Furniture in the English style: a gift from kings

English style chair

For many centuries, lovers of comfortable and elegant furniture have been decorating their homes with high-back chairs and “ears” in the English style. The British call this type of furniture a “winged chair”. In our country, they came to the conclusion that the protrusions on the chair look like ears, but in France they even consider them to look like cheeks.

Very often this furniture is called “fireplace”, as well as “Voltaire”, since it was during the time of this greatest philosopher that armchairs in the English style gained very great popularity throughout Europe.

Main features

The main features of the English style chair are:

1. Low wooden legs of a curved shape.
2. Having a high back.
3. “Ears” on the sides of the back, which gradually turn into armrests.
4. The seat of the chair is deep enough

The design of the chair can also be different: there are smooth and quilted models, the back can be straight or rounded, the armrests can be wooden or upholstered.

The main qualities inherent in this furniture are beauty and durability. English armchairs will add chic and beauty to any room, and they are also very comfortable and durable. Now this type of chair has again become a fashionable trend in modern interior design.

Among the disadvantages of such models is their high cost. Since they are made from high-quality wood and expensive finishing materials, their cost will not be affordable for everyone. And one more thing - this furniture does not fit into every room; you need to plan the interior with its use very competently and carefully.

History of appearance

This type of furniture appeared a long time ago - back in the seventeenth century. Initially, such furniture was more reminiscent of wooden chairs, which had neither upholstery nor filling. “Ears” were provided for protection from wind, cold and drafts.

If you place such a chair near the fireplace, it will retain the heat emanating from it, warming the person sitting. Many books by various famous writers mention cozy English armchairs with “wings” - near the fireplace, where the whole family gathers in the evenings.

Already at the beginning of the eighteenth century, the “winged chair” gained great popularity and began to be in great demand. During this period, the chair is improved and acquired upholstery.

Only in the nineteenth century does it become soft. At first, its filler was horsehair. At the same time, various types of upholstery materials are beginning to be used. The most common was the use of velvet, brocade and embroidered fabrics.

Over time, the English chair has become a very important attribute in the interior design of country clubs, as well as libraries. Often, leather seating options were chosen for such rooms.

In the twentieth century, the popularity of this furniture began to gradually fade away. Only in the last few years has “winged” English furniture begun to come into fashion again. It fits perfectly into both classic and modern interiors. It is made both in elite workshops and in furniture factories.

Modern views

Modern models of chairs in the English style have a wide variety of designs. They differ in the type of backs, which can be straight or rounded. There are even models with orthopedic properties that people suffering from back problems will appreciate. Such models are an absolute novelty that have never been produced before.

At the request of the customer, wooden armrests of chairs are upholstered with soft materials - for example, foam rubber.

The “wings” of furniture (“ears”) also differ in size, shape and design: medium and large, carved and smooth - for every taste and color. Fans of unusual furniture will appreciate the “ears” in the shape of the wings of a butterfly, bat, and so on.

How to choose?

This furniture is high quality, so the choice is not particularly difficult. Pay attention to the upholstery material. It is best to choose models with leather, cotton and linen upholstery. These materials are of high quality and have the ability to repel dirt. They will serve you for a very long time.

The best types of wood for this furniture are considered to be oak and teak - these are the highest quality and durable materials.

Before purchasing a chair you like, you need to sit in it for a while to be one hundred percent sure of its comfort.

In a modern interior

“Winged” English armchairs will be a great addition to modern sofas made in a minimalist style.

Today, combining furniture of various types, styles and colors is very relevant in the interior. That is why a chic, majestic English armchair will be an ideal option to complement the interior of a modern home.

Location options:

• The installation of furniture with “ears” in kitchens has become very popular . Such products can be placed in the dining area - or in the dining room, if the house has a separate room for it. The chairs can be combined with standard chairs. For convenience, install high chairs at the ends of the table.
• High English armchairs fit perfectly into the interior of a study or home library . Doing work at a desk or just sitting and enjoying an interesting book in this chair will be as comfortable as possible. This comfort is ensured by a high backrest with a headrest.

• An English-style chair can also be installed in the living room , especially in cases where the room is very small, so it is not possible to install a large sofa. Such comfortable furniture will be ideal for relaxing after hard working days.
• Of course, an English chair can traditionally be installed in the fireplace area . This will create comfort and a warm family atmosphere in your home.

You will learn how to make an English-style chair with your own hands in the following video.

English chairs with ears

The noble image of the Voltaire chair has become a classic for creating an elegant interior in the English style. It was in these chairs that British lords loved to sit by the fireplace, reading a newspaper or enjoying a cup of hot tea. From us you can order English armchairs with ears in one of 2000 upholstery options , including artificial leather of various classes and genuine leather.

Features of the image of a classic fireplace chair

When deciding to order an office chair with ears, you should pay attention to the following features:

• The models have soft upholstery and provide the most comfortable fit. Highly elastic polyurethane foam (PPU) is used as a filler, which can withstand repeated compression cycles and therefore retains its original shape and elasticity for a long time.
• The highlight of the decor is the colorful side projections of the back, which is why these models of English fireplace chairs are called “chairs with ears.” Once upon a time, these “ears” performed an important function - they protected from drafts, since in those days the estates of the English lords did not have such dense glazing as now, and the wind blew through the building. Therefore, such a chair could provide comfort, coziness and protection. The wind does not blow through modern housing, but “ears” still remain a symbol of coziness and comfort
• The details of the chair are decorated with rows of decorative studs, which add authenticity and aesthetics to the look. The surface of the nails can be made in shades of chrome, bronze, gold, the effect of aged metal is possible
• Graceful legs of an original shape, which make the chair more welcoming and cozy, as if inviting you to get comfortable in it. The legs have a flawless polished surface, which also adds respectability to the image.

Since Voltaire chairs are very bright and original, they can be purchased for different interiors. The model will fit perfectly into a classic interior, which contains a large amount of wood, carved decorations and other decorative details in the traditional English style. This chair is also suitable for modern interiors, where it can become a kind of art object and create a unique effect due to the eclecticism of the image.

Any look you like

We make chairs from high-quality materials: natural solid beech, softwood timber and plywood. However, these materials only create the foundation. You can choose and order a fireplace chair with the upholstery and decorative elements that suit your interior, receiving a high-quality, aesthetically pleasing and durable item.

Call us right now to get advice and help in choosing a spectacular Voltaire chair!

Interior styles

Those who have decided to purchase a chair with “ears” are very interested in knowing which design styles it combines most harmoniously with. Let's look at the most modern ones.

• Boho style. This direction is characterized by brightness, intensity and extravagance. In such a room it is important to create an “energy explosion”, but without turning it into chaos. An armchair with wings will look perfect in such an interior; the only thing you need to pay attention to is the color of the upholstery. A very bright and contrasting palette will fit perfectly into the space.
• Vintage style. Romance, antique and extravagant things - this is how this design direction can be described. An English chair will fit perfectly into the interior; the only thing that needs to be taken into account is the predominance of classical forms. You can enhance the reproduced impression with the help of an antique cuckoo clock, original shaped lamps and a wrought iron chandelier.
• Provence. This style perfectly combines any antique items. An English armchair with carved legs, standing next to a Louis-era bedside table, will create a romantic atmosphere and allow you to plunge into the era of the 18th century.

English fireplace chair with ears - types and features of models

An invariable attribute of a strict and restrained English style is a chair with ears. It was standardly placed closer to the fireplace. This tradition has continued to this day. That is why it is often called fireplace.

Features and characteristics of a fireplace chair with ears

It is not difficult to recognize a fireplace chair. It has a fairly recognizable appearance with characteristic features:

• Lateral support from bottom to headboard. This is what they call the ears;
• Wide selection of shapes. Similar options exist in a number of styles. For example, in Provence. They do not differ very significantly from each other, but still these signs are differences;
• A symbol of comfort and warmth of the hearth. It’s hard to imagine this chair without the accompanying crackling of logs in the fireplace;
• Great variety in external design. Each model is unique in its own way, despite small differences in shape;
• Constant standing on your feet. They themselves may vary in appearance, but they are always the classic 4 supports;
• Very often the sides and ears are one element.

The history of the appearance of a chair with ears

Two countries, England and France, are credited with creating this model. As often happens with furniture, similar ideas were born approximately simultaneously in different parts of the Old World. Now it is difficult to establish who first came up with the “eared” model of the chair. Louis XV celebrated his reign with the appearance of a large number of varieties of seats. Among them, special attention should be paid to the model called bergere. The armrests and back were a semicircular single structure without joints of parts. In appearance it is very reminiscent of a traditional English chair. A little later, they began to make the back straight, and also added those famous ears or wings (another name). In the English version it is very difficult to establish the specific period of the origin and spread of the English chair with ears. Presumably this is the heyday of colonial England. But the chair became widespread so quickly, thanks to its good protection from drafts, that now every Englishman will tell you that there have always been “eared” models. To this day, it is rare that a home can do without this option.

Types of fireplace chairs

With the shapes of Voltaire's chairs, not everything is so simple. On the one hand there are many of them. But the differences between them are minimal. Excludes modern or designer chairs. Let's start with the basics:

• Bergere. This is a French version with a semicircular back. A bit like a shell. The sides are made slightly beveled, which only enhances the impression;
• Bergere with a curl. The ears have been replaced with a very original rolled edge. The back is slightly shortened and the maximum will reach the middle of the shoulder blades;
• Straight back. This is a classic English style chair. The sides are solid with ears. Located almost at right angles to the back or with a minimal bevel. Equipped with very narrow armrests;
• Provence. The principle is the same, but instead of armrests, the chair is equipped with comfortable wide bolsters. The sidewalls are made separately from the wings.

There are also a number of chairs on which the “eared ears” influenced the creation of a new design:

• Egg or swan. Arne Jacobson created as many as 2 chairs based on the English model. All of them were originally interpreted, but remained recognizable;
• Gaming chairs. Voltaire chairs became so famous for their comfort that the lateral support of gaming chairs became an extension of traditional ears. It only expanded downwards, receiving a second wing.

General structure of English fireplace chairs

Frame

To make the frame of traditional models, wooden blocks and furniture plywood are used. Less often it is replaced with particle boards. At the same time, the design is quite complex. What from the side looks like a flat sidewall with an ear inside is literally stuffed with bars that strengthen the structure.

Moreover, they are located not only along the contour, but also taking into account the diagonal stress. More modern types of chairs can use fiberglass (egg) or metal tubes (gaming).

Back and seat

The dimensions of the seats in the “eared” models are calculated according to two parameters. Taking into account the useful size and when measuring the overall width and depth. The first parameter usually does not exceed 60 cm for both values. The second is most often close to 90 cm. Also for both values. Height is also calculated according to two criteria.

The seat height above the floor is standard 50 cm, but taking into account the backrest, the value can reach 1.1 or 1.2 meters. For bergers this parameter is slightly lower. Their backrest rarely exceeds the threshold of 70 cm. They also have a low seat height. It usually barely reaches 40 cm. Bergeres are smaller and the general indicators of width and depth are smaller. Typically, these values ​​are approximately equal to the height of the backrest.

Upholstery

As a choice of upholstery material, you can use the whole range of modern and not so modern fabrics. The main condition is that the fabric must be durable, without any stretching effect (stretch will not work). In terms of performance characteristics, the following are well suited:

• Matting;
• Shinil;
• Jacquard;
• Satin;
• Tapestry;
• Microfiber;
• Thick velor;
• Flocks of the latest generations with non-adhesive coating;
• Corduroy or micro-corduroy;
• Nylon or high content fabrics;
• Acrylic mesh for covering areas of greatest contact. Especially relevant for artificial leather or genuine leather;
• Alcantara;
• Eco leather;
• Good quality genuine leather (smooth);
• Nubuck (hairy leather).

Soft fabrics with a loose structure (velvet, wool) look quite beautiful, but wear out quickly. Remember. The contact zone of contact with the body of a person sitting in English chairs is very high. This is due to the fact that they are quite narrow.

The decor of the chair plays an equally important role in the interior. There are not many techniques for decoration:

• Upholstery with stitching. Variations look very nice, where the intersections of the diamond-shaped stitch are covered with round overlays, covered in matching or contrasting colors. The stitch goes perfectly with thick, dense fabrics, leatherette or real leather. Softer fleecy upholsteries drape beautifully, but are more prone to abrasion of the pile;
• Carved frame. This could be an overlay at the bottom or a shaped back design. The carving goes well with the elegant silhouette of the English chair. The main thing is not to overdo it. The width of the overlay rarely exceeds 7 – 8 cm;
• Bent carved or turned legs. Another great option. All 4 or only a pair of front legs can be curved. The rear ones remain straight;
• Decorative rollers. They can be folded or equipped with special end decorative overlays decorated with silk tassels.

Even if you purchased a chair and you don’t want to bother with reupholstering good, but not very decorative, upholstery, then you always have an option. Place a nice lumbar bolster or a couple of plush pillows on the chair. They go well with the silhouette of the “eared” chair, will add comfort to you and help give the chair a special design. Complete benefits.

Base

Legs are invariably used as the base. There are several variations:

• Direct. In this case, all 4 supports will be the same height and level;
• Inclined. The legs themselves are straight or teardrop-shaped, but located at a slight angle relative to the frame. They are called stops. They are usually slightly thicker than straight ones. Often made of chrome steel;
• Curved. The legs are made turned, figured, with a double bend. A small thickening is carved at the end, reminiscent of an animal’s paw. Such legs are always graceful and thin;
• Combined. The 2 rear legs are made straight, and the 2 front legs are curved. This chair looks very original, especially from the side;
• Globular. This type is used on bergeres. The leg is short and straight. The end of the leg resembles a truncated small ball;
• Stand. This type of support is typical for designer chairs (egg and similar). There is only one leg in the center. Ends with a wide round stop;
• Cross. Suitable for gaming chairs. There is also one central leg, but the emphasis is on a five-pointed cross with paired movable rollers.

How to say chair in English - the most popular translation option

Let's start, of course, with an analysis of the most popular term. In general, furniture is a basic topic that is studied at the initial stage of learning English. Because sometimes even kindergarteners and primary schoolchildren know how to say chair in English. Of course, we are talking about the term chair. Let us immediately note that the British pronounce this word as [tʃɛː], [chee], and in American English it is customary to say [tʃer], [cher].

• This child probably stood on a chair so he could reach the top shelf. “This little guy probably stood on a chair and that’s how he was able to reach the top shelf.”
• Sophie sat in the chair with her legs crossed. — Sophie was sitting on a chair with her legs crossed.
• This chair is too low for you. - This chair is too low for you.
• I rose from my chair to welcome them. “I rose from my chair to greet them.
• She has to go to this other chair. — She will have to move to another chair.

By the way, chair can also be translated into Russian with the words “seat”, “place”, “chair”. It all depends on the context of the situation. But at the same time, you need to clearly understand that a chair is a fairly comfortable seat, but with a rigid frame, which distinguishes it from a soft chair or stool without a back and armrests.

What else do you need to know about the word chair? Perhaps its plural form. And here everything is also extremely simple, since to form the plural it is necessary to use the general rule of adding the ending –s to the stem of the word. As a result, the Russian term “chairs” in English will be written as follows:

• chairs

Other English topics: Dialogues in English for beginners

Agree, it is extremely easy and simple to remember, especially if you have already learned how to translate chair into English. However, repetition will still not be superfluous, so let’s look at a couple more example sentences, but using the word chair in the plural.

• Nowadays it is fashionable to have leather chairs. — Nowadays it is fashionable to have leather chairs.
• Are there enough chairs to seat 35 people? — Are there enough chairs to seat 35 people?
• All pupils are sitting in chairs. — All students sit on chairs.

That's all the information regarding the word chair. But don’t rush to leave the page, because we have a few more options for you on how to call a chair in English. We strongly recommend that you familiarize yourself with words that are similar in meaning, because this will allow you to increase your knowledge and better navigate the contexts of English statements.

Classic English leather armchair

If you follow the changes in the designs of chairs over the past centuries, you will notice that they have become very different. Modern engineers have improved their shape so much that now the chairs are suitable for different styles and design projects.

Classic English armchair

The difference between the English style and other interior options is the extensive use of wood. Moreover, valuable and rare varieties. In addition to expensive and elegant furniture, the construction of which is entirely made of wood, wood is used in the decoration of residential premises. Wooden panels cover part of the wall, in combination with wallpaper, or all at once, from floor to ceiling. The flooring most often used is parquet or floorboards.

The calm and measured life of an English family is reflected in the style of their preferred furniture. Evening conversations by the fireplace were conducted by people sitting comfortably in armchairs, and suitable furniture was also required for reading books and looking at magazines before bed. Good quality and a high degree of processing of the smallest details are characteristic of decorative elements and all items of English furniture.

English style chairs have become very popular in the world due to the following features:

high, often arched back;

legs made of hardwood, curved or figured;

deep comfortable seat;

“ears” or wings, smoothly turning into armrests.

Armchairs from England are distinguished not only by their expensive and even luxurious finishes, but also by their severity and simplicity of form. The formation of the English style took place during the times of great geographical discoveries, long journeys and the conquest of new territories. Being far from their native places, the British tried to recreate some of the former comfort in their new homes and made furniture in the traditions of Foggy Albion with a small portion of local flavor. This is how this currently popular style was born.

Chippendale's furniture had such unique features in its combination of European furniture and Chinese art. At this time, gilding was almost completely absent from the decoration of armchairs, but new, very valuable types of wood appeared, which were used by local craftsmen.

Classic leather chair

The Chesterfield style owes its appearance to Lord Stanhope, fourth Earl of Chesterfield. He ordered the craftsmen to make comfortable chairs in which real gentlemen could sit and not wrinkle the tails of their frock coats or uniforms. This marked the beginning of the production of sofas and massive armchairs with straight backs and large rounded armrests. On the direct orders of the Count, the furniture was covered with leather and stuffed with horsehair. The leather trim was secured with nails with decorative heads.

Modern representatives of this style can be found in a variety of rooms. Along with offices and government institutions, such furniture is also placed in the living rooms of private and country houses, in work and home offices. These chairs are distinguished by a large cushion, a soft quilted back that smoothly turns into handrails or armrests and bright metal heads of rivets or special furniture nails.

The leather used for upholstery of armchairs is of the highest quality and soft, with a bright, intense color. From such furniture it is easy to create a set or group to decorate a certain area in the room, but even in the singular such a chair will look great. Overhead soft pillows that are placed on the seat serve not only as an element of decoration, but also provide additional convenience and comfort.