Everything You Need to Know About Carver Chairs
Carver chairs have been around for many years, although the date and founder are often debated. Some believe that carver chairs are named after John Carver, one of the pilgrims who braved the Mayflower voyage that resulted in the colonisation of the Plymouth Colony in the US. The other theory is that carver chairs are named after the head of the household, the person that was in charge of carving the meat, also known as the carver. Either way, this type of chair has a long history and is still very popular in people's homes and other venues.
What is a carver chair?
A carver chair is a chair that is traditionally much wider than the other chairs of that time; they had three spindles which supported the back of the chair. Their design was very decorative and often included ornamental supports on the chair and chair legs with carved elements. Now carver chairs are often associated with dining chairs that have armrests. They’re bigger and often sturdier than standard dining chairs. Traditionally carver chairs were made from wood; modern-day carver chairs can be either wooden or covered with fabric. Some wooden carver chairs also include a leather cushion for extra comfort.
Carver chair use
More traditionally, carver chairs were placed at the head of the table for the man or leader of the household to use after a long hard day's work. The other chairs at the dining table would be armless. The grand chair at the head of the table was a symbol of status and importance. Society has changed significantly over the years, and men are no longer considered more important than women or children. A great diverse range of families has changed this traditional use of carver chairs. These chairs can now be used around the entire dining table or in one or two positions, whatever works best for the household and space available.
Benefits of carver chairs
Carver dining room chairs have several advantages over other types of chairs. One of the most important benefits is the extra support provided by the arms of the chair. Using the arms of the chair, the elderly or those with mobility issues will have an easier time getting in and out of the chair while simultaneously supporting their arms throughout use. Some people find it very hard to get up out of chairs without additional support and using their arms; a carver chair solves this problem and allows everyone to join in around the dinner table. Carver dining room chairs are often a little larger than other dining chairs; this makes them more suitable for large adults that might struggle with a standard chair. Their large frame and addition of armrests make them more sturdy and durable; a carver chair that has been looked after is likely to last a long time. The appearance of carver chairs is often very traditional; they work well with almost any decoration and are often made to a high-quality standard.
Drawbacks of carver chairs
There are some drawbacks to carver chairs, mainly relating to their size. Smaller households with limited space might find it difficult to fit one or several carver chairs around the dining table. The arms on the chairs mean they’re less likely to tuck under a table, so you’ll need more space for them. The broader structure of the chairs also means it can be hard to fit as many adults or children around the dining table without needing to buy a bigger table. When looking at carver chairs, you need to measure the space around your table so there is enough room for each chair to fit comfortably with extra room to move in and out. Some people won’t be able to buy carver chairs if they have limited space or need to fit more children around the table. Some families buy two carver chairs for each end of the table that the adults can use and have bench seating for the children. Bench seating saves space as it can be tucked neatly away when not in use and can fit more children on the seats without needing to buy a longer table.
Resources:
Leather Dining Room Chairs - Coda
Fabric Dining Room Chairs - News.blog