ROLLING IN STYLE
The barrel back chair is favored by designers for its comfort and endless style possibilities
HIGH POINT, N.C. — Born of a wooden cask, the barrel back chair’s only hint of its rough-cut history is the curved shape of its back. Whether tufted, channeled, upholstered or bare, the profile is ubiquitous and favored by designers and manufacturers for its comfort and chameleon-like qualities. The chair with the semicircle back has been revisited, restyled and retrofitted for living spaces in 21st century homes.
“If furniture could give you a hug, a barrel back chair would be first in line,” said Holly Blalock, vice president of merchandising for CR Laine, an upholstery maker. “The curved back and wraparound arms embrace you in comfort like none other.”
Laine’s Lincoln swivel chair does just that, and it’s got lots of company. At the Fall High Point Market, Lee Industries showed several versions of the barrel back, including a pair upholstered in Chatham Indigo with a Southwestern motif.
“The shape of the barrel back is comfortable, but from a style point of view, it can be dressed to accommodate any look, from classic to contemporary,” said Bondi Coley, marketing director of Lee Industries.
Whether you call it a barrel, tub or drum, this little chair has become a consumer favorite.
“They are ubiquitous because they are so comfortable and practical,” said Caroline Hipple, president of Norwalk Furniture.
At High Point, Vincent chairs from the Company C for Norwalk line were shown
as stationary or swivel chairs.
“As a swivel, these chairs are perfect for today’s family and great rooms,” Ms. Hipple noted. “They can rotate to catch a view out the window, see the fireplace or watch the game on a big flatscreen television. And four around an ottoman make a great conversation group.”
The Company C line allows customers to add interest with contrast welts, buttons or both.
“It is furniture to have fun with,” Ms. Hipple said.
A.R.T. Furniture gave its Timber Barrel accent chair a deco-inspired look with a bentwood back panel and a finish they call hand-rubbed rye. It’s inviting enough to have you tucked in, sipping a single malt. Century Furniture’s Declan chair applies comfort to style with a fully upholstered body on a dark metal frame.
“Curved backs add interest and a touch of femininity to a room,” said Comer Wear, Century’s director of marketing. “An added bonus is that the rounded forms tend to provide perfect support, almost hugging the body. Quite a few of them tend to be swivels as the shape almost beckons for that function.”
At the October market, Alden Parks showed the Modern II in a bright mustard yellow leather and Bernhardt its leather tufted Palazzo chair. Refoundry, a Brooklyn-based operation that puts formerly incarcerated people to work, re-purposed a steel drum and outfitted it with a seat to create a simple industrial chic look. Universal Furniture showed a sleeker modern version in leather with a metal base.
Noir Furniture’s Duke chair uses curved mahogany slats that mimic the classic barrel shape. Masterfield Furniture, which is based in Taylorsville N.C., is proud of its American-made, fully upholstered chairs that hug your back for a cozy perch. Also favoring the upholstered look with a touch of piping is Highland House.
“We preferred the barrel shape because it softens the flow of a room where there are otherwise square or rectangle sectionals and accents,” said Tina Nicole, coowner and designer at Nathan Anthony.
For each market, the company reinvents its Elan chair. This time it was draped in black leather fringe to create a focal point. The chrome base makes it perfect for a modern setting.
The Clarisse in cream Komodo faux leather (vinyl) from Shine by S.H.O. is another chair that would complement a contemporary room. The new Wyatt chair from Oly Studio combines an exposed wood frame in a driftwood finish with an upholstered seat. Depending on the fabric, this chair can be transitional.
“The barrel shape is so versatile and great for socializing. It can be added to many types of interiors,” Ms. Nicole said.