The Core of Great Decor

The History of Adirondack Chairs

February 15th, 2007

Adirondack chairs are well-known and liked for their simple beauty and easy comfort, needing no extra frills to make this piece of outdoor furniture among the most worthwhile garden accessories. The chair that once sold for fewer than five dollars can now bring in two grand in the right circles. So, where did this brilliant concept stem from?

We can thank Thomas Lee for the wonderful innovation of Adirondack chairs. People of the early 1900’s wanted to enjoy the gentle air and pleasant aroma of the flowers in comfort. So they hauled their lounge chairs, sofas and loveseats out to the garden. At the end of their lovely retreat, folks would have to lug their furniture back inside to avoid weather damage or the like. Lee was spending some vacation time with his family in upstate New York, when the idea occurred to him. Why transfer indoor furniture in and out when we could just have outdoor furniture that could be left al fresco? And so, with a simple saw and minimal supply of wood, Lee began constructing what later became known as the first Adirondack chair.

Famous for its wide arms rests and slats, Adirondack style garden furniture has progressed dramatically since the early 1900’s. Chairs have expanded to loveseats, gliders, and ottomans. Whichever design, Adirondack outdoor furniture always has its back and seat smoothly inclining to its characteristic angle of supreme comfort. These chairs get their name from the rich Adirondack forest. This tells you a lot about the quality that Adirondack furniture stands for. The only thing that could possibly make Adirondack chairs any better (other than a cold pina colada and a warm breeze) is the welcome shade of a matching umbrella!

Entry Filed under: Garden Decorating Ideas, Patio Decor Ideas