3 min readThere is something (quite literally) comforting about sitting down and sinking into a cozy, upholstered armchair. However, we'll be the first to admit that overstuffed down-filled cushions aren't always the most stylish—and plenty of designers agree. No one is suggesting you say goodbye to your beloved upholstered seating, but perhaps complement it with something boasting a touch more character, age, and charisma; something like a spindle back chair.
Unlike myriad furniture pieces from yesteryear, spindle backs are still very much in vogue, so you have options regarding where to shop for one. Whether you want a new one made this year or an older one from a century ago, go forth. Ahead, some of our favorite designers offer a masterclass on all things spindle back chairs, including where to get them, how to style them, and more.
Why Choose a Spindle Back
There are a lot of chair styles out there, so making a choice can be tricky, but we happen to think that a spindle back—specifically a Windsor spindle back—is a classic that's been stylish pretty much since its inception. We happen to believe this antique-style treasure is never a bad idea, and designer Kaitlin McQuaide agrees. "I love using spindle backs because they feel light yet structured. Upholstered chairs are, of course, wonderful, but they can feel a bit heavy and can visually stop the eye," she says. "Windsor chairs also introduce a bit of history and craft, which I am always drawn to. Even in a room with lots of layers, a spindle back reads as honest and unfussy."
Shop Your Preferred Era
Unlike telephone tables or smoking stands, spindle-back chairs were cool centuries ago and remain so today. You can take your pick from hundreds of antique or vintage options, or head to a furniture retailer and try a few out to see which ones speak to you most. When it comes to deciding between vintage and new, Cashmere Interiors' Charlene Petersen thinks it depends less on value and more on the project. "I love an antique and its authenticity, but functionality is always at the forefront of my designs," she explains. "It’s hard to find a full set of structurally sound antique chairs, so I might mix and match a set or use them for accent chairs in hallways and landings."
If you don't feel like tracking down a hard-to-find full set, Petersen recommends just buying new ones. Her personal favorites? "Nickey Kehoe's Viewing chair and O&G Studio's Atlantic Elbow chair in any of their rich color stains are to die for. You get a great look and the functionality of a structurally new chair."
When to Use a Spindle-Back Chair
Bigger rooms call for extra seating, but not every space calls for a spindle-back chair. The style works best in certain scenarios, and designer Betsy Wentz has some thoughts on where they shine best. "I'd use a spindle back chair in traditional classic space, such as a formal dining room or a sophisticated home office. They're particularly effective in smaller rooms, as they create a sense of airiness." Unlike an upholstered chair, which visually takes up a lot of space, the gaps created between each of the spindles create a visual illusion of more room.
Where to Buy a Spindle-Back Chair
Blair Moore, leader of New York- and Rhode Island-based Moore House Design, is a big fan of spindle-back chairs. "The craftsmanship and structure bring immediate character," she says. "The history and patina, built through years of use, give the pieces depth and a story." In order to score this kind of warmth and charisma in your space, she recommends going the vintage route when shopping. In fact, she started a sister company, Roweam, that curates elegant, rare vintage pieces globally, and quite a bit of the furniture includes spindle-back chairs.
How to Style a Spindle-Back Chair
Philadelphia-based interior designer Michelle Gage is a pro when it comes to making older things—centuries-old homes, antique furniture pieces, and everything in between—fresh and cool. Case in point: This set of classic chairs from yesteryear in a dining room that feels utterly at home in the 21st century. "These chairs add the perfect contrast to the soft shades in this room. They're a simple style that allows us to be more playful with the wallpaper and light fixture."
