Straight Back Chairs
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Chairs
Maple
Vintage 1940s American Mid-Century Modern Dining Room Chairs
Birch
Antique Early 18th Century Italian Side Chairs
Fir
21st Century and Contemporary American Victorian Dining Room Chairs
Cherry, Maple
21st Century and Contemporary American Lounge Chairs
Oak
21st Century and Contemporary Mexican Lounge Chairs
Aluminum
21st Century and Contemporary American Victorian Dining Room Chairs
Cherry, Maple
21st Century and Contemporary American Dining Room Chairs
Oak
Vintage 1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Dining Room Chairs
Upholstery, Wood, Mahogany, Walnut
Vintage 1960s Czech Dining Room Chairs
Bentwood
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Side Chairs
Walnut
21st Century and Contemporary American Dining Room Chairs
Oak
21st Century and Contemporary American Dining Room Chairs
Walnut
Antique Late 18th Century American American Colonial Chairs
Wood
20th Century Club Chairs
Mohair
Antique 19th Century Indian Chairs
Wood
Antique 19th Century English Chippendale Chairs
Mahogany
Antique Late 18th Century Irish Hepplewhite Wingback Chairs
Upholstery, Wood
2010s Philippine Georgian Dining Room Chairs
Mahogany
2010s Cypriot Post-Modern Chairs
Steel
Late 20th Century American Chippendale Dining Room Chairs
Fabric, Mahogany
Late 20th Century American Chippendale Dining Room Chairs
Fabric, Mahogany
Late 20th Century American Chippendale Dining Room Chairs
Fabric, Mahogany
Late 20th Century American Chippendale Dining Room Chairs
Fabric, Mahogany
Late 20th Century American Chippendale Dining Room Chairs
Brass
2010s American Anglo-Japanese Dining Room Chairs
Oak, Walnut
Vintage 1980s American Mid-Century Modern Swivel Chairs
Velvet
Early 20th Century Chinese Ming Chairs
Elm
2010s Philippine Georgian Dining Room Chairs
Mahogany
2010s Philippine Georgian Dining Room Chairs
Mahogany
Mid-20th Century Chinese Chairs
Elm
Mid-20th Century Swivel Chairs
Fabric
20th Century Unknown Chinoiserie Chairs
Brass
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Mid-Century Modern Chairs
Brass
Antique 19th Century Chinese Chairs
Rosewood
Mid-20th Century American Chinese Chippendale Side Chairs
Fabric, Faux Bamboo, Wood, Rattan
Antique Late 19th Century French Louis XVI Chairs
Walnut
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Chairs
Faux Leather, Maple
Late 20th Century Modern Chairs
Faux Leather, Lucite
Vintage 1930s French Art Deco Side Chairs
Silk, Oak
21st Century and Contemporary Spanish Modern Dining Room Chairs
Metal
Early 20th Century Art Deco Wingback Chairs
Leather
Vintage 1930s American Art Deco Chairs
Leather, Walnut
Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs
Velvet, Walnut
20th Century American Hollywood Regency Slipper Chairs
Fabric, Wood
Mid-20th Century Indonesian Dutch Colonial Lounge Chairs
Wood
Early 20th Century Indonesian Dutch Colonial Lounge Chairs
Teak
Late 20th Century American Chippendale Wingback Chairs
Mahogany, Fabric
Early 20th Century Scottish Wingback Chairs
Straw, Wood, Rush
21st Century and Contemporary Spanish Dining Room Chairs
Fabric, Wood
2010s American Shaker Dining Room Chairs
Oak, Walnut
Vintage 1950s French French Provincial Side Chairs
Wrought Iron
Mid-20th Century Javanese Rustic Side Chairs
Bamboo, Wood
20th Century Club Chairs
Upholstery, Wood
Vintage 1970s Danish Scandinavian Modern Dining Room Chairs
Oak
Vintage 1950s French Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs
Brass
Antique Late 19th Century English Slipper Chairs
Bamboo, Rattan
Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs
Wood, Upholstery
Antique Late 18th Century Italian Neoclassical Side Chairs
Upholstery, Wood
Early 20th Century French Neoclassical Slipper Chairs
Wood, Upholstery
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Straight Back Chairs For Sale on 1stDibs
How Much are Straight 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 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.
- 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.
- 1stDibs ExpertOctober 12, 2021A high back office chair has a tall backrest to provide support to both your back and neck. It helps minimize the risk of chronic neck and back problems. These chairs also come with wheels attached for ease of mobility. Shop a range of antique and vintage high back office chairs on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022Countless chair styles have incorporated rounded backs over the centuries, including the famous club chair. Some interior designers favor round-back chairs for their sleek curvatures. Shop a collection of rounded back chairs from some of the world’s top sellers Oon 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022Reupholster a barrel back chair by first removing the old upholstery from the chair. Use the old pieces of material as a guide to help you cut the new upholstery into properly sized pieces. Reupholster the chair by using a furniture stapler to re-secure the new upholstery in the same manner that the old upholstery was attached. Shop a range of vintage and contemporary barrel back chairs on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022While cane back chairs have been made around the globe for thousands of years, it was in the 1970s that this style took the world by storm and became a must for many households. It’s the organic, natural look of a cane back chair that made it so desirable and that makes it a modern furniture element as well, with its tropical vibe and vacation attitude. Shop a collection of cane back chairs from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022Balloon back chairs were made mostly in the Victorian era, as they were highly popular at this time in the 19th century. It is generally regarded as a classic antique dining room chair. Browse an array of authentic antique balloon back 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.
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