Spindle Back Diner

For more than 500 years, chairs with a spindle back - often called Windsor chairs - have been a staple of dining rooms in many parts of the world. The earliest examples came from 16th-century Ireland and Wales, English settlers introduced them to North America over the next couple of centuries, and more recently wooden spindle back chairs have become popular in cafes and restaurants.

The simple reason is that their weight makes them easy to handle, their comfort is legendary, and their style means they look good almost anywhere. Houtlander has taken this classic chair and reduced it to its most basic form, at the same time achieving perfection in execution. The result is a modern object of great strength with a style that will never date. Ten pieces of round wood, a curved back and a beautifully carved seat come together to create a piece of furniture that is not only deceptively simple but immediately life-enhancing.

For domestic use, the addition of our pancake cushion to the carved seat means added comfort. The pads have removable covers for easy washing. Alternatively, add fabric or leather to the seat for more individuality, or make the chair even lighter by opting for a traditional cane seat. Then select one of our resilient wood finishes to match your look.

There are so many choices, but one thing is certain: spindle back chairs have stood the test of time, and their future is in good hands at Houtlander - South Africa’s unofficial ‘house of Windsor’.

550L X 469W X 820H

Timber products are warranted for 4 years from the date of delivery/collection in respect of frame and workmanship. Should the original product be altered in any way, the warranty will be voided.

Delivery Times:

Manufacturing can take up to 6 weeks from date of order. This excludes the holiday period from the 15th December to 3rd  January.

The Houtlander distribution centre will contact you to arrange delivery on any weekday between 9am and 5pm. No deliveries will be made on weekends or public holidays. Reasonable endeavours will be made to deliver the product on the arranged time and date.

Circumstances that are unforeseen or beyond Houtlander’s control may result in changes to the agreed delivery date and time. You will be informed by telephone and alternative arrangements will be made.

Please inspect your products on delivery.

Shipping Rates:

Our products are shipped pre-assembled, to ensure quality, longevity and ease. The volume of each package will vary depending on the piece and number of items ordered. Shipping costs will be calculated during the checkout process. The Houtlander fulfilment centre will contact you post-order to ensure you’re available to receive your delivery.

Our Oak:

We only use sustainably harvested American oak to craft our furniture. Timber is an inherently sustainable material - trees are (ideally) an infinitely renewable resource. But many manufacturers rely on monocropped pine, or other woods, due to cost and ease. This practice destroys soil and the surrounding ecosystem. All our oak is grown and harvested in indigenous forests on the east coast of America. Trees are felled only once they’ve reached full maturity. Then they are drawn from the forest in minimally invasive ways that preserve the surrounding vegetation. It’s all about delivering a truly sustainable and stunning product.

Manufacturing Process:

Carpentry and joinery are two of the oldest crafts on earth, and furniture making ordinarily requires a huge amount of skill in order to deliver truly exceptional results. Unfortunately, these traditions are largely dying off, particularly in the global South, making great wooden furniture hard to come by at reasonable prices. At Houtlander we want as many people as possible to have access to beautiful, well-crafted furniture which lasts a lifetime. This is why we’ve combined expert craftsmanship with 5-axis CNC technology, allowing us to create perfect curves, joints and furniture features in an affordable and replicable way.