Fret Back Chairs
Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Chairs
Upholstery, Wood
Vintage 1950s Italian Hollywood Regency Armchairs
Upholstery, Wood
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Side Chairs
Velvet
Antique 19th Century Country Windsor Chairs
Elm
Antique 19th Century English Windsor Chairs
Ash, Elm
21st Century and Contemporary Side Chairs
Wood
Antique 19th Century Windsor Chairs
Yew
Antique 18th Century and Earlier English Side Chairs
Wood, Fabric
Antique 1880s English Anglo-Japanese Side Chairs
Walnut
Antique Late 19th Century English Chippendale Dining Room Chairs
Mahogany
Antique 19th Century British Victorian Dining Room Chairs
Organic Material, Mahogany
Antique 19th Century English Chippendale Dining Room Chairs
Mahogany
Vintage 1980s Dining Room Chairs
Bamboo, Rattan
Antique 19th Century English Windsor Chairs
Ash, Elm
Antique Mid-19th Century English Victorian Armchairs
Rush, Wood
Antique 19th Century British Victorian Armchairs
Elm, Oak
Mid-20th Century French French Provincial Dining Room Sets
Metal
Vintage 1950s Chippendale Armchairs
Mahogany
Mid-20th Century Armchairs
Fabric, Paint
Vintage 1940s American Armchairs
Antique 1850s English Elizabethan Dining Room Sets
Oak, Walnut
Antique Early 1900s Chinese Chinese Export Furniture
Elm
Antique Mid-19th Century English Early Victorian Armchairs
Leather, Oak
Antique Mid-18th Century George III Armchairs
Mahogany
Late 20th Century American Hollywood Regency Armchairs
Fabric, Upholstery, Velvet, Wood, Lacquer
Antique 1880s English Gothic Revival Armchairs
Oak
Antique Mid-18th Century English Chippendale Armchairs
Mahogany
20th Century English Regency Armchairs
Leather
Antique 17th Century Italian Baroque Armchairs
Textile, Walnut
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20th Century Mid-Century Modern Bedroom Sets
Birdseye Maple
20th Century English Regency Club Chairs
Leather
Antique 1890s English Chesterfield Office Chairs and Desk Chairs
Upholstery, Wood
Antique Mid-19th Century English Early Victorian Dining Room Chairs
Oak
Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Console Tables
Aluminum
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables
Metal
Antique Early 19th Century English Windsor Chairs
Elm, Oak
Vintage 1950s Mid-Century Modern Slipper Chairs
Chestnut
Antique 1870s European Rustic Windsor Chairs
Ash, Elm
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables
Marble
Vintage 1960s American Hollywood Regency Armchairs
Upholstery
Mid-20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Lounge Chairs
Fabric, Teak
Vintage 1930s Dutch Art Deco Armchairs
Fabric, Wood
Antique 1880s English High Victorian Office Chairs and Desk Chairs
Leather, Oak
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Lounge Chairs
Steel
Mid-20th Century Swedish Adam Style Armchairs
Upholstery, Wood
Recent Sales
Vintage 1960s American Chairs
Fabric, Down, Upholstery
2010s American Chippendale Chairs
Wood, Maple
Antique Early 19th Century English Windsor Chairs
Elm, Yew
Early 20th Century French Egyptian Revival Chairs
Mahogany
Antique 18th Century and Earlier Irish Chippendale Side Chairs
Mahogany
Antique 19th Century British George I Side Chairs
Antique Late 18th Century Italian Side Chairs
Antique 1850s British Victorian Windsor Chairs
Ash, Elm
Antique 1760s Irish Chippendale Side Chairs
Beech, Mahogany, Upholstery
Antique Late 19th Century Chinese Side Chairs
Antique 1890s English Hepplewhite Dining Room Chairs
Mahogany
Antique Late 19th Century British Chippendale Dining Room Chairs
Fabric, Mahogany
Antique 1880s British Chippendale Dining Room Chairs
Mahogany
Antique 18th Century and Earlier English Dining Room Chairs
Antique Early 1900s French Gothic Dining Room Chairs
Oak
Antique Late 19th Century English Chippendale Dining Room Chairs
Upholstery, Mahogany
20th Century Lounge Chairs
Hardwood, Leather
Antique 19th Century English Windsor Chairs
Antique 1750s British George II Windsor Chairs
Mahogany
2010s American Hepplewhite Armchairs
Upholstery, Wood
Antique 18th Century English Chinese Chippendale Dining Room Chairs
Mahogany
Antique 1760s English Chippendale Dining Room Chairs
Mahogany
Antique 1820s English Armchairs
Mahogany
Early 20th Century Chinese Furniture
Lacquer
Vintage 1940s American Armchairs
Antique 1820s English Regency Fireplace Tools and Chimney Pots
Brass, Iron, Wrought Iron
Antique Early 1900s Chinese Chinese and East Asian Rugs
Wool
Antique 1880s Scottish Victorian Chairs
Walnut
Vintage 1940s American Club Chairs
20th Century British Country Chairs
Wood
Vintage 1930s Italian Side Chairs
Vintage 1970s American Armchairs
Rattan, Leather
Vintage 1980s American Dining Room Chairs
Wood
Antique 18th Century Italian Neoclassical Chairs
Walnut
Antique 1890s Great Britain (UK) Chippendale Chairs
Mahogany
Vintage 1960s Italian Chairs
Antique 1880s Chinese Chairs
Vintage 1960s Chairs
Antique 1760s English George II Chairs
Vintage 1910s Chinese Qing Chairs
Hardwood
Antique 1870s English Victorian Windsor Chairs
Ash, Oak
Antique Mid-19th Century British Victorian Chairs
Upholstery, Rosewood
Antique 18th Century and Earlier American Chairs
Wood, Upholstery
Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs
20th Century American Hollywood Regency Chairs
Vintage 1920s Syrian Early Victorian Chairs
Wood
Antique Mid-19th Century English Victorian Chairs
Ash, Elm
Antique Mid-19th Century English Victorian Chairs
Ash, Elm
Antique Late 18th Century English Corner Chairs
Upholstery, Elm
Antique 1850s English Early Victorian Windsor Chairs
Yew
Antique 19th Century Slipper Chairs
Rosewood
Antique 19th Century English Victorian Windsor Chairs
Elm
Mid-20th Century North American Mid-Century Modern Dining Room Chairs
Upholstery, Wood
Late 20th Century Philippine Chippendale Dining Room Chairs
Vintage 1950s French Dining Room Chairs
Oak, Silk, Upholstery
Antique Late 18th Century Chippendale Dining Room Chairs
Mahogany
Vintage 1910s Scottish Victorian Dining Room Chairs
Walnut
Antique Early 1900s English Arts and Crafts Dining Room Chairs
Oak
Antique 19th Century British Jacobean Dining Room Chairs
Oak
Antique Mid-18th Century English Chippendale Chairs
Mahogany
Fret Back Chairs For Sale on 1stDibs
How Much are Fret Back 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.
- What is a low back chair?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertNovember 2, 2021A low-back chair is designed to provide lumbar support to the lower back and mid-back. These chairs have a small backrest that reaches till the middle of one's back. Shop a collection of antique, vintage and contemporary low back chairs from some of the world’s top dealers on 1stDibs.
- What is a spoon back chair?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022A spoon back chair is an accent chair that features a deep curved back that forms arms along the sides of the furniture by sloping downward. Most spoon back chairs have wooden backs and upholstered seats. Find a variety of spoon back chairs on 1stDibs.
- What is a sling back chair?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertFebruary 22, 2021A sling chair is usually made up of a framework connected by ropes or fabric hanging between the poles or frame. This design results in a structure quite similar to a sling stretcher.
- What is a comb back chair?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022A comb back chair is a style of chair featuring a back resembling a comb. Comb back chairs are also known as Windsor chairs and are typically crafted with a cage-like backing. Shop a selection of comb back chairs on 1stDibs.
- What is a balloon back chair?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022A balloon back chair is a specific type of seat that became popular during the Victorian era. It features a curved back that tapers as it travels down to the seat. Many balloon back chairs are armless, and nearly all examples feature upholstered seats. You'll find a range of balloon back chairs on 1stDibs.
- What is a bow back chair?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022A bow back chair refers to a silhouette of a chair with a curved back and is usually made with high-quality wood. Bow back chairs were popular during the colonial period and are representative of American-Amish heritage. Browse a range of vintage bow back chairs on 1stDibs.
- What is a lyre back chair?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022A lyre back chair is a type of furniture used for seating that originated during the early 18th century. It features a square back embellished with wood shaped like a lyre, an ancient stringed musical instrument. On 1stDibs, find a variety of lyre back chairs.
- What is a channel back chair?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022A channel back chair is a chair that features deep channels in the upholstery along the back. These can create a seashell-like effect. This kind of back may also be called a fluted back. On 1stDibs, find a collection of vintage and new channel back chairs.
- What is a splat back chair?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertFebruary 22, 2021A splat back chair is a chair with a vertical central element on its back. Splat back chairs have more of a formal feel to them compared to other types of chairs and seating. Splat back Windsor chairs are popular on 1stDibs.
- What is a yoke back chair?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022Yoke back chairs are those that feature a curved top rail and a single central splat. The style of chair originated in China during the 10th century and was a common feature in Chinese homes by the 12th century. On 1stDibs, shop a range of yoke back chairs.
- What is a Windsor back chair?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022A Windsor back chair is a solid wooden chair with an arched spindle back. Most designs have curved arms positioned on angled stands and carved legs connected by a cross stretcher. The chair gets its name from the English city of Windsor, where the chairs were first made in the 18th century. On 1stDibs, shop a collection of Windsor back chairs.
- 1stDibs ExpertMarch 15, 2024The back of a chair is called a chair back. In some cases, you may see people use modifiers to describe the styles of chair backs. For example, a chair with two crisscrossing cross rails is an X-back or cross back, while a chair with a series of horizontal cross rails positioned parallel to one another is a ladder back. Explore a wide range of chairs on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertMay 5, 2023Balloon back chairs are from the Victorian era, which lasted from the late 1830s to the turn of the 20th century. These chairs get their name from their rounded backrests and narrow waists, which make it seem like their tops have ballooned or grown in size. On 1stDibs, shop a range of balloon back chairs.
- 1stDibs ExpertMay 5, 2023Cross back chairs are sometimes called X-back chairs because of the crisscrossing design. However, cross back chair is a commonly used name in its own right. Since couples often rent these types of chairs for seating during wedding ceremonies, some people call cross back chairs wedding chairs. Shop an assortment of cross back chairs on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertJune 30, 2023Vladimir Kagan designed the Shield Back chair, which debuted in 1955. It features an upholstered back and seat. Cabinetmaker George Hepplewhite is also known for creating an all-wood shield back chair sometime during the mid-18th century. On 1stDibs, shop a collection of shield back chairs.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022To upholster a channel back chair, you will need to remove the seat and back of the chair, measure for new padding and upholstery and make specialized cuts and patterns for the channels. Upholstering channel back chairs is challenging, so if you’re not experienced in upholstering furniture, it’s best to take it to someone who is. Shop a selection of upholstered channel chairs from top sellers on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022Round back chairs are often called barrel chairs or barrel back chairs. This is because the curvy shape makes the back look similar to half of a barrel. Often, this type of chair has an upholstered seat and exposed wood legs. You'll find a selection of barrel chairs on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022Ladder back chairs have a timeless design that was popular in several eras. Early examples date back to the Middle Ages. The wooden chairs became very popular in colonial America and England during the 17th century. Shop a range of antique and vintage ladder back chairs on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 17, 2023Shield back chairs were first made during the 18th century. However, the timeless design of these dining chairs continues to appeal to many people, so many furniture makers continue to produce chairs with distinctive shield backs. Shop a variety of shield back chairs on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 22, 2021The best chairs to prevent lower back pain are the Steelcase lamp chair, the Humanscale Freedom chair, and the Herman Miller Aeron chair. If you're shopping for a chair that will help with lower back pain, there is a variety of chairs that will meet your needs on 1stDibs.
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