| For centuries the armchair represented status in | | | | The Middle Ages (1066-1485) used these |
| society and now is commonly seen, accompanied | | | | enormous armchairs to the lord of the manor's |
| by an ottoman, in living rooms around the world. | | | | benefit when guests were invited over. With a |
| Individuals of great power and authority sat in | | | | comfortable backing and a place for his arms to |
| these chairs giving them complete control over | | | | rest it's no secret why he preferred these over |
| their people. | | | | ones side chairs that had no arms. His fair lady |
| During the period of 6000BC, which dates back to | | | | would sit next to him in a side chair with all other |
| ancient Egypt, ancient chairs were created out of | | | | guests facing away from the two on benches or |
| lavish materials. Gold, silver, bronze and an array | | | | stools. |
| of jewels were etched or carved into these | | | | In today's modern dining rooms these chairs are |
| seats. Many of these chairs were decorated with | | | | placed at the end of the table for either the |
| such distinct qualities only the Pharaoh was | | | | eldest of the family or whomever the celebration |
| deemed worthy enough to sit in one. | | | | may involve. Culture today has a variety of use |
| Ancient Greece's (8BC -6AD) take on chair | | | | for these types of chairs. Whether it is a formal |
| placement and the people who sat in them were | | | | matter or a student studying away in the |
| a great deal different than the civilization before | | | | comfort of a tub chair, the selection in stores |
| them. The concept of lesser citizens sitting on the | | | | across the globe is downright frightening. |
| floor or stools was entirely the same. Greek | | | | Great works in modern day furniture design and |
| culture thought of placing extra chairs in various | | | | architecture come from the likes of Verner |
| temples in order for the gods to make their | | | | Panton with his classic, all plastic, shiny, robust, and |
| direct presence known to the land. Advance time | | | | award winning chair. The tulip chair, developed by |
| thousands of years forward to modern day living | | | | Eero Saarinen, could be classified as a competitor |
| this would be like another occasional piece of | | | | in the $1000 plus price range. The elegant form |
| furniture that doesn't always get used day in and | | | | factor and interchangeable cushion gives this a |
| day out. If the gods truly sat in these extra chairs | | | | slight edge over the more artistically inspired |
| one would think it would not be a daily occurrence. | | | | Panton classical version. |
| The process of social dominance continued its | | | | Throughout the ages the armchair has a legacy |
| establishment during the Roman Empire's | | | | of representing wealthy and high status members |
| conquests of Europe beginning in 27 BC. They also | | | | of society but all that is reimagined in today's |
| conjured up the idea that having an extra throne | | | | marketplace. Children and youngsters lounge all |
| would bring them good fortune. They placed | | | | day long in the comfort of the common room |
| statues of the goddess Roma in the chair next to | | | | resting in the clutches of a heavenly soft |
| the emperor. | | | | armchair. |