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The 203 Windsor Bergere Easy Chair and Settee (1953) – the first models on which this feature was adopted – were low-slung, with a deep seat, a high bow back and short splayed legs. These best-selling designs, which remained in production for many years, regularly appeared in advertisements. From 1956 onwards they were supplemented by the 341 Low Stool which, when abutted with the 203 Easy Chair, created a chaise longue. Although the 203 range was initially fitted with cable

Easy chairs with loose cushions on a Windsor frame have come to epitomise Ercol, the first being the cable-sprung 176 Tub Easy Chair (1951). Yet, although it might seem natural to have extended the range in this direction, at the time this concept was completely untried: ‘No one else would dream of creating an easy chair out of a Windsor chair,’ Ercolani pointed out.¹⁶ The challenge was how to combine the chair frame and the upholstery in a visually harmonious way to create c

Ercol’s growing mastery of the Windsor chair idiom was demonstrated in its 1956 collection, which promised: ‘Chairs that welcome you with open arms, dining chairs to feast your eyes on, a love seat you will love at first sight, settees to settle down in, even a stool to put your feet up on.’ The curved horizontal seatback, first seen in the lattice-backed 280 Chair, was now adopted for the 333 Small Chair (1956), with its five vertical spindles and oyster-shaped seat. The cha

Up to 1954 the basic Windsor dining chair, as exemplified by the 4A Chair and the 139 Chair, had a bow back with six spindles. The 280 Contemporary Windsor Chair (1954) marked a significant departure with its curved horizontal seatback and diagonal criss-crossing sticks. Praised by The Cabinet Maker for their ‘attractively interlaced backs’ and ‘spaced shapes’, these chairs rank amongst Ercolani’s most original designs. As well as being visually arresting, the ‘latticed and s

The Windsor Contemporary Furniture Family continued to grow steadily during the 1950s, with additional pieces being developed to meet a broader range of household needs. From 1953 to 1956 the collection was publicised through large fold‑out reference sheets. The first bound catalogue appeared in 1957, illustrated initially in sepia, with colour photographs of room settings added the following year. Similar brochures were produced annually until the end of the 1960s. It was no

Ercol furniture has stood the test of time, captivating generations with its unique blend of design, craftsmanship, and natural materials. Its enduring appeal lies in the way it balances elegant simplicity with practical function, making it a perfect fit for both vintage enthusiasts and contemporary homeowners. This post explores what makes Ercol furniture special, how it complements modern interiors, and why preserving its original character adds value to any home. Classic E