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Industrial Animal Skin Chairs

1940s Aircraft Airplane Seat Aluminum and Leather Genuine Aviation Chair
Located in Chula Vista, CA
1940s Industrial Aviation Aircraft Genuine Seat Vintage Aviator Aluminum & Leather Airplane Chair Unmarked. Unpolished. 32.25 tall x 17.25 w x 22.5 d Seat 16.75 h Wear consistent wit...
Category

Vintage 1940s American Industrial Chairs

Materials

Aluminum

Set of 5 Artisanal Bar Stool w. Backrest Black Leather & Black Rubber Metal
By Jover + Valls
Located in Alcoy, Alicante
The “Repose” contemporary barstool belongs to a collection that revisit the director chair collection, serene pieces where exclusivity and precision are shown in small details such a...
Category

2010s Spanish Industrial Stools

Materials

Steel

Set of 3 Artisan Bar Stool w Backrest Natural Tan Leather & Black Rubber Metal
By Jover + Valls
Located in Alcoy, Alicante
The “Repose” contemporary stool belongs to a collection that revisit the director chair collection, serene pieces where exclusivity and precision are shown in small details such as t...
Category

2010s Spanish Industrial Stools

Materials

Steel

Set of 4 Artisanal Contemporary Chair Navy Blue Leather & Black Rubber Metal
By Jover + Valls
Located in Alcoy, Alicante
The “Repose” contemporary armchair belongs to a collection that revisit the director chair collection, serene pieces where exclusivity and precision are shown in small details such a...
Category

2010s Spanish Industrial Chairs

Materials

Steel

Industrial Quilted Leather Armchair
Located in Westwood, NJ
Modern industrial quilted leather armchair with top-grain Cuba brown vintage leather with quilted and boxed backrest and seat cushion with oak armrests supported by a metal industria...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Asian Industrial Armchairs

Materials

Metal

Pair of Large Designer Thomas Bernstrand Honken Bla Station Armchairs
By Bernstrand & Borselius
Located in GB
We are delighted to offer for sale this exceptionally rare pair of Thomas Bernstrand and Lindau Borselius designed 2015/2016 Honken armchairs for station RRP €8,800 A very good lo...
Category

20th Century Swedish Industrial Armchairs

Materials

Steel

People Also Browsed

Mastercraft Brass Dining Armchairs with Grandma Fabric, Set of Four, circa 1970s
By Mastercraft
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This super cute set of four (4) dining armchairs by Mastercraft feature a brass base with light patina and a very unique and interesting fabric that features light pink and baby blue...
Category

Vintage 1970s American Modern Dining Room Chairs

Materials

Brass

French Hand-Made Genuine Tolix Kitchen Counter Stools Midnight Blue Set of (4)
Located in Chicago, IL
French Hand-Made Set of (4) Genuine Tolix Kitchen Counter Height Stools. We have over (1300) pieces of French Hand-Made Tolix dining chairs and Kitchen Stools, as well as Bar Height ...
Category

2010s French Modern Stools

Materials

Steel

Set of 5 Classic Counter Stool w Backrest Navy Blue Leather & Black Rubber Metal
By Jover + Valls
Located in Alcoy, Alicante
The “Repose” contemporary stool belongs to a collection that revisit the director chair collection, serene pieces where exclusivity and precision are shown in small details such as t...
Category

2010s Spanish Modern Chairs

Materials

Steel

Antique Adjustable Swivel Oak Desk Chair, circa 1930-1940
Located in San Francisco, CA
About An original solid Oak desk chair with curved legs, cast iron mechanism and brass casters. This chair swivels, tilts back and the height is adjustable. This chair has retained ...
Category

Early 20th Century Industrial Office Chairs and Desk Chairs

Materials

Brass, Iron

Anna Karlin Counter Height Chess Stool, Shape B
By Anna Karlin
Located in New York, NY
Taking their cue from the original Chess Stool Series, these forms have been elongated to serve as larger pieces within a room. Perfect for counter height use and made to work in ser...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Stools

Materials

Steel, Brass

Antique World War ll Era US Navy Bakelite Switch Board Phone, c.1940
Located in San Francisco, CA
About World War ll era US Navy Bakelite and wood switch board telephone with original "Bay Area" label. Creator US Navy. Date of manufacture c.1940. Materials and techniques...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Industrial More Desk Accessories

Materials

Metal

Set of 5 Classic Counter Stool w. Backrest Black Leather & Black Rubber Metal
By Jover + Valls
Located in Alcoy, Alicante
The “Repose” contemporary stool belongs to a collection that revisit the director chair collection, serene pieces where exclusivity and precision are shown in small details such as t...
Category

2010s Spanish Modern Stools

Materials

Steel

Solid Wood Bar or Counter Stool, Blackened Ash
By Möbius Objects
Located in Calgary, CA
A classic design that will beautifully suit any home interior. Crafted from solid American Ash with a grain-popping jet-Black stain. Our stools feature generously sized seats and erg...
Category

2010s Canadian American Craftsman Stools

Materials

Wood, Ash

Set of 5 Contemporary Kitchen Counter Bar Stool Brass Metal & Tobacco Leather
By Jover + Valls
Located in Alcoy, Alicante
HUG counter stool aged brass steel and vegetable tanned natural tobacco leather The HUG counter stool is designed and conceived with a light aesthetic, the slight oscillation of the...
Category

2010s Spanish Modern Stools

Materials

Steel

Walnut Counter Height Cicely Stools
By Bertu Furniture
Located in Oak Harbor, OH
These Walnut Counter Height Cicely stools are beautifully constructed from solid walnut in Ohio, USA. This stool was style-spotted at the Spring 2022 High Point Market. These stools ...
Category

2010s American Modern Stools

Materials

Walnut

5 Elite Manufacturing Corp Elliot Modern Adjustable Swivel Counter Bar Stools
By Elite
Located in Dayton, OH
A set of five vintage Elliot bar stools by Elite Mfg corp. A nod to the classic Scandinavian modern era. The Elliot seating group is a unique mix of ergonomic comfort and sculptur...
Category

Late 20th Century Scandinavian Modern Stools

Materials

Metal

Anna Karlin Counter Height Chess Stool, Shape C
By Anna Karlin
Located in New York, NY
Taking their cue from the original Chess Stool Series, these forms have been elongated to serve as larger pieces within a room. Perfect for counter height use and made to work in ser...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Stools

Materials

Steel, Brass

Anna Karlin Counter Height Chess Stool, Shape A
By Anna Karlin
Located in New York, NY
Taking their cue from the original Chess Stool Series, these forms have been elongated to serve as larger pieces within a room. Perfect for counter height use and made to work in ser...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Stools

Materials

Steel, Brass

Late 20th Century Industrial Barstools Steel Blue Faux Leather & Chrome Set 5
Located in Topeka, KS
Awesome vintage Industrial medical or dental barstools by A-Dec with steel blue faux leather and adjustable height & swivel, set of 5. Comprised of chrome arm/seat & lower base shaft...
Category

Late 20th Century American Industrial Stools

Materials

Chrome

Jordan Three-Legged Counter Height Wood Stool in Black Cherry
By New York Heartwoods
Located in Accord, NY
New York Heartwoods' black cherry solid wood counter height Jordan Stool is influenced by Shaker and Mid-Century design; created to be comfortable, light and easy to move; and featur...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Stools

Materials

Wood, Cherry

Percival Lafer 'S-1' Rosewood and Leather Lounge Chairs, Brazil, 1976, Signed
By Percival Lafer
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This gorgeous restored pair of 'S-1' cognac-color leather lounge chairs by Brazilian designer Percival Lafer for Lafer MP. This set was designed in 1976 and was Lafer's concept of m...
Category

Vintage 1970s Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs

Materials

Leather, Rosewood

Recent Sales

Redo Chair Set Brass and Leather by ATRA
By Alexander Diaz Andersson
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The Redo Chair in National Leather Seat, Aged Brass Finished Steel Frame and Brass Zips Designer: Alexander Diaz Anderson Dimensions L 44.3cm/17.4” W 51.0cm/20.0” H 73.0cm/28.7” ...
Category

2010s Mexican Industrial Chairs

Materials

Steel

Redo Chair Set Brass and Leather by ATRA
Redo Chair Set Brass and Leather by ATRA
H 35.79 in W 18.19 in D 17.45 in
1930s Vintage LUX Dental Chair
Located in Warsaw, PL
The original Polish dental chair manufactured in the 1930s by the company Dentalia located in Lodz. Dental chair after complete service of the hydraulic system, new seat cover, back...
Category

Vintage 1930s Polish Industrial Armchairs

Materials

Iron

1930s Vintage LUX Dental Chair
1930s Vintage LUX Dental Chair
H 50.01 in W 24.02 in D 52.37 in
Vintage Spanish Leather Iron Chair, circa 1950
Located in Houston, TX
A fantastic vintage Spanish solid iron and leather armchair circa 1950 having a pull out extension as well as a full size roll pillow. This unique chair has a striking silhouette whe...
Category

Mid-20th Century Spanish Industrial Armchairs

Materials

Iron

Gispen, CH. Hoffmann 1953 Workchair, Writing Chair 359 PQ
By Gispen, Chris Hoffmann
Located in Achterveld, NL
Newly upholstered with vintage leather makes this Design Classic by Gispen a beautiful addition to your office, working space or home. The chair was designed by CH Hoffmann in 1953 f...
Category

Vintage 1950s Dutch Industrial Swivel Chairs

Materials

Steel

American Industrial Dental Chair from Ritter, 1920s
By Ritter Dental
Located in Warsaw, PL
This dental chair was manufactured by American maker Ritter and produced for French office sale in the, 1920s. This chair is adjustable and is raised with a double clutch and lowered...
Category

Vintage 1920s American Industrial Chairs

Materials

Metal

Cassina by Mario Bellini Cab 142 Black Leather Dining Chairs, Set of 8
By Cassina, Mario Bellini
Located in London, GB
Designed by Mario Bellini in 1977, the Cab dining chairs have since become a signature piece in the Cassina furniture collection. These original 1970s dining chairs are constructed ...
Category

Vintage 1970s Italian Industrial Chairs

Materials

Leather

French Industrial Set of Six Dining Chairs
Located in East Hampton, NY
This is a wonderful set of SIX Industrial Armchairs in the Style of Pierre Guariche, from the 1950’s. Sourced in France and completely reupholstered in stitched creamy leather - the ...
Category

Vintage 1950s French Industrial Dining Room Chairs

Materials

Metal

1970s "Beaubourg" Steel & Leather Chair by Michel Cadestin & George Laurent
By Teda, Michel Cadestin, Georges Laurent
Located in London, GB
1970s the "Beaubourg Chair" designed by Michel Cadestin and George Laurent in 1976. Manufactured by Teda. The "chair" was commissioned for the controversial Richard Rogers and Renzo ...
Category

Mid-20th Century French Industrial Chairs

Materials

Steel

1970s "Beaubourg" Steel & Leather Chair by Michel Cadestin & George Laurent
By Teda, Michel Cadestin, Georges Laurent
Located in London, GB
1970s the "Beaubourg Chair" designed by Michel Cadestin and George Laurent in 1976. Manufactured by Teda. The "chair" was commissioned for the controversial Richard Rogers and Renzo ...
Category

Mid-20th Century French Industrial Chairs

Materials

Steel

1970s "Beaubourg" Steel & Leather Chair by Michel Cadestin & George Laurent
By Teda, Michel Cadestin, Georges Laurent
Located in London, GB
1970s the "Beaubourg Chair" designed by Michel Cadestin and George Laurent in 1976. Manufactured by Teda. The "chair" was commissioned for the controversial Richard Rogers and Renzo ...
Category

Mid-20th Century French Industrial Chairs

Materials

Steel

Original Vintage Industrial Scandinavian Hairdresser or Barber Chair from NIKE
Located in Warszawa, Mazowieckie
This antique barber chair was manufactured by the Swedish manufacture NIKE in 1927. The seat is swiveling and is raised with a double clutch and lowered with an oil level control. It...
Category

Vintage 1920s Swedish Industrial Swivel Chairs

Materials

Metal

Ron Arad Rover Chair by One off Limited circa 1981
By One Off, Ltd., Ron Arad
Located in Longdon, Tewkesbury
Ron Arad rover chair by One Off Limited Circa 1981 Ron Arad 'Rover' armchair by One Off Ltd London circa 1981 finished in black leather upholstery, designed by Arad in 1981 during...
Category

Vintage 1980s British Industrial Lounge Chairs

Materials

Steel

Suite of Four Cast Iron Vintage Singer Bar Stools Brown Leather Seat Pads 4
By Singer
Located in GB
We are delighted to offer for sale this stunning suite of four vintage style Singer cast iron brown leather bar stools A good looking and well made suite, they are very stylish an...
Category

20th Century English Industrial Stools

Materials

Iron

Industrial, Postmodern Leather & Metal Armchair, Patina, Organic, Static, 1990's
Located in Antwerp, BE
Industrial; armchair; Post-modern; leather; metal; Patina; 1990's Postmodern armchair with remarkable patina. The black painted metal structure has a very industrial feeling to it...
Category

1990s Belgian Industrial Armchairs

Materials

Metal

Vintage Danish Industrial Barber or Dentist Chair from Axel Christensen, 1920s
By Axel Christensen
Located in Warszawa, Mazowieckie
This antique dental chair was produced in Denmark at the turn of the 1920s and 1930s. It is marked with the Axel Christensen Aarhus signature. The seat is swiveling and is raised wit...
Category

Vintage 1920s Danish Industrial Swivel Chairs

Materials

Metal

Vintage Dutch Cognac Colored Leather Club Chair, Set of 2
Located in Nijmegen, NL
This pair of cognac-colored leather club chairs come from the Netherlands. They are upholstered with cognac-colored leather and feature metal rivets and wooden legs.
Category

Vintage 1970s Dutch Industrial Chairs

Materials

Leather

Industrial Modern Leather Armchair
Located in Westwood, NJ
Industrial Modern metal and brown leather armchair with an industrial-style design. Dark brown leather with ribbed detailing wraps around the interior back and sides of the chair whi...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Asian Industrial Armchairs

Materials

Metal

Industrial Modern Leather Armchair
Industrial Modern Leather Armchair
H 27 in W 28 in L 27 in
Berninghaus Hercules Red Barber Chair with Custom Detailing Restored
Located in New York, NY
This top of the line antique Berninghaus Hercules barber chair has been restored. The chair has red tufted leather and a polished brass ornate frame. The Fine hand painted details al...
Category

Early 20th Century American Industrial Chairs

Materials

Enamel, Brass

Restored 1930s Koken Barber Chair Gray & White Finish w/ Razor Sharpening Strip
Located in New York, NY
Restored 1930s barber chair with original white porcelain and nickel plating. Manufactured by Koken. It has been newly redone in dark gray leather with an eye to detail. Included is ...
Category

Vintage 1930s American Industrial Chairs

Materials

Brass

Ron Arad Rover Chairs Pair by One Off Limited circa 1981 Set 2
By Ron Arad
Located in Longdon, Tewkesbury
Ron Arad rover chairs pair by One Off Limited circa 1981 set 2 Fabulous pair of Ron Arad black leather rover chairs by One Off Limited circa 1981, both chairs finished in tan leat...
Category

Vintage 1980s British Industrial Lounge Chairs

Materials

Steel

Ron Arad Rover Chairs Pair by One Off Ltd, circa 1981
By Ron Arad
Located in Longdon, Tewkesbury
Ron Arad Rover chairs pair by One Off Limited, circa 1981 Fabulous pair of Ron Arad Black leather Rover chairs by One Off Limited circa 1981, both chairs finished in black leather...
Category

Vintage 1980s British Industrial Lounge Chairs

Materials

Steel

Louis Rostetter & Sons Turn of the Century Industrial Folding Chairs, SFMOMA
By Louis Rousselet
Located in Buffalo, NY
Louis Rostetter & Sons turn of the century industrial folding chairs, solid comfort, amazing design, part of the permanent collection of San Francisco Museum of Modern Art, retain or...
Category

Vintage 1920s American Industrial Chairs

Materials

Metal

Handwrought Iron and Leather Vintage Bar Stools, 1970s
Located in Budapest, HU
These hand-hammered and handwrought iron bar stools feature brand new cushioning and a dark red/maroon leather upholstery. They're a pair of 1970s vintage pieces.
Category

Vintage 1970s European Industrial Chairs

Materials

Iron, Wrought Iron

Industrial Welded Steel and Leather Accent Side Chair
Located in Shippensburg, PA
Raw and architectural, this accent chair has a weathered appeal that is emphasized in the natural materials. Using thick angle iron and T-bar to compose the frame, the welded steel r...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Industrial Chairs

Materials

Steel

1930s Paider Barber Chair with Black Leather Upholstery and White Porcelain
Located in New York, NY
Original 1930s Paider barber chair done in white porcelain and black leather upholstery. This can be seen at our 400 Gilligan St location in Scranton, PA.
Category

Vintage 1930s American Industrial Chairs

Materials

Steel, Iron

Ron Arad Rover Chairs Pair by One Off Ltd Circa 1981
By Ron Arad
Located in Longdon, Tewkesbury
Ron Arad Rover Chairs Pair by One Off Ltd Circa 1981 Fabulous pair of Ron Arad Black leather Rover chairs by One Off Limited circa 1981, both chairs finished in black leather with ...
Category

Vintage 1980s British Industrial Lounge Chairs

Materials

Steel

Ron Arad Rover Chairs Pair by One Off Ltd, circa 1981
By Ron Arad
Located in Longdon, Tewkesbury
Ron Arad rover chairs pair by One Off Ltd, circa 1981 Fabulous pair of Ron Arad black leather Rover chairs by One Off Limited circa 1981, both chairs finished in black leather with ...
Category

Vintage 1980s British Industrial Lounge Chairs

Materials

Steel

Rare & Height Adjustable Industrial Chrome Artist Studio Spindle Chair or Stool
Located in Lisse, NL
Great midcentury design high-stool that is strong, sturdy and durable. Here is another one of our recent great finds that ticks al the boxes, because this early 1970s stool with a s...
Category

Late 20th Century European Industrial Stools

Materials

Metal, Chrome

Ron Arad Rover Chair, circa 1981
By Ron Arad
Located in Longdon, Tewkesbury
Ron Arad Rover Chair 1981, Black leather Rover chair with reclining action. Ron Arad said he "hardly designed anything" when creating his readymade Rover Chair The Rover Chair ...
Category

Vintage 1980s British Industrial Lounge Chairs

Materials

Steel

Ron Arad Rover Chair, circa 1981
Ron Arad Rover Chair, circa 1981
H 37 in W 27 in D 34 in
Ron Arad Rover Chair, circa 1981
By Ron Arad
Located in Longdon, Tewkesbury
Ron Arad Rover chair 1981, Black leather Rover chair with reclining action. Ron Arad said he "hardly designed anything" when creating his readymade Rover chair The Rover chair ...
Category

Vintage 1980s British Industrial Lounge Chairs

Materials

Steel

Ron Arad Rover Chair, circa 1981
Ron Arad Rover Chair, circa 1981
H 37 in W 27 in D 34 in
Set of 6 Custom Leather Vaughn Dining Chairs by Bjork Studio
By Bjork Studio
Located in Atlanta, GA
These custom Bjork Studio Vaughn dining chairs are ready for a dinner party. High end top grain chocolate brown leather and detailed with spaced zinc nail-heads along the outside bac...
Category

2010s American Industrial Dining Room Chairs

Materials

Leather, Wood

Pair of French Leather Club Chairs, circa 1950
Located in Paddock Wood, Kent
Pair of French leather club chairs, circa 1950. A pair of French leather club chairs from the 1950s these chairs are sprung seat, back and arms and have had a few old leather repair...
Category

Vintage 1950s French Industrial Chairs

Materials

Leather

Pair of French Leather Club Chairs, circa 1950
Pair of French Leather Club Chairs, circa 1950
H 33.47 in W 32.68 in L 33.47 in
Set of Four Aluminium Dining Chairs Model 1131 by Warren McArthur
By Warren McArthur
Located in Berlin, DE
This authorized reproduction of the model 1131 by Warren McArthur was produced by ClassiCon in the 1970s in Italy. It was a small edition which is closed and they are not available ...
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Industrial Chairs

Materials

Aluminum

1930s Steel Medical Exam Chair, Refinished
Located in Alhambra, CA
A most unusual industrial era medical exam chair, circa 1930. We refinished this streamlined steel piece in metallic silver with a newly reupholstered leather headrest. Features adju...
Category

Vintage 1930s American Industrial Scientific Instruments

Materials

Steel

Pair of French Cognac Leather Club Chairs, 1940s
Located in Nijmegen, NL
These club chairs were designed and produced in France during the 1940s. The chairs are made from cognac leather held together with metal pins and mounted on wooden legs. The chairs ...
Category

Vintage 1940s French Industrial Chairs

Materials

Leather

Red Cowhide Leather Lasso Chairs by voila!
By Voila Studio
Located in Los Angeles, CA
These are a whimsical set of two curbed metal chairs. The chairs are upholstered in a perfectly distressed red cowhide leather which is incredibly stylish and comfortable. These ...
Category

20th Century American Industrial Chairs

Materials

Iron

Red Cowhide Leather Lasso Chairs by voila!
Red Cowhide Leather Lasso Chairs by voila!
H 38.13 in W 22.38 in D 19.75 in
Charlotte Perriand style dining chair
Located in Vancouver, British Columbia
This is a copy of the Charlotte Perriand dining chair designed by her for Les Arc Ski Resort in France. These have a great industrial look with brown leather and tubular steel fram...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Indian Industrial Dining Room Chairs

Materials

Leather

Charlotte Perriand style dining chair
Charlotte Perriand style dining chair
H 34.5 in W 18 in D 158 in
Set of Five Illana Goor Iron Bar Stools
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Set of five vintage bar stools by Israeli born artist and designer Illana Goor. Iron and leather. Sewn edge detail on seats
Category

Late 20th Century American Industrial Stools

Materials

Iron

Set of Five Illana Goor Iron Bar Stools
Set of Five Illana Goor Iron Bar Stools
H 43 in W 17.5 in D 21.25 in
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Industrial Animal Skin Chairs For Sale on 1stDibs

An assortment of industrial animal skin chairs is available at 1stDibs. Find 16 antique and vintage industrial animal skin chairs at 1stDibs now, or shop our selection of 3 modern versions for a more contemporary example of this long-cherished furniture. There are all kinds of industrial animal skin chairs available, from those produced as long ago as the 20th Century to those made as recently as the 21st Century. Industrial animal skin chairs have been a part of the life’s work for many furniture makers, but those produced by Ron Arad, Alexander Diaz Andersson and Bjork Studio are consistently popular.

How Much are Industrial Animal Skin Chairs?

The average selling price for at 1stDibs is $2,622, while they’re typically $680 on the low end and $18,418 highest priced.

A Close Look at Industrial Furniture

Industrial floor lamps, bar stools, desks and other industrial-style furnishings have experienced a resurgence in popularity with the rise of interest in minimalist design.

It's a look that celebrates the past even as it suggests vigor, productivity and brawn. The newly chic industrial style of decor repurposes the simple, sturdy furniture of an earlier world of commerce — brushed-metal storage cabinets and display shelves, task lamps and pendant lights with enameled shades, work tables with worn wooden tops and cast-iron bases — and couples them with aesthetic touches emblematic of energy and optimism, from bright upholstery fabrics to flowers.

The rise in prominence of the industrial style has come hand-in-hand with the residential repurposing of former manufacturing and warehouse districts throughout the United States, Canada and Europe. In many loft apartments created in shuttered factories, the architectural envelope has been left intact.

Industrial-style interiors feature elements like raw brick walls, exposed steel beams and oak floors whose history is written in every pit and gouge. Iron and glass transom windows give definition and interest to small kitchen areas anchored by kitchen islands made of marble, steel and brass, while taxidermy or vintage neon signs serve as wall art in living rooms dotted with leather club chairs. Patina is the keynote to a decor in sync with such surroundings. 

On 1stDibs you will find industrial furniture designs that wear their age beautifully — and were built to last.

Finding the Right Chairs for You

Chairs are an indispensable component of your home and office. Can you imagine your life without the vintage, new or antique chairs you love?

With the exception of rocking chairs, the majority of the seating in our homes today — Windsor chairs, chaise longues, wingback chairs — originated in either England or France. Art Nouveau chairs, the style of which also originated in those regions, embraced the inherent magnificence of the natural world with decorative flourishes and refined designs that blended both curved and geometric contour lines. While craftsmanship and styles have evolved in the past century, chairs have had a singular significance in our lives, no matter what your favorite chair looks like.

“The chair is the piece of furniture that is closest to human beings,” said Hans Wegner. The revered Danish cabinetmaker and furniture designer was prolific, having designed nearly 500 chairs over the course of his lifetime. His beloved designs include the Wishbone chair, the wingback Papa Bear chair and many more.

Other designers of Scandinavian modernist chairs introduced new dynamics to this staple with sculptural flowing lines, curvaceous shapes and efficient functionality. The Paimio armchair, Swan chair and Panton chair are vintage works of Finnish and Danish seating that left an indelible mark on the history of good furniture design.

“What works good is better than what looks good, because what works good lasts,” said Ray Eames

Visionary polymaths Ray and Charles Eames experimented with bent plywood and fiberglass with the goal of producing affordable furniture for a mass market. Like other celebrated mid-century modern furniture designers of elegant low-profile furnishings — among them Ludwig Mies van der Rohe and Finn Juhl — the Eameses considered ergonomic support, durability and cost, all of which should be top of mind when shopping for the perfect chair. The mid-century years yielded many popular chairs.

The Eameses introduced numerous icons for manufacturer Herman Miller, such as the Eames lounge chair and ottoman, molded plywood dining chairs the DCM and DCW (which can be artfully mismatched around your dining table) and a wealth of other treasured pieces for the home and office. 

A good chair anchors us to a place and can become an object of timeless appeal. Take a seat and browse the rich variety of vintage, new and antique chairs on 1stDibs today.