Barrel Back Chairs
Buy the best barrel back chairs selected and recommended by interior designers. By Chloe Hughes.
You will feel like you are sitting in the lap of luxury when you plop yourself down in one of these upholstered barrel back chairs. They are very handsome and come in tons of upholstery options, not to mention they're very well made by some of the finest furniture makers. They have a classic look that will properly accent your space in style in class.
Barrel Back Chairs
Buying Guide
Chloe Hughes
Interior Design Expert
Chloe is a highly-regarded expert in all things vintage and antique. She’s excited to share her vast knowledge with readers and clients wishing to infuse their homes with a mixture of old-time warmth and modern comfort. In addition to her design work, Chloe regularly volunteers at her local community center, teaching DIY projects to adults and kids.
Barrel back chairs are chairs which consist of a seat and then a large back piece which surrounds the chair and provides arms too. The name is taken from the fact that these chairs do look like they are made somewhat in the shape of a barrel, and their short legs often contribute to this look too. This is a look which has been featured in homes for decades, if not centuries, and you can opt for the modern versions of the chair or the traditional furniture.
The patterns will vary on upholstered barrel back chairs. Since they are upholstered, the most common material is fabric, creating a comfortable environment in your home. Let's consider some of the most popular patterns that people choose when buying barrel back chairs.
- Subtle floral pattern: This is normally upholstered using one main color for the chair. For example, light brown or beige are common colors. The material is then embroidered with flowers and leaves which are a shade just slightly darker or lighter than the main color. This means that the floral pattern doesn't stand out too much, but is obviously not a completely plain piece of furniture.
- Brighter floral pattern: Similar to the subtle pattern mentioned above, the brighter floral patterns have more contrast and are therefore more colorful. While the main background color might be beige or cream, the flowers will normally have some pink, green or purple thread running through them to add color. If choosing this pattern, consider any other prominent colors in the room to decide whether it will clash or work well.
- Plain pattern: Since many of these chairs have an antique frame, the fabric upholstery is the chance to make it a little more modern. Since floral patterns are very traditional, many buyers like to consider plainer solid colors. Dark colors are popular if you intend to make the barrel chair a feature piece in a room or the only furniture for seating, while lighter colors work well as part of a wider living room suite.
A common look for older chairs is the distressed wooden look. While this may have been reinforced with newer wooden materials, the upholsterer is careful not to force the chair to look its antique look. A distressed frame paired with modern upholstery can create a beautiful contrast which is ideal for homes furnished with a shabby chic design.