as comfortable as hand carved seats. Manufactured Windsor chair parts are much more likely to become “unglued” or break with time. A detailed explanation on how authentic Windsor chairs are made can be found here!
Can handmade Windsor chairs be customized? Most Windsor chair makers build their chairs to meet the needs of our customers. The colors, the height of the chair, size of the seat or the angle of the back are just a few of the things that can be adjusted to make the chair comfortable. Some examples can be found here.