Surprisingly, the chair was not widely used until relatively modern times. Chairs have long been symbolic of power and status and so ordinary people would not have had access to them. The earliest known chairs or thrones come from Ancient Egypt. They were the preserve of the royalty and aristocracy who set themselves above the rest of the populace. In ancient art, the gods are often depicted as seated on chairs or thrones. Chairs in ancient Rome were classically marble but could also be made from wood too.
In medieval England, the king would often greet visitors from his chair or throne which was placed on a stage thus representing his superiority over his subjects. It wasn’t until the 19th and 20th centuries that the chair became more widely accessible, thanks to mass produce affording greater access to this simple comfort. Yet the chair still retains some symbolic meaning – the monarch still sits upon a throne and the chair is an emblematic symbol of the House of Commons and by extension democracy.
When we think of chairs in our home, we might consider only functionality – will they fit into the space and will they be comfortable? When choosing new chairs for the home, we should also consider style – will the new chairs match the existing décor and will they reflect my own individual style and taste?
Here at Zurleys we have an ever-growing extensive range of chairs to choose from. Whether you are looking for a traditional wooden chair or a sleek metallic chair, we have the perfect product for you. If your tastes are a little more modern, then browse through our exquisite collection of funky retro chairs. Our trendy chairs are perfect at setting the scene in a room and adding a splash of colour. They are sure to bring a quirky and unique look to your home. All our pieces will make a statement about your style.
Some of our chairs provide laid back sitting positions providing the perfect place to relax and unwind. We have a beautiful collection of 100% leather chairs as well as designs which will look perfect in any sunroom or conservatory. Our rattan chairs provide a low sitting position for the ultimate lounger style and perfectly complement our coastal furniture collection.