Morris Chairs: A Classic Design With Modern Comfort
The Morris chair traces back to the work of English designer William Morris, who believed that furniture should be simple, honest, and well-made. Gustav Stickley carried that idea to America, transforming it into one of the first reclining chairs. Stickley’s reissued 1989 Mission Collection includes Morris chairs that stay true to the original design, complete with adjustable backs, broad arms, and visible joinery.
Stickley’s Morris chairs preserve the authentic look and structure of the original while adding the comfort features people expect today. Select models include manual or power recline, wall-hugging technology, and supportive bustle backs that help with relaxation. Every Morris chair provides both classic craftsmanship and modern features, making them an excellent option for traditional or modern homes.
Mission Morris Chair Styles at Stickley
Stickley’s Mission Morris chair collection includes several variations, each with its own character:
- Spindle Morris Chair: Closely follows Gustav Stickley’s 1906 design, featuring narrow spindles, canted arms, and quadralinear posts.
- Bow Arm Morris Chair: Inspired by William Morris, with long curved arms, slatted sides, and an adjustable back.
- Power and Manual Recliners: Combine Mission styling with power motion and wall-hugging design for a modern spin on the Mission style.
- Small-Scale Morris Chair: Compact and timeless design, made for smaller rooms while maintaining designer quality.
How to Choose the Right Morris Chair
Choosing the right Morris chair comes down to space, comfort, and how you plan to use it. Every Mission chair at Stickley is made to withstand generations of use, but finding the right fit will make sure it works perfectly in your home.
- Measure Your Space: Start by looking at where the chair will go. Morris chairs are big, so make sure there’s enough space for the back to recline and room to walk comfortably around it. In a larger living room or office, a full-size Morris chair can be a strong focal point. In smaller spaces, a compact model fits in naturally without overwhelming the room.
- Select the Recline Type: Stickley offers both manual and power recliners. Power recliners use quiet motion and wall-hugging technology, making them easy to use in small spaces. Both options make the chair comfortable for reading, relaxing, or watching TV.
- Pick Your Wood Finish: Mission Morris chairs are available in quartersawn white oak or cherry. Oak gives a classic look with strong grain patterns and a golden tone that fits Mission-style rooms. Cherry has a smoother texture and rich natural color that deepens beautifully over time. Both are hand-finished to highlight the character of the wood and deliver heirloom-quality.
- Choose Your Upholstery: Upholstery plays a big role in comfort and appearance. Leather provides durability and a classic look that develops a soft patina as it ages. Fabric upholstery adds warmth and texture, which makes it a good choice for rooms with softer design elements. Both materials are available in different colors and textures to fit your space.
- Consider Arm Style and Design Details: If you want a strong, architectural look, choose a Morris chair with straight or canted arms. For a softer, more inviting look, go with a bow arm design. Other details like spindles and slats should be considered as well to match the rest of your space.
- Think About Longevity: A Morris chair can be a daily reading spot, a piece to anchor a room, or a family heirloom. If you plan to use it often, choose a model with a bustle back for added support and cushioning. If it’s for a formal space, go with clean lines and firmer cushions for a constructed feel. Every Morris chair at Stickley is built with solid construction and heirloom-quality materials, ensuring it becomes part of your family’s history.
In the 2025 Furniture Today Reader Rankings, Stickley was selected as the Best Luxury Furniture Brand, a vote of confidence from professionals across the furniture industry. We are grateful for this honor and proud of our team whose skill and commitment keep Stickley’s tradition of American craftsmanship strong after over a century of being in business.
For Interior Designers: Mission Morris Chairs for Complicated Spaces
Stickley’s Morris chairs are a natural choice for interior designers who need authenticity and modern comfort. These chairs anchor living rooms, offices, and libraries with structure and a traditional feel. Stickley offers expert support to help interior designers choose finishes, materials, and dimensions that fit their clients’ vision.
The Stickley Difference
For more than 125 years, Stickley has been known for craftsmanship, integrity, and designs that last for generations. Our Mission Morris Chairs are built with the same care and honesty that Stickley has valued for over a century. Each Mission chair carries the legacy of the Arts and Crafts movement while fitting naturally into modern homes.
A Stickley Morris chair is a part of American furniture history that brings comfort and craftsmanship into your home for generations. Locate your nearest Stickley showroom today to experience our Mission Morris chair collection in person today.
If you’re adding more Mission-style chairs, sofas, or other living room furniture to your home, see our related categories: