Early American Chairs
Early 20th Century American Art Deco Living Room Sets
Leather, Ultrasuede, Walnut, Paint
Early 20th Century American Armchairs
Reed, Wood
Early 20th Century American Armchairs
Reed, Wood, Paint
Early 20th Century American Armchairs
Reed, Wood
Early 20th Century American Armchairs
Reed, Wood, Paint
Early 20th Century American Armchairs
Reed, Wood, Paint
Early 20th Century American Armchairs
Reed, Wood, Paint
Early 20th Century American Victorian Patio and Garden Furniture
Iron
Vintage 1930s North American Rancho Monterey Armchairs
Early 20th Century American Victorian Patio and Garden Furniture
Iron
Early 20th Century American American Craftsman Armchairs
Early 20th Century American American Classical Stools
Oak
Early 20th Century American American Classical More Furniture and Collec...
Metal, Brass
Early 20th Century American American Classical Armchairs
Early 20th Century American American Classical Cabinets
Glass, Oak
Early 20th Century American Stools
Wood
Vintage 1920s American Arts and Crafts Dining Room Sets
Oak, Wood
Antique 1820s American Federal Side Chairs
Hickory, Pine
Antique Early 19th Century American American Colonial Windsor Chairs
Hickory, Pine
Early 20th Century American American Colonial Rocking Chairs
Maple
Antique 1830s American American Colonial Rocking Chairs
Rush, Wood
Early 20th Century American Swivel Chairs
Metal
Early 20th Century North American Rustic Chairs
Oak
Antique Late 19th Century American Victorian Chairs
Bronze
Early 20th Century American Chairs
Wood
Antique 1890s American Rocking Chairs
Pine
Antique 1830s Rocking Chairs
Hardwood
Early 20th Century North American Chairs
Wicker
Antique Early 19th Century American Side Chairs
Paint, Wood
Early 20th Century American American Craftsman Dining Room Chairs
Wood
Early 20th Century American American Classical Dining Room Chairs
Oak
Early 20th Century North American Other Chairs
Wool, Wood
Early 20th Century American Adirondack Rocking Chairs
Hickory
Antique Early 19th Century American Sheraton Side Chairs
Wood, Paint
Early 20th Century American American Empire Chairs
Silk, Wood
Vintage 1930s American American Craftsman Patio and Garden Furniture
Antique Early 19th Century American Hepplewhite Armchairs
Upholstery, Mahogany, Satinwood
Early 20th Century American Children s Furniture
Early 20th Century American American Craftsman Armchairs
Mohair, Upholstery
Early 20th Century North American American Craftsman Windsor Chairs
Wood
Antique 18th Century and Earlier Armchairs
Mahogany
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Early American Chairs For Sale on 1stDibs
How Much are Early American 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 ExpertNovember 13, 2024To identify early American furniture, you can evaluate your piece on your own or seek the opinion of a certified appraiser or experienced antique dealer. Although many pieces from the Colonial era are unmarked, double-checking your furniture for signatures, stamps and labels is still a good first step. Using trusted online resources, you can research any markings to determine if the maker was active in America during the 16th and early 17th centuries. When identifying unmarked furniture, it's generally necessary to consider the style and details of the piece. Due to its handcrafted origins, early American furniture tends to have visible tool marks and irregularities in its carvings. Early American furnishings tended to be simple in style but often had one or two refined details, such as cabriole legs. Looking at images of authentic early American furniture can be helpful when making an identification. On 1stDibs, find a collection of 18th-century American furniture.
- 1stDibs ExpertSeptember 23, 2024The early American furniture style is often called the Colonial style. During the 17th century, American craftsmen drew inspiration from medieval and Renaissance furniture. By the 18th century, the William and Mary style that had emerged in England began to heavily influence the American Colonial style. Characteristics of Colonial-style furniture include turned legs, ornamental carvings and richly finished cherry, walnut and mahogany wood. On 1stDibs, shop a selection of Colonial-style furniture.
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