Why is it believed the farthingale chair was designed for women?

Why is it believed the farthingale chair was designed for women?

• A. It has arms to support the sitter.
• B. No arms, to accommodate large hoop skirts and dresses.
• C. It swivels for ease of seating.
• D. It includes a built-in footrest.

Answer: (B)

Design in furniture often follows the needs created by fashion, and the farthingale chair is a clear example. Women wore farthingales—hooped, wide skirts that extended the dress outward and could be quite bulky. A chair with no arms provides unobstructed space on the sides and around the seat, so the wide gown can drape and spread without catching on armrests. That simple lack of arms directly solves the practical issue of seating someone in a garment with a large, projecting silhouette, making it the best explanation for the design. Swiveling or built-in footrests don’t specifically address the challenge posed by the dress’s width, and arms would interfere with the gown, not accommodate it.

Design in furniture often follows the needs created by fashion, and the farthingale chair is a clear example. Women wore farthingales—hooped, wide skirts that extended the dress outward and could be quite bulky. A chair with no arms provides unobstructed space on the sides and around the seat, so the wide gown can drape and spread without catching on armrests. That simple lack of arms directly solves the practical issue of seating someone in a garment with a large, projecting silhouette, making it the best explanation for the design. Swiveling or built-in footrests don’t specifically address the challenge posed by the dress’s width, and arms would interfere with the gown, not accommodate it.