Windsor chair suggests a little toe tappin’ country style

The Windsor chair originated in late 16th C England (think Windsor castle and… all things Windsor?) before coming with immigrants to America. These new world folks didn’t literally bring their Windsor chairs with them. But they remembered them fondly from the old country and rebuilt them on this side of the pond.

Today, Windsor chairs are a hallmark of american country style… a style sooooo popular that we sort of associate these spindle-happy chairs as one of our own. We even renamed them Philadelphia chairs a few years back (a few centuries, actually). Imagine our nerve. Hope the English never found out.

Original Windsor versions were painted green (the English used these chairs more as lawn and garden furniture). The chairs shown in the room above are two-tone… a favorite american county look with black or green frames and a natural finish on the seat.

But in this room, the Windsor chairs need a little help…. a supporting cast of country characters that don’t currently exist. The chair-table-buffet combo looks suitably country. Even the warm, country color on the wall works. But beyond that there ain’t much country decor going on. Here’s how I’d fix the problem.

First, those lamps. More rustic, wrought iron versions would create more warmth and support the country styling. That brassy chandelier is a little too elegant. It’s also too high and a little small. 

Pictures and mirrors should keep up the rustic effect. I like the mirror I’ve shown on the far left. It’s got a hand-painted effect that’s perfect for this folksy style. Charming folk art, landscapes, farm animals are more fitting with Windsor style than the current Victorian-inspired (?) mirror above the buffet.  

The floor and ceiling in this room are a little less cozy than they type of decor that Windsors should be surrounded with. Grounding the table with an area rug is the answer. A braided rug is ideal for the look, two suggestions are shown on the left and center. Or a simple woven stripe. shown on the right. I’d choose one that’s rectangular or square (rather than round) to reinforce the strong shape of the recessed ceiling above.

 Speaking of that ceiling, it’s a little stark-looking in white. A light version of the wall color would warm up the room. The ’stripe’ around the recssed ceiling could be painted black or a color pulled from the artwork. Or a simple geometric stencil could be interesting.

 Finally, the accessories. Again, rustic and casual themes look more appropriate with Windsor chair style. Roosters, weathervanes, baskets, bowls filled with fruit and simple pottery create the american country look that a Windsor chair has made famous.

Resources…
Mirror, artwork and accessories:  LampsPlus.com.
Rugs: HomeDecorators.com

For more home decorating ideas, or to download our free magazine, visit www.roomplanners.com.