Question 1

What are dining room chairs with arms called?

Accepted Answer

Dining room chairs with arms are simply called armchairs. They are not to be confused with armchairs used in seating areas. A dining chair without arms is a side chair. You'll find a collection of antique and vintage dining chairs on 1stDibs.

Question 2

What is a cantilever seat?

Accepted Answer

Cantilever seats are chairs that have a uniquely designed base. Instead of featuring four legs, a cantilever chair has two tubular metal legs in the front. They travel straight down and then bend inward, continuing to the back of the chair where a crossbar joins them. The name of the seat comes from bridge construction and architecture. On 1stDibs, shop a selection of cantilever chairs.

Question 3

What is the history of the cantilever chair?

Accepted Answer

The history of the cantilever chair dates back to 1926. It was then that Mart Stam created a sketch of a new idea for a chair on the back of a dinner napkin at a cocktail party. His drawing inspired Ludwig Mies van der Rohe to create his own version of the chair. This led to a legal battle between the two. Other designers, such as Marcel Breuer, began experimenting with the cantilever design, and today, many manufacturers continue to employ the cantilever design in their pieces. Explore a large collection of cantilever chairs on 1stDibs.

Question 4

How does a cantilever chair work?

Accepted Answer

How a cantilever chair works comes down to its unique design. Instead of having four legs, a cantilever chair features a single leg or pair of legs in an L shape. The leg or legs attach to the seat in the front and then travel along the floor to provide stability. When a person sits down, their weight becomes distributed across the entire base. On 1stDibs, find a range of cantilever chairs.

Question 5

What are the characteristics of a cantilever chair?

Accepted Answer

Here are some characteristics of a cantilever chair: Most feature two front legs and no back legs. The legs bend at the bottom, creating a stable base for the chair. Typically, cantilever chairs feature tubular metal frames and have two arms. However, you can find some armless examples. The seats and backrests often have a boxy appearance and can feature a range of materials, such as wicker, leather, fiberglass, molded plastic or fabric upholstery. Explore a variety of cantilever chairs on 1stDibs.

Question 6

What is the cantilever chair made of?

Accepted Answer

A cantilever chair typically features a frame of tubular metal. Most often, tubular steel is used, though tubular chrome has also been used. The seat and back can be crafted of many materials, from rattan to leather or fabric. Browse 1stDibs to find an array of cantilever chairs from top sellers.

Question 7

What is a dining chair?

Accepted Answer

A dining chair is a chair used to provide seating while dining at a table. There are two main types: side chairs and armchairs. As the name suggests, armchairs feature integrated arms, and they typically go along the short ends of rectangular tables. Free of arms, side chairs are usually arranged along the sides of rectangular tables. On 1stDibs, shop a large selection of dining chairs.

Question 8

How tall should dining chairs be?

Accepted Answer

Dining chairs should be around 18 inches tall. Since most dining tables are 30 inches high, 18 inch tall dining chairs allow for a comfortable amount of legroom. As a general rule of thumb, there should be around 12 inches between a dining table and a seat.

Question 9

What is a carver dining chair?

Accepted Answer

A carver dining chair is a kind of spool chair with legs rising above the seat level to frame the back and support the armrests. A theory about how carver chairs got their name is that the “master of the household” would sit at the head of the dining table and carve the meat that would be served for dinner. A widely reported origin story for the carver chair is that the name references a Pilgrim named John Carver, who was the founder of the Plymouth colony of Massachusetts in the United States. On 1stDibs, shop a range of antique and vintage carver chairs.

Question 10

What is the difference between dining chairs and accent chairs?

Accepted Answer

The difference between dining chairs and accent chairs is primarily their function. Generally, dining chairs are used in dining areas, where they provide comfortable seating for people to use while eating at tables. You'll normally find accent chairs in seating areas and other parts of the home, where users can sit on them while they read, make conversation or enjoy other relaxing activities. Shop a wide variety of antique, vintage and contemporary chairs on 1stDibs.

Question 11

What is the difference between an accent chair and a dining chair?

Accepted Answer

The difference between an accent chair and a dining chair comes down to function and design. An accent chair usually goes in a seating area, and makers craft them with comfort in mind. As a result, most accent chairs feature cushioning and upholstery and are characterized by generous proportions. The purpose of a dining chair is to provide a place to sit while enjoying a meal. Usually, dining chairs are lighter and smaller than accent chairs for easy maneuvering. While they may have padded seats and backrests, dining chairs generally aren't as abundantly cushioned as accent chairs. Explore a large selection of chairs on 1stDibs.

Question 12

Are leather dining chairs worth it?

Accepted Answer

Many furniture lovers feel that leather dining chairs are worth it. Due to its natural beauty, leather can elevate dining rooms and add interest to interior designs by bringing in a new texture. Leather is also fairly easy to wipe clean, and top-grain and full-grain upholstery often hold up well to the effects of frequent use. Keep in mind that other factors contribute to the overall quality of a chair, such as its frame materials and construction methods. On 1stDibs, shop a wide variety of leather dining chairs.

Question 13

Is it worth recovering dining chairs?

Accepted Answer

Yes, it may be worth recovering dining chairs. If the upholstery on your chairs is worn or stained, but the frames are in good condition, recovering them can restore their appearance and allow you to continue using your furniture for more years. However, there may be some downsides to recovering. Sometimes, the material and labor costs may be more than what you might pay for new chairs. Recovering some vintage or antique dining chairs may also diminish their value. If your chairs are vintage or antique, you may wish to consult a certified appraiser or antique dealer to learn about the potential impact of replacing the fabric before you proceed with the recovery process. It is also a good idea to get estimates from a few professional furniture repairers to see how much the project will cost. Shop a large collection of dining chairs on 1stDibs.

Question 14

What are the chairs at a dining table called?

Accepted Answer

The chairs at a dining table are generally just called dining chairs. Chairs without arms that go along the sides of a table are side chairs. Typically positioned at the ends of tables, dining chairs framed by arms are armchairs. On 1stDibs, shop a large collection of antique, vintage and contemporary dining chairs.

Question 15

What is a dining chair with arms called?

Accepted Answer

A dining chair with arms is called a carver chair or elbow chair. It is a traditional dining chair with arms added to it for a more structured look and is a popular option for dining seats for a spot to comfortably rest your arms. Shop a selection of dining chairs on 1stDibs.

Question 16

How can you tell if a dining chair is antique?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 17

Is leather good for dining chairs?

Accepted Answer

Whether leather is good for dining chairs is largely a matter of personal opinion. However, many people find leather to be easy to wipe clean and appreciate its texture and appearance. On 1stDibs, shop a collection of leather dining chairs.

Question 18

Do chairs have to match the dining table?

Accepted Answer

Dining room chairs and dining tables do not necessarily have to match.

Question 19

What is a dining room chair called?

Accepted Answer

A dining room chair is called a dining chair. However, depending on its style, you may also see a dining chair referred to by other names. Armless ones placed along the long sides of rectangular and oval tables are side chairs, while the chairs with arms that often go at the heads of tables are armchairs. On 1stDibs, shop a wide range of antique, vintage and contemporary dining chairs.

Question 20

What is a good width for a dining chair?

Accepted Answer

A good width for a dining chair is generally considered to be 16 to 20 inches. Chairs within this size range typically provide enough space for most people to sit comfortably. Shop a collection of dining chairs on 1stDibs.

Question 21

What are the head dining chairs called?

Accepted Answer

What the head dining chairs are called varies. With many dining room sets, the chairs designed to go at the heads or ends of the tables are flanked by arms. As a result, people often refer to them as dining armchairs or dining end chairs. If the chairs lack arms, they're usually described as end chairs. On 1stDibs, shop a diverse assortment of dining chairs.

Question 22

Should dining room chairs have arms?

Accepted Answer

Dining room chairs with arms require more space than armless ones.

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