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

Why is it called a porter’s chair?

1 Answer
Why is it called a porter’s chair?
A porter's chair is called that due to its history. Early examples of porter's chairs date back to medieval England and France. At that time, households positioned the chairs near the front doors of homes to give the hall porters a place to sit while they waited to receive guests. Although hall porters are less commonly employed in homes today, the upholstered chairs with their curved, deep backs continue to bear the name. On 1stDibs, shop a diverse assortment of antique, vintage and contemporary chairs.
1stDibs ExpertAugust 15, 2024
Shop for Chairs on 1stDibs
Alma Upholstered Accent Chair in Faux Mohair Velvet
Located in Old Town Orange, CA
Introducing the Alma Accent Chair – a timeless piece crafted for comfort and style. Upholstered in a faux mohair style velvet, the color is our french havane, a warm honey, caramel t...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Chairs

Materials

Metal

Vintage Alky Chairs in Off-White Fabric by Giancarlo Piretti for Artifort, 1970s
Located in ŁÓDŹ, PL
A pair of beautiful Giancarlo Piretti “Alky” chairs reupholstered in luxurious off-white wool-cotton blend fabric produced by a highly recognized textile manufacturer Chase Erwin fro...
Category

Vintage 1970s Dutch Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs

Materials

Bouclé

Pair of Lovö Chairs by Axel Einar Hjorth
Located in Philadelphia, PA
The beautiful Lovö Chair is an exceptionally treasured vintage find. Designed in the 1930s by Axel Einar Hjorth as part of his ‘Sportstugemöbler’ (weekend cottage or lodge furniture) collection for Nordiska Kompaniet, the models in the beloved Lovö series are regarded by many as Axel Einar Hjorth's masterpieces. Crafted for the weekend cottages that were gaining popularity in Sweden at the time, each series is lovingly named after a Swedish island. Crafted from solid stained pine, their rich cherry tone exudes a timeless appeal. The green and blue floral vintage cushions...
Category

Vintage 1930s Swedish Chairs

Materials

Pine

Alma Napoleon Style Accent Chair in Velvet
Located in Old Town Orange, CA
Introducing the Alma Accent Chair – a timeless piece crafted for comfort and style. Upholstered in a faux mohair style velvet, the color is chestnut, a warm rich chocolate brown. Res...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Napoleon III Chairs

Materials

Metal

Pair of Egyptian-Revival style Parcel-Gilt Metal Sculptural Chairs
Located in Miami, FL
Pair of Egyptian-Revival style parcel-gilt metal sculptural chairs Highly decorative pair of vintage sculptural chairs executed in parcel-gil...
Category

Late 20th Century Egyptian Revival Chairs

Materials

Metal

Sculptural Boucle Dining Chair with Split Pedestal Base - Mondo Design Studio
Located in NEW YORK, NY
A sculptural blend of form and function, this contemporary dining chair exudes elegance with its soft curves and refined silhouette. Upholstered in a range of heavy textured boucle w...
Category

2010s Portuguese Modern Chairs

Materials

Bouclé, Upholstery, Wood

Shop All