Barley Twist Chairs
Antique Early 1900s French Louis XIII Dining Room Chairs
Velvet, Wood, Walnut
Early 20th Century English Armchairs
Early 20th Century English Armchairs
Oak
Early 20th Century Scottish Armchairs
Oak
Vintage 1930s French Armchairs
Walnut
Antique 19th Century British Armchairs
Early 20th Century English Armchairs
Wood, Fabric
Early 20th Century Scottish Armchairs
Oak, Beech
Early 20th Century French Armchairs
Wood, Fabric
Early 20th Century Scottish Armchairs
Walnut, Cane
Antique 19th Century Victorian Armchairs
Rosewood
Antique 1880s Scottish Gothic Chairs
Oak
Antique 18th Century and Earlier English Chairs
Vintage 1950s English Chairs
Upholstery
Early 20th Century French Chairs
Wood
Antique Mid-17th Century Chairs
Vintage 1940s English Chairs
Antique Late 19th Century European Renaissance Revival Chairs
Oak
Vintage 1910s Scottish Queen Anne Armchairs
Walnut
Antique 19th Century Italian Side Chairs
Early 20th Century French Dining Room Chairs
Wood, Fabric
Antique 19th Century British Dining Room Chairs
Walnut, Cane
Mid-20th Century French Louis XVI Dining Room Chairs
Linen, Oak
Antique 19th Century French Dining Room Chairs
Antique 19th Century French Dining Room Chairs
Antique 19th Century British Dining Room Chairs
Antique Early 19th Century English Jacobean Chairs
Oak, Wood
Antique Early 19th Century English Other Paintings
Canvas
Antique 19th Century French Armchairs
Antique 19th Century Scottish Armchairs
Oak, Faux Leather
Antique 19th Century English Armchairs
Oak, Cane
Antique 19th Century French Armchairs
Wood, Upholstery
Antique 19th Century French Armchairs
Walnut
Antique Late 19th Century English Jacobean Armchairs
Fabric, Oak
Antique 1870s Scottish Victorian Chairs
Oak
Early 20th Century Spanish Chairs
Rush, Wood
Antique 19th Century French Dining Room Chairs
Wood, Fabric
Antique 1880s Scottish Victorian Side Chairs
Oak
Antique 1880s Scottish Chairs
Oak
Antique 1870s Scottish Chairs
Oak
Antique 1870s Scottish Chairs
Oak
Antique 1880s Scottish Victorian Chairs
Oak
Vintage 1920s Scottish Chairs
Oak
Vintage 1910s Scottish Edwardian Chairs
Oak
Vintage 1920s Scottish Arts and Crafts Chairs
Oak
Vintage 1920s Scottish Chairs
Oak
Vintage 1920s English Jacobean Dining Room Chairs
Oak
Vintage 1910s Scottish Dining Room Chairs
Leather, Oak
Antique 1880s Scottish Victorian Chairs
Oak
Antique 19th Century English Gothic Dining Room Sets
Faux Leather, Leather, Oak
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Barley Twist Chairs For Sale on 1stDibs
How Much are Barley Twist Chairs?
Finding the Right Seating for You
With entire areas of our homes reserved for “sitting rooms,” the value of quality antique and vintage seating cannot be overstated.
Fortunately, the design of side chairs, armchairs and other lounge furniture — since what were, quite literally, the early perches of our ancestors — has evolved considerably.
Among the earliest standard seating furniture were stools. Egyptian stools, for example, designed for one person with no seat back, were x-shaped and typically folded to be tucked away. These rudimentary chairs informed the design of Greek and Roman stools, all of which were a long way from Sori Yanagi's Butterfly stool or Alvar Aalto's Stool 60. In the 18th century and earlier, seats with backs and armrests were largely reserved for high nobility.
The seating of today is more inclusive but the style and placement of chairs can still make a statement. Antique desk chairs and armchairs designed in the style of Louis XV, which eventually included painted furniture and were often made of rare woods, feature prominently curved legs as well as Chinese themes and varied ornaments. Much like the thrones of fairy tales and the regency, elegant lounges crafted in the Louis XV style convey wealth and prestige. In the kitchen, the dining chair placed at the head of the table is typically reserved for the head of the household or a revered guest.
Of course, with luxurious vintage or antique furnishings, every chair can seem like the best seat in the house. Whether your preference is stretching out on a plush sofa, such as the Serpentine, designed by Vladimir Kagan, or cozying up in a vintage wingback chair, there is likely to be a comfy classic or contemporary gem for you on 1stDibs.
With respect to the latest obsessions in design, cane seating has been cropping up everywhere, from sleek armchairs to lounge chairs, while bouclé fabric, a staple of modern furniture design, can be seen in mid-century modern, Scandinavian modern and Hollywood Regency furniture styles.
Admirers of the sophisticated craftsmanship and dark woods frequently associated with mid-century modern seating can find timeless furnishings in our expansive collection of lounge chairs, dining chairs and other items — whether they’re vintage editions or alluring official reproductions of iconic designs from the likes of Hans Wegner or from Charles and Ray Eames. Shop our inventory of Egg chairs, designed in 1958 by Arne Jacobsen, the Florence Knoll lounge chair and more.
No matter your style, the collection of unique chairs, sofas and other seating on 1stDibs is surely worthy of a standing ovation.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022Barley twist furniture dates back to the Jacobean and Stuart eras in England and the Louis XIII and Louis XIV eras in France. During this time, many furniture makers produced chairs, tables and case goods with twisty legs. The name barley twist comes from barley sugar candy enjoyed at the time. Shop a range of barley twist furniture on 1stDibs.
- What is a barley twist lamp?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertFebruary 13, 2023A barley twist lamp is a table lamp or floor lamp that has a spiraling base. Usually, the bases are solid mahogany wood, but other types of wood and even metal are sometimes used. Find a variety of lamps from some of the world's top sellers on 1stDibs.
- What does barley twist mean?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022The term “barley twist” refers to thin spiraling forms. Most often when barley twist is used, it relates to furniture. During the 19th century, many chairs, tables and casegoods featured barley twist legs. You can find a range of barley twist furniture on 1stDibs.
- What is a classic barley twist?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertNovember 2, 2021A classic barley twist refers to a specific attribute of a piece of furniture. The “twist” refers to a furnishing’s twisted form — in a table’s legs or in its trim, for example — that resembles a twisted stalk of barley sugar. The twist was frequently made of beech or walnut.
- How are barley twist legs made?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022Barley twist legs were originally cut by hand until the invention of the lathe, which assisted with creating the twisted design. Barley twist legs are named after sticks of barley sugar and feature a spiral look. Browse a selection of furniture featuring barley twist legs on 1stDibs.
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