A while back I posted this picture below and Lindsey from Recreated asked me what kind of chair it was. So I thought I would scour up a little info for her and a few more photos for you of this stunning “over the top” chair.
Meet the Porter’s Chair…
This example above is from the Bank of England Museum, 1827.
The Porter’s Chair dates back to medieval times in England and later to 16th century France. It was a chair stationed by the front door of a grande estate or home where a hall porter sat as a gate keeper. The hall porter allowed admittance to the chateau those whom he could recognize or those who could prove their identity and invitation. Chilly days and drafty nights were warded off by the high domed back and enveloping sides.
Also called a dome chair, balloon chair or canopy chair, contemporary versions of the porter’s chair are everywhere these days. I love them. Kelly Wearstler uses them quite a bit in her restaurant designs. It’s enveloping shape creates an intimate setting, perfect for a romantic evening for two.
So what do you think? Too over the top, or the perfect way to make a grand statement? I think they are magnificent!
Images: 1.Melanie Turner Interiors / 2. Bank of England Museum / 3. BG Restaurant – Kelly Wearstler via Apartment Therapy/ 4. Tides South Beach – Kelly Wearstler / 5. Atlanta Homes - Amy Morris Interiors – Photographer: Erica George Dines /6. Elle Decor – Devon Kirk’s Home – Photographer: William Abranowicz / 7. Amy Morris Interiors via Honestly…WTF / 8. Greystone Estate – Thom Filicia
For a more detailed and in depth history of the Porter’s chair… yes, there is more… visit this post at Apartment Therapy for a wealth of knowledge.
Chairs!
Meesh xo
PS. Thanks for all the well wishes last week here and on Facebook. I’m feeling much better now! Thank goodness!
hello. i am meesh.
Well, I have to admit when I first saw them circulating on the web I found them a bit bizarre, a bit to Dr. Evil for me
But now they are wearing me down I think in the right setting with the right upholstery they can look marvelous! Thanks for the history lesson, it makes sense as to the design!
You know, I heard a Dr. Evil version sold on ebay for… One Hundred Million Dollars! Mwah-ha-ha-ha!!!
Ha! I have to laugh because I agree with Barbara’s comment. I guess I’m starting to warm up to them …. hence they keep you blocked from the wind. They kind of remind me of eggs. Happy Easter???
Happy Easter!
Yes, thank you for the history lesson Meesh! To me these chairs have always looked cozy, kind of like a womb. ( Gosh, I hope that doesn’t sound too weird!)
THANKS! What great info! I love these chairs, and Barbara is right these chairs can be great, especially if upholstered properly
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I think I would have loved these as a little girl… like a giant chair fort!!
Nice to learn the history behind these ones! They always remind me of Alice in Wonderland… only now I’m seeing them through a different set of eyes! Thanks for the background
Good to know!! I have been calling them a “hood chair” in my head
Thanks for the background, and more importantly all the pretty pictures.
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