American Federal-Style Upholstered Lolling Chair

Details

Description

This upholstered piece, called a lolling chair, is the Danny Devito of armchairs. It's roomy, welcoming, and with a seat … Read more This upholstered piece, called a lolling chair, is the Danny Devito of armchairs. It's roomy, welcoming, and with a seat height of 15.5 inches, low to the ground. Historically, a lolling chair is also frequently referred to as a Martha Washington chair. It is a distinct style of comfortable seating featuring an exceptionally tall, upholstered back, a low-slung padded seat and open wooden arms. The term derives from the old English word "loll," which means to lounge, recline, or lean lazily—a testament to its relaxing, slightly reclined posture.

HISTORICAL CONTEXT: Ours is not the only time when seating comfort was appreciated. While similar open-arm easy chairs existed in 18th-century England and France, the unique high-backed, un-upholstered arm version was popularized in New England, primarily in Massachusetts, around the 1780s and 1790s during the early Federal period. They served as an ideal casual seat for reading, needlework, or conversation. Placed in bedrooms or formal parlors, their high backs were functional—acting as a shield against cold drafts in poorly heated early American homes.

TODAY: The lolling chair on offer here is a mid-20th-century American reproduction (circa 1940s–1960s) modeled faithfully after the 1790 Massachusetts Federal style. The specific sweep of the incurvate arms, the machine-leveled brass tack nailhead trim and the pristine condition of the wood indicate it is a high-end vintage reproduction, still effective for comfort after a few centuries.

Signature/Maker’s Mark: Nonexistent. See less