What is the history of the cantilever chair?

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.

How does a cantilever chair work?

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.

What are the characteristics of a cantilever chair?

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.

What is the cantilever chair made of?

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.

How old does a chair have to be to be vintage?

To 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 can I tell if a chair is vintage?

Many factors like wood, construction, and patina come into play when you date a vintage chair. If you can’t find a maker’s mark or any other kind of identifying mark on the piece, consult a furniture encyclopedia or a certified expert. On 1stDibs, you’ll find a collection of vintage chairs from some of the world’s top sellers.

How can you tell how old a vintage chair is?

To 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.

How do you identify a vintage Gunlocke chair?

To identify a vintage Gunlocke chair, examine the legs. Most pieces will feature a tag that bears the brand name. On antique and early vintage chairs, the label will usually be made of paper or leather, while riveted brass tags appear on later vintage and contemporary chairs. Once you've confirmed that Gunlocke is the maker by checking the tag, browse the company's catalogues, which are available online, to determine approximately when it was made. Some tags may include a style or color number that will expedite the search. If your chair is 20 to 99 years old, it is vintage, while pieces that are 100 years old or older are antiques. You may wish to enlist the help of a certified appraiser or knowledgeable antiques dealer when identifying your chair. On 1stDibs, explore a collection of Gunlocke chairs.

Is my vintage Eames chair real?

To know if your vintage Eames chair is real, check for a reclining mechanism. On original chairs, the back had a permanent reclined position, so no mechanism is necessary. Also, a vintage piece is around 32 inches high, while later reproductions are normally bigger. On 1stDibs, shop a selection of expertly vetted Eames chairs.

Vintage Cantilever Chairs

Milo Baughman Cantilevered

Thonet Cantilever

1970s Tubular Chrome Dining Chairs

Italian Cantilever

Mart Stam Leather Chair

Mid Century Tubular Chrome Chairs

Marcel Breuer Cantilever

Tubular Steel Cantilever

Category

Late 20th Century American Bauhaus Vintage Cantilever Chairs

Materials

Chrome

Vintage Mies Van Der Rohe for Knoll Chairs From the Estate of Geoffrey Beene- Pr

$11,950

1965, Verner Panton, Rare Purple Stacking Chair 1st Herman Miller Edition

By Verner Panton, Herman Miller

Located in Amsterdam IJMuiden, NL

, Panton had dreamt of making a stackable, cantilevered plastic chair all in one piece. In 1956, he

Category

1960s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Cantilever Chairs

Materials

Polyester

1965, Verner Panton, Rare Purple Stacking Chair 1st Herman Miller Edition

$1,533

Vintage Finnish Pine wood dining chairs, 1970s

Located in Leuven, Vlaams Gewest

Cantilever design pine wood dining chairs made in Finland in the 1970s. They have a sturdy, unique

Category

1970s Finnish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Cantilever Chairs

Materials

Pine

Vintage Finnish Pine wood dining chairs, 1970s

$2,072 / set

Pair of Ribbon Lounge Chairs by Cesare Leonardi and Franca Stagi, c 1969

By Cesare Leonardi and Franca Stagi, Fiarm

Located in Los Angeles, CA

tubular frame with large elongated rubber shock mounts, the chairs exhibit a cantilevered construction

Category

1960s Italian Space Age Vintage Cantilever Chairs

Materials

Fiberglass

Pair of Ribbon Lounge Chairs by Cesare Leonardi and Franca Stagi, c 1969

$13,700 Sale Price / set

23% Off

1965, Verner Panton, Two Stacking Chair 1st Herman Miller Edition, in Blue

By Herman Miller, Verner Panton

Located in Amsterdam IJMuiden, NL

, Panton had dreamt of making a stackable, cantilevered plastic chair all in one piece. In 1956, he

Category

1960s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Cantilever Chairs

Materials

Polyester

1965, Verner Panton, Two Stacking Chair 1st Herman Miller Edition, in Blue

$1,296 / item

Davis Furniture Black Leather and Chrome Dining Chairs

By Davis Furniture

Located in Dallas, TX

Reminiscent of Marcel Breuer's Cesca chair for Knoll, this black leather cantilevered dining chair

Category

20th Century American Modern Vintage Cantilever Chairs

Materials

Chrome

Davis Furniture Black Leather and Chrome Dining Chairs

$8,000 / set

Vintage cirkel chairs by Metaform, 1980s, set of 6

Located in Leuven, Vlaams Gewest

Fantastic postmodern cantilever dining chairs designed by Pierre Mazairac and Karel Boonzaaijer for

Category

1980s Dutch Post-Modern Vintage Cantilever Chairs

Materials

Metal

Vintage cirkel chairs by Metaform, 1980s, set of 6

$1,859 / set

Four Midcentury Side Chairs by Ditte and Adrian Heath for France and Son

By France Søn, Ditte Adrian Heath

Located in Houston, TX

Four midcentury cantilevered side chairs, or dining chairs, designed by female architect Ditte

Category

1960s Danish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Cantilever Chairs

Materials

Canvas, Oak

Four Midcentury Side Chairs by Ditte and Adrian Heath for France and Son

$4,800 / set

Cidue Set of Four Dining Chairs in Dark Brown Leather and Chrome

By Willy Rizzo, Cidue

Located in Waalwijk, NL

Cidue, set of four dining chairs, chromed steel, patinated leather, Italy 1970s. Cantilevered

Category

1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Cantilever Chairs

Materials

Chrome, Metal

Cidue Set of Four Dining Chairs in Dark Brown Leather and Chrome

$2,700 / set

B32 Dining Chairs by Marcel Breuer for Gavina 1960s

By Marcel Breuer

Located in Byron Bay, NSW

The chairs showcase a cantilevered design, a signature element of Marcel Breuer’s work, giving a

Category

1960s Italian Vintage Cantilever Chairs

Materials

Chrome

B32 Dining Chairs by Marcel Breuer for Gavina 1960s

$4,900 / set

MG5 Dining Chairs In Cognac Leather And Chrome By Mart Stam Marcel Breuer, 1960s

By Matteo Grassi, Mart Stam, Marcel Breuer

Located in ABCOUDE, UT

Beautiful set of 4 MG5 cantilever Bauhaus dining chairs in cognac leather designed by Mart Stam and

Category

1960s Vintage Cantilever Chairs

Materials

Chrome

MG5 Dining Chairs In Cognac Leather And Chrome By Mart Stam Marcel Breuer, 1960s

$2,190 / set

Postmodern Axel Brüchhauser for Tecta B20 Dining Chairs, Set of Six, 1980s

Located in Basildon, London

1980s, the B20 dining chair was manufactured by Tecta. The chair has a cantilever sledge style base

Category

1980s German Post-Modern Vintage Cantilever Chairs

Materials

Chrome

Postmodern Axel Brüchhauser for Tecta B20 Dining Chairs, Set of Six, 1980s

$3,001 / set

Carlo De Carli Model 671 Dining Chairs set of 6 in walnut

Located in San Diego, CA

beautiful cantilevered armrests and fine sculpted delicate legs. Four of the six chairs have their original

Category

20th Century Vintage Cantilever Chairs

Materials

Leather, Walnut

Carlo De Carli Model 671 Dining Chairs set of 6 in walnut

$20,000 / set

Vintage Lugano Dining Chairs By Leon Rosen For Pace Italy Cantilvered Set Of Six

By Leon Rosen, i4 Mariani, Pace Collection

Located in North Miami, FL

These vintage Italian set of 6 cantilevered Lugano dining chairs by Leon Rosen for Pace Italy were

Category

1970s Italian Modern Vintage Cantilever Chairs

Materials

Steel, Chrome

Vintage Lugano Dining Chairs By Leon Rosen For Pace Italy Cantilvered Set Of Six

$10,900 / set

Set of 4 Cobra Chairs by Giotto Stoppino, Italy 1970’s

By Giotto Stoppino

Located in Tel Aviv-Yafo, Tel Aviv District

during the 1970s. Notable for their cantilevered design, these chairs showcase gracefully curved, tubular

Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Vintage Cantilever Chairs

Materials

Leather

Set of 4 Cobra Chairs by Giotto Stoppino, Italy 1970’s

$6,513 / set

Set of Four Dining Chairs in the Manner of Milo Baughman, United States, c. 1970

By Milo Baughman

Located in New York City, NY

Set of four sleek, simple dining chairs with cantilevered seats; newly upholstered.

Category

1970s Vintage Cantilever Chairs

Materials

Chrome

Set of Four Dining Chairs in the Manner of Milo Baughman, United States, c. 1970

$11,200 / set

Set of Four Tanned Cognac Marcel Breuer Cesca Dining Chairs

By Marcel Breuer

Located in Dallas, TX

one of the first tubular designs. The chairs feature cantilevered form; exuding luxury through the

Category

Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Vintage Cantilever Chairs

Materials

Chrome

Set of Four Tanned Cognac Marcel Breuer Cesca Dining Chairs

$6,950 / set

Carlo Bartoli for T 70 Tubular Dining Chair in Black Leather and Steel

By Carlo Bartoli

Located in Waalwijk, NL

, design 1971. Designed by Carlo Bartoli, this elegant cantilevered dining chair features a sleek tubular

Category

1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Cantilever Chairs

Materials

Metal, Chrome

Carlo Bartoli for T 70 Tubular Dining Chair in Black Leather and Steel

$1,350

Carlo Bartoli for T 70 Tubular Dining Chair in Black Leather and Steel

By Carlo Bartoli

Located in Waalwijk, NL

, design 1971. Designed by Carlo Bartoli, this elegant cantilevered dining chair features a sleek tubular

Category

1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Cantilever Chairs

Materials

Steel

Carlo Bartoli for T 70 Tubular Dining Chair in Black Leather and Steel

$1,250

Marcel Breuer Cesca Dining Room Chairs - Chrome, Wood, and Leather, Italy 1970s

By Marcel Breuer

Located in Almelo, NL

Marcel Breuer Cesca Dining Room Chairs - Chrome, Wood, and Leather, Italy 1970s These chairs

Category

Late 20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Cantilever Chairs

Materials

Chrome

Marcel Breuer Cesca Dining Room Chairs - Chrome, Wood, and Leather, Italy 1970s

$850 / item

Rare Set of 8 Mid Century Modern “CH66" Dining Chairs by Nicos Zographos

By Nicos Zographos

Located in Shippensburg, PA

SET OF EIGHT DOUBLE-CANTILEVER BLACK LEATHER "CH66" DINING CHAIR BY NICOS ZOGRAPHOS United States

Category

20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Cantilever Chairs

Materials

Steel, Chrome

Rare Set of 8 Mid Century Modern “CH66" Dining Chairs by Nicos Zographos

$7,800 / set

B20 Gray Woven Dining Chairs, Set of Eight, by Tecta, Germany, 1980 s

Located in Austin, TX

B20 dining chair was manufactured by Tecta. The wicker or rattan style chair has a cantilever sled

Category

20th Century German Mid-Century Modern Vintage Cantilever Chairs

Materials

Chrome

B20 Gray Woven Dining Chairs, Set of Eight, by Tecta, Germany, 1980 s

$4,800 / set

4 Ludwig Mies van der Rohe Mr10 Dining Chairs 1960s Knoll International

By Ludwig Mies van der Rohe

Located in London, GB

Complete set of four chrome cantilever MR10 chairs by Ludwig Mies van der Rohe, in brown leather

Category

1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Cantilever Chairs

Materials

Steel, Chrome

4 Ludwig Mies van der Rohe Mr10 Dining Chairs 1960s Knoll International

$4,028 Sale Price / set

25% Off

Iconic Vintage ‘Sabrina’ Dining Chairs by Gastone Rinaldi for Rima, 1970s Italy

By Gastone Rinaldi, RIMA

Located in Zagreb, HR

Pair of the iconic ‘Sabrina’ cantilever dining chairs designed by Gastone Rinaldi for Rima Padova

Category

1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Cantilever Chairs

Materials

Steel, Chrome

Iconic Vintage ‘Sabrina’ Dining Chairs by Gastone Rinaldi for Rima, 1970s Italy

$1,186 / set

Art Deco 1940s Marcel Breuer B32 Cesca dining chair with hand Cane seat and back

By Marcel Breuer

Located in Brooklyn, NY

chair is an armless B32 cantilever chrome steel tube chair. Classic design iconic chair designed by

Category

1940s Unknown Mid-Century Modern Vintage Cantilever Chairs

Materials

Chrome

Art Deco 1940s Marcel Breuer B32 Cesca dining chair with hand Cane seat and back

$1,500 Sale Price

40% Off

set of 10 Vintage Brno Chairs designed by Mies Van Der Rohe for Knoll

By Ludwig Mies van der Rohe

Located in Las Vegas, NV

Clean set of 10 tubular chrome steel cantilevered Brno chairs designed by Ludwig Mies van der Rohe

Category

1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Cantilever Chairs

Materials

Chrome, Steel

set of 10 Vintage Brno Chairs designed by Mies Van Der Rohe for Knoll

$5,040 Sale Price / set

30% Off

Bauhaus Style Set of 4 Spoleto Chairs by Ufficio Tecnico for Knoll International

By Knoll

Located in Doornspijk, NL

Ufficio Tecnico, Knoll’s own team of engineers and designers, created this cantilevered tubular

Category

Late 20th Century Italian Bauhaus Vintage Cantilever Chairs

Materials

Steel

Bauhaus Style Set of 4 Spoleto Chairs by Ufficio Tecnico for Knoll International

$4,689 Sale Price / set

33% Off

1990 Set of Three Mart Stam for Thonet Bauhaus Dining Chairs in Oak

By Thonet, Mart Stam

Located in Philadelphia, PA

Listed for sale is a set of three cantilever dining chairs with arms, produced by Thonet and

Category

1990s American Modern Vintage Cantilever Chairs

Materials

Chrome, Steel

1990 Set of Three Mart Stam for Thonet Bauhaus Dining Chairs in Oak

$3,650 / set

Set of 6 Dia Midcentury American Chrome Z Chairs in Beige and Pastel Upholstery

By Design Institute America

Located in Queens, NY

Set of 6 Mid-Century (1980s) American Z Chairs (2 armchairs, 4 side chairs) in cantilevered flat

Category

20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Cantilever Chairs

Materials

Metal, Chrome

Set of 6 Dia Midcentury American Chrome Z Chairs in Beige and Pastel Upholstery

$12,000 / set

Mid-Century Modern Vintage Four Dining Chairs Beech Blue Willy Rizzo 1960s Italy

By Willy Rizzo

Located in Vienna, AT

Mid-Century Modern vintage set of four ( 4 ) dining room chairs from brown stained beech and

Category

1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Cantilever Chairs

Materials

Upholstery, Beech

Mid-Century Modern Vintage Four Dining Chairs Beech Blue Willy Rizzo 1960s Italy

$4,263 / set

Tempestini for Salterini Radar Cantilevered Lounge Chair

By Maurizio Tempestini, Salterini

Located in New York, NY

Exceptional and rare cantilevered lounge chair, designed by Maurizio Tempestini for Salterini as

Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Cantilever Chairs

Materials

Wrought Iron

Tempestini for Salterini Radar Cantilevered Lounge Chair

$1,200

Pair of MR Lounge Armchairs by Mies Van Der Rohe for Knoll

By Ludwig Mies van der Rohe, Knoll

Located in Dallas, TX

and cantilevered bounce, the MR Lounge Chair invites relaxation. Its channel-tufted seat waterfalls

Category

Late 20th Century North American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Cantilever Chairs

Materials

Steel, Chrome

Pair of MR Lounge Armchairs by Mies Van Der Rohe for Knoll

$5,800 / set

Pr. Cantilevered Meadowcraft Dogwood Wrought Iron Lounge Chairs

By Meadowcraft, Woodard Furniture Co.

Located in New York, NY

Pair of wrought iron and metal mesh cantilevered lounge chairs, by Meadowcraft, as part of the

Category

Mid-20th Century American Hollywood Regency Vintage Cantilever Chairs

Materials

Metal, Wrought Iron

Pr. Cantilevered Meadowcraft Dogwood Wrought Iron Lounge Chairs

$720 / set

Pair of Brown Leather Scandinavian Cantilever Teak Bentwood Sling Chairs

By Charles and Ray Eames, Ake Fribytter, Alvar Aalto, Ingmar Relling

Located in Chattanooga, TN

cantilever. It’s like sitting in a chair with shocks. Aside from the comfort, the chairs themselves are works

Category

1970s Scandinavian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Cantilever Chairs

Materials

Leather, Teak

Pair of Brown Leather Scandinavian Cantilever Teak Bentwood Sling Chairs

$3,995 / set

Pr. Mid Century Cantilevered Sculptura Lounge Chairs by Woodard

By Woodard Furniture Co.

Located in New York, NY

Rare pair of Woodard Sculptura low lounge chairs, having cantilevered bases and woven metal mesh

Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Cantilever Chairs

Materials

Wrought Iron

Pr. Mid Century Cantilevered Sculptura Lounge Chairs by Woodard

$3,000 / set

Garden Patio Poolside Cantilevered Arm Chair Att. to Woodard

By Homecrest, Woodard Furniture Co.

Located in New York, NY

Chic architectural cantilevered dining height arm chair, having a squared stock metal frame, and a

Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Cantilever Chairs

Materials

Wrought Iron

Garden Patio Poolside Cantilevered Arm Chair Att. to Woodard

$295

Vintage Modern Royal Blue Hopsacking Chrome Cantilever Sling Chair

Located in Topeka, KS

Fantastic vintage modern cantilever sling chair with original royal blue hopsacking fabric & chrome

Category

Late 20th Century Unknown Modern Vintage Cantilever Chairs

Materials

Chrome

Vintage Modern Royal Blue Hopsacking Chrome Cantilever Sling Chair

$1,995

Cantilevered Mid Century Wrought Iron Lounge Chair Att. to Salterini

By Salterini, Woodard Furniture Co.

Located in New York, NY

Chic architectural cantilevered mid century lounge arm chair, attributed to Salterini. The chair

Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Cantilever Chairs

Materials

Wrought Iron

Cantilevered Mid Century Wrought Iron Lounge Chair Att. to Salterini

$495

Mid Century Modern Custom Painted Outdoor Chair with Cantilever Base

Located in Freehold, NJ

This mid century modern outdoor chair features solid metal clamshell seat, cantilever base and a

Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Cantilever Chairs

Materials

Metal

Mid Century Modern Custom Painted Outdoor Chair with Cantilever Base

$371 Sale Price

44% Off

W. Schillig Daily Dreams Black Leather Chrome Cantilever Chaise Lounge Chair

Located in Keego Harbor, MI

black leather exterior, and a full tubular chrome cantilever frame. The chair features 3 axes of

Category

20th Century Modern Vintage Cantilever Chairs

Materials

Chrome

W. Schillig Daily Dreams Black Leather Chrome Cantilever Chaise Lounge Chair

$2,800

Modern Chrome and Leather Cantilever Dining Chairs by Preview Furniture

By Weiman

Located in Brooklyn, NY

This matching set of four heavy gauge chrome frame chairs feature black leather upholstery, stylish

Category

1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Cantilever Chairs

Materials

Chrome

Modern Chrome and Leather Cantilever Dining Chairs by Preview Furniture

$1,800 / set

Pr. Cantilevered Spring Garden Patio Poolside Lounge Chairs att. to Woodard

By Woodard Furniture Co.

Located in New York, NY

Pr. vintage garden, patio, poolside cantilevered lounge chairs attributed to the Woodard Furniture

Category

Mid-20th Century American Hollywood Regency Vintage Cantilever Chairs

Materials

Wrought Iron

Pr. Cantilevered Spring Garden Patio Poolside Lounge Chairs att. to Woodard

$500 / set

Salterini Zig Zag Pattern Cantilevered Garden Patio Poolside Dining Height Chair

By Salterini

Located in New York, NY

Hard to find vintage garden, patio, poolside Salterini, ZigZag pattern cantilevered lounge chair

Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Cantilever Chairs

Materials

Wrought Iron

Salterini Zig Zag Pattern Cantilevered Garden Patio Poolside Dining Height Chair

$495

Vintage Arrben Italy Canasta Cantilever Gray Leather Italian Modern Chairs - 4

Located in Philadelphia, PA

Vintage Arrben Italy Canasta Cantilever Gray Leather Italian Modern Chairs - Set of 4. Item

Category

Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Vintage Cantilever Chairs

Materials

Metal

Vintage Arrben Italy Canasta Cantilever Gray Leather Italian Modern Chairs - 4

$1,200 / set

Rustic Chippy Peely Mid Century Metal Outdoor Cantilever Patio Arm Chair

Located in Oklahoma City, OK

A mid-century modern metal slat patio chair. Elevate your outdoor space or patio with this rustic

Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Cantilever Chairs

Materials

Metal

Rustic Chippy Peely Mid Century Metal Outdoor Cantilever Patio Arm Chair

$700

Milo Baughman Thayer Coggin Cantilever Dining Lounge Chairs Barbara Barry Boucle

By Barbara Barry, Thayer Coggin, Milo Baughman

Located in Lambertville, NJ

Set of four signed Milo Baughman sculptural cantilever dining arm chairs newly professionally re

Category

Late 20th Century Post-Modern Vintage Cantilever Chairs

Materials

Metal

Milo Baughman Thayer Coggin Cantilever Dining Lounge Chairs Barbara Barry Boucle

$6,400 Sale Price / set

20% Off

Marcel Breuer Cesca Chair Cantilever Chrome Frame Wood Seat, a Pair

Located in Philadelphia, PA

Marcel Breuer Cesca chair cantilever chrome frame wood seat - a pair. Item features a chrome frame

Category

Late 20th Century Mid-Century Modern Vintage Cantilever Chairs

Materials

Chrome

Marcel Breuer Cesca Chair Cantilever Chrome Frame Wood Seat, a Pair

$950 / set

Pair of Cantilever leather Lounge Chairs Manufactured by Thonet in 1980

By Thonet

Located in Beirut, LB

Pair of night blue Bauhaus style lounge chairs on a chromed tubular steel cantilever base

Category

Late 20th Century French Bauhaus Vintage Cantilever Chairs

Materials

Steel

Pair of Cantilever leather Lounge Chairs Manufactured by Thonet in 1980

$9,000 / set

Mid Century Modern Art Deco Chrome Cantilever Milo Baughman Style Arm Chair

Located in Philadelphia, PA

Vintage Mid Century Modern Art Deco Chrome Cantilever Milo Baughman Style Arm Chair. Item features

Category

Mid-20th Century Unknown Mid-Century Modern Vintage Cantilever Chairs

Materials

Chrome

Mid Century Modern Art Deco Chrome Cantilever Milo Baughman Style Arm Chair

$395

1980s Office Technical Black Upholstery Chromed Steel Armchairs Eight Available

Located in IT

Ergonomic cantilever, eight chairs available. Black technical upholstery, chromed steel structure

Category

Late 20th Century Italian Vintage Cantilever Chairs

Materials

Steel

1980s Office Technical Black Upholstery Chromed Steel Armchairs Eight Available

$2,960 / item

Art Deco Cantilevered Spring Garden Chair att. to Cincinnati Artistic Iron Works

By Salterini

Located in New York, NY

Chic Art Deco cantilevered spring chair in iron and wrought iron, attributed to The Cincinnati

Category

Mid-20th Century American Art Deco Vintage Cantilever Chairs

Materials

Iron, Wrought Iron

Art Deco Cantilevered Spring Garden Chair att. to Cincinnati Artistic Iron Works

$150

Cantilever "RS 7" Two Dark Red Faux Leather Chairs, Manufactured by Mauser

By The Mauser Manufacturing Co.

Located in Wolfurt, AT

Cantilever "RS 7" set of two chairs, manufactured by Mauser. The chairs are in original condition

Category

1940s German Mid-Century Modern Vintage Cantilever Chairs

Materials

Steel

Cantilever "RS 7" Two Dark Red Faux Leather Chairs, Manufactured by Mauser

$3,316 / set

Mid Century Modern BRNO Style Chrome Cantilever Lounge Arm Chairs (A) - a Pair

Located in Philadelphia, PA

Vintage Mid Century Modern BRNO Style Chrome Cantilever Lounge Arm Chairs (A) - a Pair. Item

Category

Mid-20th Century Unknown Mid-Century Modern Vintage Cantilever Chairs

Materials

Chrome

Mid Century Modern BRNO Style Chrome Cantilever Lounge Arm Chairs (A) - a Pair

$950 / set

Vintage Modern Cantilever Leather Barrel Chair in the Manner of Milo Baughman

By Milo Baughman

Located in Brooklyn, NY

This unique barrel back chair features rich dark brown leather with a chrome finish cantilever base

Category

1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Cantilever Chairs

Materials

Leather

Vintage Modern Cantilever Leather Barrel Chair in the Manner of Milo Baughman

$2,100

Set of Four Gastone Rinaldi for Rima Tubular Chrome Cantilever Arm Chairs

By Gastone Rinaldi

Located in San Francisco, CA

Each of unique fluid form with cantilevered seat flanked by padded arms; each with 'made in Italy

Category

1970s Italian Modern Vintage Cantilever Chairs

Materials

Chrome

Set of Four Gastone Rinaldi for Rima Tubular Chrome Cantilever Arm Chairs

$14,000 Sale Price / set

20% Off

Modern Steelcase Chrome Tube Cantilever Base Gray Faux Leather Chairs set of 4

By Steelcase

Located in Topeka, KS

Handsome vintage modern Steelcase chrome tube cantilever base original gray faux leather or vinyl

Category

Late 20th Century American Modern Vintage Cantilever Chairs

Materials

Chrome

Modern Steelcase Chrome Tube Cantilever Base Gray Faux Leather Chairs set of 4

$2,795 / set

Scandinavian Cantilever Set of Three Mid centurychairs century

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Scandinavian Cantilever orange set of 3 chairs ,very comfortable the back rest is adjustable and it

Category

1970s Scandinavian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Cantilever Chairs

Materials

Chrome

Scandinavian Cantilever Set of Three Mid centurychairs century

$2,800 / set

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Vintage Cantilever Chairs For Sale on 1stDibs

There is a range of vintage cantilever chairs for sale on 1stDibs. Frequently made of metal, chrome and fabric, all vintage cantilever chairs available were constructed with great care. There are all kinds of vintage cantilever chairs available, from those produced as long ago as the 20th Century to those made as recently as the 20th Century. Vintage cantilever chairs bearing Mid-Century Modern or Modern hallmarks are very popular at 1stDibs. Vintage cantilever chairs have been a part of the life’s work for many furniture makers, but those produced by Milo Baughman, Thonet and Ludwig Mies van der Rohe are consistently popular.

How Much are Vintage Cantilever Chairs?

Vintage cantilever chairs can differ in price owing to various characteristics — the average selling price at 1stDibs is $2,800, while the lowest priced sells for $10 and the highest can go for as much as $30,971.

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.

Questions About Vintage Cantilever Chairs

What is the history of the cantilever chair?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertJune 6, 2024
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.
How does a cantilever chair work?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertFebruary 21, 2024
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.
What are the characteristics of a cantilever chair?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertJune 6, 2024
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.
What is the cantilever chair made of?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
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.
How old does a chair have to be to be vintage?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertFebruary 17, 2023
To 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 can I tell if a chair is vintage?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
Many factors like wood, construction, and patina come into play when you date a vintage chair. If you can’t find a maker’s mark or any other kind of identifying mark on the piece, consult a furniture encyclopedia or a certified expert. On 1stDibs, you’ll find a collection of vintage chairs from some of the world’s top sellers.
How can you tell how old a vintage chair is?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertJune 15, 2023
To 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.
How do you identify a vintage Gunlocke chair?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertNovember 4, 2024
To identify a vintage Gunlocke chair, examine the legs. Most pieces will feature a tag that bears the brand name. On antique and early vintage chairs, the label will usually be made of paper or leather, while riveted brass tags appear on later vintage and contemporary chairs. Once you've confirmed that Gunlocke is the maker by checking the tag, browse the company's catalogues, which are available online, to determine approximately when it was made. Some tags may include a style or color number that will expedite the search. If your chair is 20 to 99 years old, it is vintage, while pieces that are 100 years old or older are antiques. You may wish to enlist the help of a certified appraiser or knowledgeable antiques dealer when identifying your chair. On 1stDibs, explore a collection of Gunlocke chairs.
Is my vintage Eames chair real?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022
To know if your vintage Eames chair is real, check for a reclining mechanism. On original chairs, the back had a permanent reclined position, so no mechanism is necessary. Also, a vintage piece is around 32 inches high, while later reproductions are normally bigger. On 1stDibs, shop a selection of expertly vetted Eames chairs.

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