Childs Orkney Chair
Antique Early 1900s Scottish Chairs
Bentwood
Antique Late 19th Century Scottish Rustic Armchairs
Straw, Rush, Wood
Recent Sales
Antique Early 1900s Scottish Side Chairs
Straw
Vintage 1970s Scottish Chairs
Oak
Early 20th Century Scottish Rustic Children s Furniture
Rush, Oak
Antique 19th Century Scottish Armchairs
Wood
Antique 19th Century Scottish Armchairs
Wood
Antique 19th Century Children s Furniture
Straw, Wood
Antique Late 19th Century English Armchairs
Antique Late 19th Century Scottish Armchairs
Antique 19th Century British Armchairs
Early 20th Century Scottish Armchairs
Rush, Wood
Antique 1880s Scottish Chairs
Upholstery, Straw, Pine, Wood
Early 20th Century British Chairs
Oak
Early 20th Century Scottish Armchairs
Antique Late 19th Century Scottish Chairs
Oak, Straw
Scottish Chairs
Pine, Rush, Cane
Antique 19th Century Scottish Victorian Armchairs
Pine
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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.
- What is an Orkney chair?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertOctober 26, 2021The Orkney chairs are wooden straw-backed chairs. This seating furniture is part of the rich heritage of the Orkney Islands in the United Kingdom. The design and method of making Orkney chairs have remained traditional and have been preserved over the years. Makers of Orkney chairs use the highest quality timber, such as Scottish hardwoods or oak and ash. Shop a collection of antique and vintage Orkney chairs from some of the world’s top dealers on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022Orkney chairs are made out of a variety of materials. The backs are made out of straw, which is stitched by hand. Since the Orkney Islands itself does not have a sustainable forest, Orkney chairs were crafted out of whatever usable wood was found. Today they are made using sustainable high-quality timber like oak and ash. Shop a collection of vintage Orkney chairs from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.
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