The Classic Adirondack Chair

“Every Adirondack chair holds a thousand quiet sunsets.”

The Adirondack chair is a classic piece of American outdoor furniture known for its wide armrests, slanted seat, and high back—all designed for comfort and relaxation. Its history dates back to the early 20th century and is rooted in the scenic Adirondack Mountains of upstate New York.

Origins: The Westport Chair (1903)

The Adirondack chair was originally invented in 1903 by Thomas Lee, a vacationer from Massachusetts who was staying with his family in Westport, New York, a small town in the Adirondacks. Seeking the perfect outdoor chair for his summer home, Lee crafted a prototype using eleven flat wooden boards. The chair had a straight back, sloped seat, and wide armrests—ideal for the uneven mountain terrain.

A Weird History…

Patent and Commercialization

Lee shared his design with a local carpenter and friend, Harry Bunnell, who quickly saw its commercial potential. Without Lee’s knowledge or permission, Bunnell filed for a patent in 1905, naming the design the “Westport Chair.” He began producing the chairs in dark-stained wood, marketing them as rustic outdoor seating for hunters and vacationers. Bunnell’s chairs were a hit, and he produced them for the next 20 years.

“Westport Chair.” He began producing the chairs in dark-stained wood, marketing them as rustic outdoor seating for hunters and vacationers. Bunnell’s chairs were a hit, and he produced them for the next 20 years.

Design Evolution

Over the decades, the design evolved:

• Early versions had straight backs and flat seats.

• Later models introduced rounded backs and contoured seats for more ergonomic comfort.

• In the 1930s–40s, the term “Adirondack chair” became more popular than “Westport chair,” reflecting the region’s growing association with outdoor leisure.

Mid-Century to Modern Day

The Adirondack chair gained iconic status throughout the 20th century. It became synonymous with lakeside cabins, beach homes, and backyard retreats. Originally made from hemlock or cedar, modern versions are now constructed from:

• Teak, oak, or pine

• Recycled plastics or poly lumber for weather resistance

• Folding and rocking versions also became popular

Legacy

Today, the Adirondack chair is celebrated for its rugged simplicity, comfort, and timeless American style. It has become a symbol of outdoor relaxation and is a staple of cottage life throughout North America. Many designers and craftspeople continue to innovate on Lee’s original vision, but its essence—a sturdy, slanted chair built for rest—remains unchanged for over a century.

About the Adirondacks

The Adirondacks, located in northeastern New York State, are a vast and rugged wilderness region known for their majestic peaks, clear lakes, and dense forests. While often called a mountain range, they are geologically a dome-shaped massif that continues to rise slowly over time. Spanning more than six million acres—an area roughly the size of Vermont—the Adirondacks are largely contained within Adirondack Park, the largest publicly protected area in the contiguous United States. Established in 1892, the park is unique in its blend of public and private lands, encompassing towns, homes, businesses, and untouched wilderness, all protected under the New York State Constitution’s “forever wild” clause.

The region is home to the famed 46 High Peaks, with Mount Marcy standing tallest at 5,344 feet, and other iconic summits like Algonquin Peak, Cascade Mountain, and Giant Mountain drawing hikers and climbers year-round. The Adirondacks are also rich in waterways, including thousands of lakes and ponds such as Lake George, Lake Placid, and Saranac Lake, along with headwaters for the Hudson River. These natural features make the area a haven for outdoor recreation, from paddling and fishing to skiing, hiking, and camping.

Culturally, the Adirondacks have deep roots. The name likely derives from a Mohawk word for “bark-eater,” a term used for Algonquin people. Indigenous communities lived and traveled through these lands long before European settlers arrived, and by the 19th century, the region became a destination for wealthy urbanites seeking refuge in nature. This era gave rise to the iconic “Great Camps,” rustic yet lavish lodges that embodied a new kind of wilderness luxury.

Today, towns like Lake Placid, Old Forge, and Saranac Lake serve as gateways to adventure and relaxation. Lake Placid notably hosted two Winter Olympics and remains a hub for winter sports. The Adirondacks are cherished for their vibrant fall foliage, quiet beauty, dark night skies, and enduring spirit of conservation. More than just a destination, the Adirondacks represent a living example of balanced preservation and a timeless invitation to slow down, breathe deep, and connect with the natural world.