Old World Chairs
Vintage 1980s Dining Room Chairs
Cotton, Maple
Late 20th Century American Regency Chairs
Upholstery, Wood
Mid-20th Century American Regency Chairs
Wood, Paint
Antique 19th Century French Gothic Revival Chairs
Leather, Oak
Antique 19th Century French Napoleon III Chairs
Leather, Fruitwood
Late 20th Century American Louis XIV Side Chairs
Upholstery, Wood
Antique 1880s Austrian Biedermeier Side Chairs
Fabric, Elm
20th Century French Louis XVI Dining Room Chairs
Bronze
Antique Late 19th Century French French Provincial Dining Room Chairs
Fabric, Upholstery, Wood, Lacquer
Antique Mid-19th Century English Jacobean Dining Room Chairs
Leather, Oak
Antique Early 1900s French French Provincial Patio and Garden Furniture
Iron
20th Century American Louis XV Armchairs
Upholstery, Wood
Antique Early 1900s French Louis XV Armchairs
Textile, Oak
Early 20th Century Armchairs
Fabric, Plaster, Wood
Antique Late 17th Century French Louis XIV Armchairs
Linen, Walnut, Fabric, Textile, Upholstery, Wood
Recent Sales
Early 20th Century French French Provincial Bergere Chairs
Silk
21st Century and Contemporary Canadian Art Deco Lounge Chairs
Brass
21st Century and Contemporary Canadian Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables
Brass
Mid-20th Century Neoclassical Dining Room Chairs
Upholstery, Wood
Late 20th Century George II Club Chairs
Suede, Maple
Early 20th Century Gothic Dining Room Chairs
Rush, Oak
Late 20th Century French Provincial Dining Room Chairs
Fabric, Beech
Late 20th Century Rustic Chairs
Suede, Rattan, Hardwood
Late 20th Century Dining Room Chairs
Leather, Fabric, Maple
Antique 19th Century Side Chairs
Wood
Vintage 1930s American Art Deco Chairs
Walnut, Lacquer
Antique 1820s English Regency Side Chairs
Wood
20th Century Club Chairs
Antique Early 1900s Italian Side Chairs
Cane, Mahogany
Antique 19th Century Renaissance Side Chairs
Velvet, Oak
20th Century Unknown Wingback Chairs
Wood
Vintage 1930s French Art Deco Club Chairs
Leather
Vintage 1930s Danish Art Deco Lounge Chairs
Leather, Fabric, Beech
Vintage 1920s French Dining Room Chairs
Mahogany
1990s American Brutalist Dining Room Chairs
Wrought Iron
1990s American Brutalist Dining Room Chairs
Wrought Iron
Antique Early 1900s Indian Anglo-Indian Furniture
Wood
Vintage 1940s Danish Mid-Century Modern Armchairs
Fabric, Tapestry
20th Century Renaissance Side Chairs
Late 20th Century Dining Room Chairs
Leather, Upholstery, Hardwood
Late 20th Century Italian Neoclassical Revival Armchairs
Textile, Wood
Antique 1890s American Jugendstil Armchairs
Oak
Antique Early 19th Century French Louis XVI Dining Room Chairs
Velvet, Beech
Mid-20th Century Spanish Colonial Armchairs
Upholstery, Cane, Oak
20th Century Louis XVI Bergere Chairs
Fabric, Wood
20th Century Italian Hollywood Regency Armchairs
Wood, Cane
20th Century Italian Hollywood Regency Armchairs
Wood, Cane
Vintage 1930s American Chairs
Iron
Vintage 1930s American Rancho Monterey Side Chairs
Iron
Vintage 1970s Unknown Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs
Chrome
Vintage 1930s American Rancho Monterey Side Chairs
Iron
Vintage 1970s German Armchairs
Hardwood
Antique 18th Century and Earlier Italian Louis XV Armchairs
Wood
Vintage 1950s French French Provincial Patio and Garden Furniture
Iron
Antique 1850s Italian Chairs
Walnut
Antique Late 19th Century Chinese Qing Furniture
Hardwood
People Also Browsed
Vintage 1970s Danish Dinner Plates
Gold, Enamel
20th Century Italian Chandeliers and Pendants
Sheet Metal
1990s Italian Mid-Century Modern Chairs
Steel
Antique Early 19th Century American Empire Beds and Bed Frames
Bronze
Vintage 1960s Mid-Century Modern Chaise Longues
Rattan
Antique 1740s German Georgian Prints
Paper
Antique 1890s Spanish Baroque Credenzas
Iron
Vintage 1940s French French Provincial Soup Tureens
Ceramic
Antique Early 19th Century English Gothic Revival Musical Instruments
Brass
Mid-20th Century Swedish Scandinavian Modern Armchairs
Leather, Wood
Antique Late 19th Century Gothic Revival Chairs
Oak
Vintage 1970s German Hollywood Regency Chandeliers and Pendants
Metal
Early 2000s American Mid-Century Modern Sofas
Brass
Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Sofas
Fabric, Walnut
Vintage 1940s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Sofas
Fabric, Wood
Vintage 1980s Victorian Platters and Serveware
Silver
Old World Chairs For Sale on 1stDibs
How Much are Old World 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 21, 2023Opinions vary about what the most comfortable lounge chair in the world is. Everyone has their own preferences when it comes to seating. Generally, lounge chairs that feature cushioning and have ergonomic designs that fit the curves of the human body are comfortable options. One iconic example is the Eames lounge chair and ottoman, which its creators, Charles and Ray Eames, designed to serve as "a special refuge from the strains of modern living." On 1stDibs, find a large collection of lounge chairs.
- 1stDibs ExpertDecember 4, 2023Although opinions may vary, the most famous lounge chair in the world is arguably the Eames lounge chair. Charles and Ray Eames designed the chair and unveiled it in 1956. The couple famously called their lounge chair and ottoman "a special refuge from the strains of modern living” and described their design as having the "warm receptive look of a well-used first baseman’s mitt." Its design includes a bentwood frame and an upholstered shape topped off with supple leather. Find vintage Eames lounge chairs for sale on 1stDibs.
- How old are peacock chairs?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertJune 30, 2023How old peacock chairs are, as well as their origin, has been debated for decades. Not to be confused with the Peacock chair created by Danish furniture maker Hans J. Wegner, the iconic wicker seating design is believed to have first appeared in the Philippines. The American silent film-era actress Norma Talmadge posed in a peacock chair for a promotional photograph, and the seats became a staple of photo shoots, earning acclaim during the mid-century years in the United States when they appeared in publicity materials for prominent musicians and other celebrities. The chair became popular again during the 1960s in Haight-Ashbury, and it was featured at the time in a famous photograph of political activist and Black Panther Party cofounder Huey P. Newton. On 1stDibs, shop a range of peacock chairs.
- 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 17, 2023To be vintage, a chair typically needs to be at least 20 years old, while a chair older than 100 years is an antique. On 1stDibs, find a variety of antique, vintage and modern dining chairs from some of the world's top sellers.
- How old is the rocking chair?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertFebruary 27, 2024The rocking chair is more than 275 years old. Early models date back to around 1725 and were made by outfitting Windsor chairs with skates. By 1787, rocking chairs were common enough for the word to be added to the English dictionary. On 1stDibs, shop a diverse assortment of rocking chairs.
- 1stDibs ExpertSeptember 9, 2024The easiest way to tell how old your chair is on your own is to look for a maker's mark or label. Usually, you will find it under the seat or on the base or frame. Once you know the maker, you can conduct online research using trusted resources to learn when it manufactured chairs similar to yours. If you can't find a mark, the materials, style and how the chair was made can help you estimate its age. Familiarizing yourself with different furniture styles can get you started. If you'd like assistance dating your chair, consult a certified appraiser or experienced antique dealer. On 1stDibs, shop a large collection of chairs.
- How old are tub chairs?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022There is no official record of when tub chairs were first invented, but one of the first recorded ones was used by King Louis XV of France. It is estimated that tub chairs have been around for over 250 years. Browse a selection of comfortable tub chairs from top sellers on 1stDibs.
- How old is a Morris chair?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022The Morris chair was first created in the 1860s. William Morris designed the Morris chair, and it is known to be one of the earliest styles of reclining chairs. Coveted for their versatile design, Morris chairs continue to be a favorite seating option for the home. Shop a collection of Morris chairs on 1stDibs.
- How can I identify an old chair?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertSeptember 23, 2024To identify an old chair, search its frame and the underside of its seat for the maker's markings. You may find a paper label, a metal tag or marks branded or carved directly onto the chair. Once you've located the marking, conduct a search of trusted online resources to determine what maker it corresponds to, and from there, you can review catalogues or reference guides devoted to the brand to learn more about your chair. Alternatively, you can take your chair to a certified appraiser or knowledgeable antique dealer and have them assist with the identification process. On 1stDibs, explore a large collection of antique, vintage and contemporary chairs.
- 1stDibs ExpertJune 15, 2023To tell how old a vintage chair is, first try and locate the manufacturer's label, tag or mark. Typically, identifying markings and tags appear under cushions or on the undersides of chairs. You may find that the date of manufacturing appears on the label or tag. If not, check trusted online resources to find out when the manufacturer was in business to make an estimate of the age. When in doubt, enlist the help of a certified appraiser or antiques dealer to help you date a particular chair. Find an assortment of antique, vintage and modern chairs on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertOctober 24, 2024To tell how old an antique chair is, you have a few options. One is to conduct research on your own using trusted online resources and print references from your local library. If your chair has a maker's mark, learning more about the company, artisan or workshop that produced it can be a good starting point. Dating unmarked chairs can be more difficult because certain styles remained in production for long periods. In this case, you may wish to have a certified appraiser or knowledgeable antique dealer evaluate your chair for you. Shop a wide range of antique chairs on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertOctober 15, 2024To tell how old a dining room chair is, look for a stamp, brand, tag or label under its seat or on its legs. Some makers include dates of manufacture in their markings for easy reference. If your chair doesn't display a date, conduct research using online resources to try and determine its age. The model number, line name and maker's name can all provide useful starting points for researching a dining chair. Alternatively, you can have a certified appraiser or knowledgeable antique dealer date your piece. Explore a wide variety of dining chairs on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertOctober 24, 2024To tell the age of an old rocking chair, search under the seat, the legs and the bottom of the rockers for a maker's marking. By researching the maker and learning about how the characteristics of its pieces evolved over the years, you can often get a rough idea of how old your rocking chair is. If you are unable to find a mark, your piece could be a newer handcrafted item or an antique, in which case it would be helpful to have a certified appraiser or knowledgeable antique dealer evaluate your piece. An expert can also assist you if you run into any difficulty dating your piece. Explore a variety of rocking chairs on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertJune 15, 2023High-backed old-fashioned chairs are often called wingback chairs. They may not offer structural support, but the wings on antique and vintage wingback chairs certainly do have a purpose or did, when the design was first conceived in England in the 1600s. Back then, the armchair protrusions were meant to protect the sitter from drafts and from the strong heat radiating from the large fireplaces that were popular at the time. This explains why the wingback is so strongly associated with cozying up by the fireplace. Although the functional aspect of a wingback may be obsolete in the 21st century, the chairs have maintained their popularity over the years and have seen waves of revivals. On 1stDibs, find a variety of antique, vintage and modern wingback chairs from some of the world's top sellers on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertSeptember 9, 2024Yes, some old Lloyd Loom chairs may be worth something. Selling prices are often in the hundreds, but select chairs may fetch over $2,000. Generally, the condition, age and style of the chairs produced by the British manufacturer will determine the value. A certified appraiser or knowledgeable antique dealer can provide you with an estimated valuation for your piece. On 1stDibs, find an assortment of Lloyd Loom chairs.
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