The Fascinating History Behind the Iconic Peacock Chair

With its colourful fanned back, brass accents and luxe velvet upholstery, the iconic peacock chair has dazzled design lovers since its debut in the 1870s. But how did this now-classic chair first ruffle its feathers and strut onto the scene?

Its creation is credited to two Americans - furniture maker William P. Wiley and upholsterer Theodore Moos. 

Inspired by chairs with interlacing wood backs he saw at the 1867 Paris Exposition, Wiley envisioned a new carved timber version for his New York shop. Enlisting Moos’ velvet upholstery talents, the two brought the peacock chair to life.

Its name derives from the ornate walnut or oak back fanning out like the tail of a peacock. Intricate woodworking formed the detailed feathers, enhanced by hand-painted accents.

Contrasting pastel velvets formed the cushioned seat, completing its avian illusion.

By 1876, Wiley was producing peacock chairs in earnest. His label's stamp can be found under many surviving chairs along with patent dates.

Moos also claimed, "I made the first peacock chair ever sold in this country.”

Popular myth says famous jewelry Tiffany & Co. sold the first peacock chairs.

But fascinatingly, it was furniture retailer Herter Brothers that truly boosted the chair's early fame.

Displaying them in their New York showroom, Herter Brothers sold over a thousand peacock chairs from 1877-79 alone.

Soon peacock chairs were must-have items, representing luxury and taste.

Wealthy patrons like the Vanderbilts and Carnegies adorned their homes with them.

America couldn't get enough of the exotic, artistic chairs during the flourishing Aesthetic Movement.

Their elaborate craftsmanship also made them quite costly. In 1915, stores sold new peacock chairs for $185 - over $5,000 today! This exclusivity only increased their cachet as status symbols.

Peacock chairs surged again in the mid-20th century. Retro loving collectors sought them out for their vintage appeal.

Updated versions were reproduced, from simplified wooden backs inspired by Shaker style to colorful takes on the peacock's plumage using new materials.

Today peacock chairs are coveted treasures blending Old World artistry, natural materials and ornate femininity. They instantly turn heads, whether placed in a Victorian parlor or modern living room.

Each chair carries echoes of the Gilded Age aspirations it first represented. For design devotees, owning this historic style icon remains the ultimate feather in one's cap.