Skip to main content
Questions Answers
Our trusted network of 1stDibs sellers answer common questions

How can you tell if a dining chair is antique?

1 Answer
How can you tell if a dining chair is antique?
To tell if a dining chair is antique, first look for markings that can help you identify the maker. You will normally find these under the seat. By using information published on trusted online resources, you can research the markings to learn who made the chair and when the maker was active. Any dining chair made 100 years ago or earlier is an antique. Another way to identify antique chairs is to examine their details closely. Most antique dining chairs are handmade, so you can expect to see subtle tool markings and slight irregularities. A lack of these characteristics may indicate that a dining chair is machine-made and less likely to be an antique. For assistance with dating your dining chairs, consult a certified appraiser or knowledgeable antique dealer. On 1stDibs, find a large selection of antique dining chairs.
1stDibs ExpertAugust 15, 2024
Shop for Dining Room Chairs on 1stDibs
6 Willett Duncan Phyfe Wildwood Cherry Rose Medallion Dining Chairs
Located in Dayton, OH
Vintage Willett Wildwood Cherry collection dining chairs featuring a serpentine ladderback design with rose medallion crest. Dimensions: 18" x 21" x 34.5"h, seat 19"
Category

Mid-20th Century American Regency Dining Room Chairs

Materials

Fabric, Cherry

Set of 10 Danish Henning Kjærnulf Razor Blade Chairs of Oak + New Sheepskin 1970
Located in Silkeborg, Silkeborg
Here is a set of 10 Danish vintage razor blade chairs in great country style. They are designed by Henning Kjærnulf and manufactured by the Danish company Nyrup Møbelfabrik/ EG Furn...
Category

Vintage 1970s Danish Mid-Century Modern Dining Room Chairs

Materials

Sheepskin, Oak

French Midcentury Cantilever Chrome Dining Chairs
Located in Baton Rouge, LA
French midcentury (circa 1970) set of six dining chairs using cantilevered seats on chrome frames, in the manner of designers Willy Rizzo and Giovanni Offredi. The original upholster...
Category

20th Century French Modern Dining Room Chairs

Materials

Metal, Chrome

Barbara Barry Collection for Baker Furniture Oval X-Back Dining Side Chair
Located in Germantown, MD
A Baker Furniture Oval X-Back Dining Side Chair designed by Barbara Barry. Mahogany stained and cream velvet upholstery. Eight chairs available. Barbara Barry collection by Baker Fur...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Neoclassical Dining Room Chairs

Materials

Upholstery, Mahogany

French Set of Nine Louis XV Style Dining Chairs
Located in Baton Rouge, LA
Set of nine French Louis XV style dining chairs (armless side chairs) from the early 20th century. Their curvaceous oak frames outline the upholstered backs and seats carrying the si...
Category

20th Century French Louis XV Dining Room Chairs

Materials

Brass

Pair of "Tokyo" Dining Chairs by Rodney Kinsman for Bieffeplast
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Pair of Postmodern 'Tokyo' dining chairs by Rodney Kinsman for Bieffeplast, 1980's. Black powder coated tubular metal frames with a contrasting natural wood seat and finished with a ...
Category

Vintage 1980s Italian Mid-Century Modern Dining Room Chairs

Materials

Metal

Shop All