A plantation chair is a low, reclining lounging chair with long extended arms that can be swung out to support the sitter's legs. It typically has a caned or rattan seat and back, a sloping profile and a solid hardwood frame, and is sometimes known as a planter's chair.
The design is associated with British colonial life in India, Ceylon, Burma and South-East Asia during the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, where it was used on verandas and in clubs as a cool, comfortable place to rest in a hot climate. Most were made locally in teak, rosewood or other hardwoods, and some incorporate small swivel trays or holes for a glass. The extended arms are often hinged or pivoted so that they fold back when not in use. Collectors look for solid construction, original caning or sympathetic replacement, good colour and, ideally, interesting provenance. Many later and reproduction examples exist, so construction methods and wear should be carefully assessed. Plantation chairs are popular today in conservatories, garden rooms and relaxed living spaces, bringing a sense of colonial history and easy comfort.
