It's been another busy few weeks here with one interior design project drawing to a close and 3 more in the offing. With the kids now off school for Easter, it's not about to get any quieter either! So rather than ramble on about juggling childcare and (not) achieving work/life balance, I thought I'd share some research I've been doing for a current client on the subject of wingback chairs.

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If you thought that wingback chairs belonged in private members' clubs and first-class lounges, then think again! A huge number and variety of contemporary wingback chairs has hit the market over the past few years. No longer should they be reserved for pub-firesides and country-residences, there is now a contemporary wingback chair for every style and location! They might look like armchairs with shoulder-pads but they can do no wrong in my book for several reasons:

a) They are very comfortable.

b) You can have a surreptitious sniffle during soppy films without being spotted.

c) The wings provide excellent support for a lolling head (perfect if you have small children that wake you up far too early in the morning; have stayed up to the wee small hours writing your blog post or have had a night on the tiles – lucky  you).

d) You can sit upright, grip the arms and feel like a Bond-villain (especially useful when lecturing aforementioned small children about not waking you up really early).

e) They just look darn cool!

So here are a few of my favourites. Some are affordable, some are investment pieces, but they'll all strike a grand yet cool note in your living room.


If none of these strikes a chord (or fits your budget) then seek out a vintage number and have it reupholstered in some fabulous fabric. Ebay and gumtree are awash with battered old wingback chairs – grab some plain velvet in a gorgeous colour et voila, an instant statement piece. Patterned fabrics look amazing too – go retro with a William Morris design, or pick something by Timourous Beasties or House of Hackney for a more contemporary vibe.

An my top tip is to look for Danish leather high-back chairs. Usually available in black or tan leather, these seem to be a total bargain at the moment (probably the only Danish furniture that still is)!

Right, I'm off to measure up some herringbone flooring. Have a great Tuesday all!