Pages

2018-06-20

The Adirondack Chairs Arizona Natives Prize Have Survived The Test Of Time

By Karen Jones


There are some pieces of furniture that are timeless. You can take one look at them and know they will never go out of style. Many of the pieces that came out of the Craftsman period of American furniture making fall into this category. The Adirondack chairs Arizona homeowners display proudly are a prime example. If you are lucky enough to own one, you not only have a comfortable place to sit, you have a piece of American history.

At the turn of the twentieth century, American artisans began experimenting with functional furniture design that was a sharp contrast to the stuffy, overly ornate pieces that represented the Victorian Era. By coincidence, Thomas Lee, vacationing at his home on Lake Champlain, decided that his porch needed armchairs. He created them himself with a design that included wide armrests, low seats, and deep angles.

Since he was making them for his use only, they might never have been commercialized without the help of his friend, Harry Bunnell. Bunnell owned a small, local carpentry business and needed a money making enterprise to help him through the slow months. Lee loaned him the design plans for the chair he made. Unbeknownst to Lee, Bunnell eventually patented the design, calling it the Westport Chair. There are still Westports around. If you find an original, you will have to pay at least three thousand dollars to buy it.

There are numerous variations of the Adirondack on the market today. The original design is best known as the classic. It has the spacious seat that is low to the ground and angles down and back. It has the wide armrests, and a back that is tall and slopes back. The best examples are made out of cedar today. The first armchairs were made out of basswood and hemlock.

You can find the chair with a rocking element added to it. A rocking chair can be uncomfortable. A lot of them are narrow and stiff. Made in the Adirondack style, rockers seem natural and a great way to spend an afternoon. Not all furniture in this style is made to sit on. There are tables and ottomans as well as loungers and benches.

You can find modern versions of the classic chair. The Uwharrie is one of them. This chair is very similar to the classic. It has a wide seat, low to the ground, and slopes back. The main difference is the addition of a wave effect on the top of the back of the chair. It makes a great beach chair and is very popular with many.

This furniture was, and is, made to withstand the elements. That is why most experienced craftsmen prefer white or western red cedar. Cedar works so well for outdoor furniture because of its durability. Styles come painted and natural. They can be coated with a clear wood protector.

The Craftsman Period produced some of the best in American furniture. The pieces were functional, elegant, and built to withstand time. They were also made to conform to the human body. This is one reason they are still so popular with people today.




About the Author:



0 add comment::

Post a Comment

Twitter Delicious Facebook Digg Stumbleupon Favorites More