What Are Tub Chairs?

History of the Tub Chair

• While more an evolution of style rather than a defined style, the tub chair made its original debut in France during the Louis XV period. According to the website Furniture Styles, "the tub chair was to the style-conscious French, the epitome of civil comfort." Social gatherings became all the rage during the reign of Louis XV, which greatly influenced furniture styles. Smaller, more comfortable and "more portable" furniture was made. One of the new furniture types, the tub chair was a convenient size, very stylish and comfortable as well. Its popularity grew in Europe, and toward the end of the 18th century it appeared in the United States. Although it didn't gain popularity immediately, it did become commonly known then as the "tub" chair.

The Tub Chair in the United States

• Boston cabinetmaker George Bright thought the tub chair had promise. As an experiment, he built several low-backed tub chairs in 1797 and placed them in Boston's new state house. Like any prototype, his tub chairs were a bit different. At 3 feet high with a depth of 2 feet, they were much deeper than they were wide, in other words, small and comfortable. Named the tub chair by American interior design authority Charles F. Montgomery, the name stuck. His comments that this"tub chair was one of the most interesting chairs, as well one of the greatest to cross over from Europe to the United States, helped its popularity grow.

Tub Chairs in All Styles

• From there, furniture makers designed and built tub chairs in a wide variety of different fabrics, including leather and wicker. Some gave tub chairs wooden arms. Some built them with fully upholstered arms. A swivel function was added to others. The particular lines of a tub chair and fabric selection are what make it traditional, contemporary or transitional. Whatever its style, the tub chair offers versatility from palaces to pubs, family rooms to formal living rooms or professional offices.

  The tub chair is chameleonlike in its ability to fit into any room. A tub chair made of luxurious black leather with chrome legs adds sophisticated style to a den or living room; a chintz floral tub chair with a ruffled skirt adds sweetness to a sitting room. Used in multiples, it adds conversational capabilities to a room. Four matching green polyester swivel tub chairs in a family room would invite discussions. Used alone, a tub chair adds an extra seat or just the right look almost anywhere; a white damask tub chair with carved wood arms placed in a hallway or guestroom would be serviceable and stylish.

Finding a Tub Chair

• Choose a black, brown or cream-colored leather or faux leather tub chair with straight lines to fit in with any style. The frames of tub chairs are made of solid wood, particleboard or even plastics and upholstered in the finest quality fabrics or more inexpensive man-made materials. Quality of materials, construction and upholstery will determine the cost.

  If you're looking for a tub chair that offers comfort as well as style, select one with a well-constructed frame and good quality fabric. If you simply need a tub chair for looks and a last-minute seat, look for one that isn't made of the finest materials, but still has upholstery that looks good and will perform well. You'll find tub chairs in high end furniture stores and designer boutiques as well as discount stores and even garage sales.