morris chair: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
LowTechnical/Furniture
Quick answer
What does “morris chair” mean?
A type of armchair with an adjustable reclining back and removable cushions.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A type of armchair with an adjustable reclining back and removable cushions.
A classic, early 20th century armchair designed in the Arts and Crafts style, known for its simple, functional construction, often in oak with leather or cloth upholstery. It is a design icon representing the principles of the Arts and Crafts movement.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The term is equally used in both varieties but is slightly more associated with American antique furniture discourse due to its popularisation by US manufacturers.
Connotations
In both regions, it connotes craftsmanship, heritage, and the Arts and Crafts design philosophy.
Frequency
Low frequency in general language, but standard within the domains of antique dealing, interior design, and furniture history in both the UK and US.
Grammar
How to Use “morris chair” in a Sentence
[possessive] morris chaira morris chair [preposition] [location]the [adjective] morris chairVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “morris chair” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The room had a distinct morris-chair aesthetic.
- It was a morris-chair style of construction.
American English
- They admired the morris-chair details in the design.
- He preferred morris-chair proportions for his project.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Used in antique auction catalogues, furniture retail, and interior design project specifications.
Academic
Used in art history, design history, and material culture studies discussing the Arts and Crafts movement.
Everyday
Rare. Might be used by someone describing a distinctive piece of furniture in their home or one they are seeking to purchase.
Technical
Precise term in furniture making, restoration, and antique classification.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “morris chair”
Neutral
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “morris chair”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “morris chair”
- Capitalising incorrectly (e.g., 'Morris Chair' is acceptable, but 'morris chair' is standard).
- Using it to refer to any large, comfortable armchair.
- Misspelling as 'Moris chair' or 'Morriss chair'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Not necessarily. While the original designs are antique, the term is also used for modern reproductions or chairs made in the same classic style.
It is attributed to the British designer William Morris, founder of the Arts and Crafts movement, though the specific adjustable mechanism was popularised by other makers like Gustav Stickley in the US.
No. It refers specifically to a design originating in the Arts and Crafts period. Modern mechanical recliners are not called Morris chairs.
It is commonly written in lowercase ('morris chair') as the term has become generic for the style, but capitalising 'Morris' (to acknowledge the namesake) is also correct and often seen.
A type of armchair with an adjustable reclining back and removable cushions.
Morris chair is usually technical/furniture in register.
Morris chair: in British English it is pronounced /ˈmɒr.ɪs ˌtʃeər/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈmɔːr.ɪs ˌtʃer/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine the writer William MORRIS taking a rest in a CHAIR with a back he can adjust to read his books more comfortably. MORRIS + CHAIR = a restful, craftsmans' chair.
Conceptual Metaphor
COMFORT IS ADJUSTABILITY (The specific, functional mechanism for achieving comfort defines the object).
Practice
Quiz
What is the defining feature of a morris chair?