Strolling near downtown last night, I saw a chair in a shop window I’d never seen before: a strange mash-up of modern and old-fashioned, upholstered in burlap, secured with brass tacks, edged in mahogany, and labeled “Porter Chair.” Needing to learn more, I found this comprehensive post by Anna Hoffman at Apartment Therapy on the history of canopied, or porter, chairs. She writes:

“Canopied chairs carry a sense of drama and ceremony fit for a monarch. Kelly Wearstler, glam queen, loves to use them in restaurants, to add a touch of romance…. So it surprised me to discover that historically, they were used as chairs for hall porters to sit in while they kept watch at the doors of grand homes and palaces — like very well-appointed bouncers!”

The chair I spotted is the Canopy Chair by Jayson Home & Garden, and you can pick one up for the tidy sum of $1,895. Be sure to see Anna Hoffman’s post for all the great information and, especially, photos of all manner of canopy chairs. — Mary T.