BEACHWOOD, OHIO – Chairs have one main purpose, but they are made in multiple shapes, sizes and types of material. Pictures show chairs in ancient Egypt, but they were not in common use until the 16th century. A king or religious leader had a very large chair (throne), often with arms that had elaborate decoration. Other people sat on stools. But by the 18th century, chairs were part of everyday life for the rich. The standard shape included a high back, wooden seat, four legs, and perhaps arms. But the largest chair in the house, the seat of power, was for the husband. That tradition still remains.
