The Three Most Popular Types Of High Back Armchair

The high back armchair has been a popular choice for centuries. Armchairs in general are found in almost every home, because they offer a high level of comfort. But a high back armchair takes it up a notch! The combination of a high back and arm rests means the ultimate in comfort and support for your back, whether you’re watching TV in your family room or sipping a coffee and watching the sun rise from the deck of your cottage.

Although there are tons of styles and types of high back armchairs, three have been the most enduring an the most popular throughout the years.

1. High Back Armchair – The Rocking Chair

This is the classic high back armchair, and finds a place in most nursery rooms, kids rooms and front porches. The rocking chair first made an appearance in England in the early 1700s, and in 1750 it made its debut in the United States. They were made completely from wood, or wood with a wicker or rush seat. People loved the comfort and relaxation of a high back armchair that let them rock gently in front of the fireplace, or while cradling their baby in their arms.

Modern rocking chairs now have gliders, rather than the bowed rockers.
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2. High Back Armchair – The Wingback

The wingback, or wing chair is the classic style of high back armchair that has lasted throughout the ages and is still popular today. This style is completely upholstered in various types of fabric, and has arms and a wing-shaped, high back that meets the seat of the chair at a ninety degree angle or wider. The wings on the high back wrap around slightly to the front of the chair, and provide the sitter with some protection from drafts… very necessary for those chilly nights in the parlor room of your 16th century castle!

The overall styling of a winged high back armchair is traditional, with curved legs and more ornate details. This makes them perfect for studies, traditional living rooms, offices and libraries. There are more modern styles of wing chair that work with more modern decor schemes as well.

3. High Back Armchair – The Adirondack

Many people don’t think of the Adirondack as a high back armchair, but that’s exactly what it is! Perfect for outdoor use or with rustic decors, this style was first created in the early 1900s and called a plank chair. They are made with 11 wooden planks, and have low seating, ample arm rests and a sloped back. Modern versions are made from various types of wood, and you can even find them made from plastic (although they aren’t as comfortable, or as rustic, as the wooden ones).

These may be the most enduring of the high back armchair styles, but they aren’t the only ones! Browse our high back armchair selection, and find the armchair that fits your style and your budget perfectly.