What Is the Difference Between an Armchair and an Elbow Chair?

History of Armchairs and Elbow Chairs

• The pecking order of who gets to sit in what chair can be traced back to the ancient Egyptians, according to the Buffalo Architecture and History website. Armchairs were considered to be the seat of honor and were reserved for the pharaoh. Relative levels of social prominence determined the kind of chair in which one sat. The lowly sat on stools if they sat at all. This tradition is reflected today in dining room sets that provide armchairs for the host and hostess at the head and foot of the table while everyone else sits in armless side chairs.

Antique Elbow Chairs and Armchairs

• Before the 20th century, armchairs were also known as "great chairs" and "elbow chairs." Constructed of wood, they had rigid backs and armrests. Many 19th-century writers refer to elbow chairs and armchairs in their stories and essays, often as symbols of rank or age. In J.M. Barrie's novel "The Little White Bird," an aging man ponders the failings of his life as he sits "in the elbow chair by the fire."

Modern Elbow Chairs

• In 1930, William "Billy" Haines was the most popular leading man in silent movies. But Haines gave up acting when his studio tried to force him to pretend to be heterosexual. Eventually, he became a successful designer, giving Hollywood a "smart new look" that combined formal and casual, according to Architectural Digest. His elbow chairs were close to the ground, low-backed, armless and upholstered in comfortable materials such as sheepskin. Paper City Magazine notes that they were meant to be sat in sideways and pulled up to low coffee tables. Danish designer Hans Wegner's 1956 elbow chair was similarly simple and armless, but had longer legs and a sleek wooden body that was nearly backless.

Modern Armchairs

• Modern armchairs are available in many styles and materials with purposes ranging from work to leisure to waiting in doctors' offices. Some, such as dining room armchairs, are made of wood. Others may be molded from plastic and stackable, such as the designs of Charles and Ray Eames. Although foldable, director-style chairs feature arms and have wooden or metal frames. Collapsible beach chairs often feature arms, some of which include cup holders. Homeowners often select plush high-backed models with generous seats and overstuffed arms that encourage napping. The variety is seemingly endless and the price range wide. Everyone can sit in armchairs these days.