Adriondack Chair - Seating With A History

By: Kent Higgins

Following the trend of art in general, American furniture
underwent change at the beginning of the 20th century. Function
became more important than ornate looks, with simple, relaxed
designs being used instead of older, Victorian styles. This time
period has become known as the Craftsman period, and was shaped
by the work and ideas of craftsman Thomas Lee.

Thomas Lee had an upstate New York Property where he developed
his ideas using his exceptional skills with a saw. He needed to
come up with a piece of furniture that could be used for picnics
on sloping ground. His solution came in the form of what is now
known as the Adirondack chair. It was built just for him, but
the idea spread around the world.

His idea began with wider armrests than previous designs. He
wanted to eliminate the need for a table, so he made the
armrests wide enough to hold a drink, even when the chair is
sitting on a sloping hillside. It was designed for leisure and
comfort.

His building of the chair began in 1903 with a single board. He
cut the board into 11 pieces and built the chair with a straight
back and seat and with wide armrests. After the first prototype,
Thomas Lee experimented with similar designs and asked for
feedback from his family. He used their feedback to make the
most functional chair to date. The Adirondack chair is the
result of their efforts.

Harry Bunnell, a friend of Thomas Lee, saw the chair and asked
if he could study the design so he could make reproductions to
market and sell them to mass audiences. Thomas agreed, and
replicas were made out of basswood and hemlock. They sold very
well, and the design was patented. The new name was the
'Westport chair'. The original idea was expanded to include
rocking chairs and lounge chairs. Some of the chairs are still
available in antique stores, although they are quite expensive.

The designs of the Adirondack chair have influenced rustic
mountain cabin-style furniture today. The designs has even
expanded to influence tables, benches, lounges, gliders, love
seats, ottomans, and beds.

If the Adirondack design appeals to you, many exciting
variations are available today. The Adirondack makes an
excellent seating choice for any href="http://www.plant-care.com/1543-patio-landscaping.html">back
yard patio landscaping project. You can find the designs in
maple, cedar, and redwood, with different types of finishes.
Some of them have rounded backs and cushions for added comfort.
Some of them are made with modern materials such as plastic or
metal.

It is very common to see Adirondack chairs at outdoor coffee
houses today because they leave ample room to set a coffee mug.
One man's personal hopes to find a more functional piece of
furniture for himself and his family has grown into an important
style used all throughout America today. Thomas Leeís are great
for enjoying the outdoor, rustic, comfortable and relaxed
lifestyle.

Article Source: https://www.collectibles-articles.com

Seating often is the finishing touch for any back yard patio landscaping plan, and the Adriondack is enjoyed by thousands. But seating is only part of the landscape design, learn more ideas for your patio at www.plant-care.com/1543-patio-landscaping.html

Related Items on eBay:

Set of 2 Adirondack Outdoor Patio Deck Wood Lounge Chair Folding Patio Furniture
$87.49

Adirondack Chair All Weather Fire Pit Lounge Chair Easy Assemble Folding Chair
$54.14

Cecarol Oversized Adirondack Chair Plastic, Adirondack Patio Chair (Wood Grain)
$109.99

Cecarol Oversized Adirondack Chair Plastic, Adirondack Patio Chair (Wood Grain)
$129.99

Cecarol Oversized Adirondack Chair Plastic, Adirondack Patio Chair (Wood Grain)
$249.99

HDPE Adirondack Chair Set of 2 w/Cup Holder, Wood-Like Texture, High Backrest
$135.99

Print This Article

Comments Closed

Add To Favorites

Email to Friends

Publisher Ready