What is one defining feature of a Windsor chair?

The defining feature of a Windsor chair is its characteristic bent hoop spindle back combined with a plank seat. This design emerges from the chair's traditional construction, which incorporates a curved backrest supported by thin spindles that radiate from the central back rail. The plank seat is typically broad and flat, often made from a single piece of wood, providing both comfort and durability. The construction style allows for a lightweight yet sturdy chair that has been favored in various American and English designs since the 18th century. This distinctive combination of elements is what sets the Windsor chair apart from other chair types, making it recognizable and historically significant in furniture design.