The Vintage Chair
1950s Danish Modern The Vintage Chair
Oak
Mid-20th Century Danish Mid-Century Modern The Vintage Chair
Leather, Teak
1950s Scandinavian Mid-Century Modern The Vintage Chair
Teak
1950s Danish Scandinavian Modern The Vintage Chair
Leather, Teak
1960s Danish Scandinavian Modern The Vintage Chair
Leather, Teak
1960s Danish Scandinavian Modern The Vintage Chair
Leather, Teak
1960s Danish Scandinavian Modern The Vintage Chair
Leather, Oak
1960s Danish Scandinavian Modern The Vintage Chair
Leather, Oak
1950s Danish Mid-Century Modern The Vintage Chair
Cane, Teak
Mid-20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern The Vintage Chair
Upholstery, Wood
Late 20th Century American Modern The Vintage Chair
Paper
1970s Danish Mid-Century Modern The Vintage Chair
Upholstery, Teak
1950s Danish The Vintage Chair
Teak, Fabric
1960s European Mid-Century Modern The Vintage Chair
Metal, Brass
1960s European Mid-Century Modern The Vintage Chair
Metal, Brass
1960s The Vintage Chair
Paper, Charcoal
1940s Danish Mid-Century Modern The Vintage Chair
Cane, Teak
Mid-20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern The Vintage Chair
Cherry
1980s Surrealist The Vintage Chair
Cotton Canvas, Oil
1950s The Vintage Chair
Cane, Teak
1950s Danish Scandinavian Modern The Vintage Chair
Rattan, Teak
1960s Mid-Century Modern The Vintage Chair
Beech
1970s Danish The Vintage Chair
Leather, Teak
1950s Danish Mid-Century Modern The Vintage Chair
Leather, Teak
1950s Danish Scandinavian Modern The Vintage Chair
Cane, Teak
Mid-20th Century Surrealist The Vintage Chair
Oil, Canvas
1940s Danish Scandinavian Modern The Vintage Chair
Teak, Cane
1940s Danish Scandinavian Modern The Vintage Chair
Cane, Teak
1950s Danish Scandinavian Modern The Vintage Chair
Teak, Cane
1970s Modern The Vintage Chair
Etching
1970s The Vintage Chair
Etching
Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern The Vintage Chair
1970s American Mid-Century Modern The Vintage Chair
Wood
1950s Danish The Vintage Chair
Leather, Walnut
1960s Danish Scandinavian Modern The Vintage Chair
Cane, Teak
1960s American Mid-Century Modern The Vintage Chair
Wood
Mid-20th Century Macedonian Mid-Century Modern The Vintage Chair
Beech, Cord
1940s The Vintage Chair
Pencil
1980s Contemporary The Vintage Chair
Offset
Mid-20th Century American Space Age The Vintage Chair
Metal, Iron
20th Century Belgian The Vintage Chair
Canvas, Paint
1990s Danish Brutalist The Vintage Chair
Stainless Steel
1970s Contemporary The Vintage Chair
Etching, Paper
1970s Naturalistic The Vintage Chair
Oil, Board, Mixed Media
1960s Swedish Post-Modern The Vintage Chair
Aluminum
1990s American American Classical The Vintage Chair
Cotton, Wood, Down
1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern The Vintage Chair
Fabric, Wood
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern The Vintage Chair
Metal
1950s Danish Mid-Century Modern The Vintage Chair
Iron
20th Century Louis XV The Vintage Chair
Silver
1950s French The Vintage Chair
Rattan, Wood
1940s Danish The Vintage Chair
Mahogany
20th Century The Vintage Chair
Lithograph
1960s Scandinavian Scandinavian Modern The Vintage Chair
Palisander
1980s Italian Mid-Century Modern The Vintage Chair
Aluminum, Stainless Steel
1940s Danish Scandinavian Modern The Vintage Chair
Sheepskin
1940s Danish Scandinavian Modern The Vintage Chair
Sheepskin
1930s European Sheraton The Vintage Chair
Beech, Fabric, Cane
1950s American Mid-Century Modern The Vintage Chair
Upholstery, Walnut
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern The Vintage Chair
Upholstery
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The Vintage Chair For Sale on 1stDibs
How Much is a The Vintage Chair?
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 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.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022Many 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.
- 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.
- Is my vintage Eames chair real?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022To 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.
- 1stDibs ExpertNovember 8, 2023The difference between a lounge chair and a chair is specificity. A chair is the general term for furniture typically designed to seat one person at a time, and there are many different kinds of chairs, including dining, accent and office chairs. Lounge chairs are another example of a specific type of chair. They are chairs with a footrest that allows you to elevate your feet while sitting. On 1stDibs, explore a large collection of chairs.
- 1stDibs ExpertJune 15, 2023To tell if a chair is an Eames chair, take a look under the seat or cushion. Authentic Eames lounge chairs are manufactured by Herman Miller and Vitra. If your Eames chair is a Herman Miller original, look for the legendary manufacturer’s specific logomarks on the product (these logomarks can be found on the company’s official website). There is also the manufacturing label, which is usually found under the seat or cushion (unless a former owner removed it). All of the classic Herman Miller designs are paired with a certificate of authenticity. Some designs may also have a medallion attached to certify their authenticity. You can then check trusted online resources to determine if the information on the label is correct for the style of chair (and more info on its construction is available on the official Eames website). You won’t see screws outside of the wood shells on an authentic Eames lounge chair, and prior to the 1970s, original vintage Eames lounge chairs were made with no more than five layers of plywood (during the 1970s, the chairs were made with seven layers). Find a variety of authentic Eames chairs on 1stDibs.
- What is a vintage shoe?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertSeptember 28, 2021A vintage shoe refers to various footwear styles that were commonly worn decades ago. Shoes that are deemed vintage are at least 20 years old, and “vintage-style shoes” are inspired by styles that originated at least two decades ago or longer. Also referred to as retro shoes, today’s vintage-style shoes are often reproduced in mass quantities. Find a collection of authentic vintage shoes and other footwear on 1stDibs.
- What is a vintage rug?1 AnswerNazmiyalMarch 23, 2021Those are, generally speaking, rugs that were woven around the mid 20th century.
- What is a vintage poster?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertSeptember 28, 2021A vintage poster is a collector’s item — it usually refers to a piece of poster art that is at least 20 years old. These posters may range from $500 to $2,000 per item and can even be more expensive depending on subject matter, artist and other attributes. Shop a wide collection of unique vintage posters on 1stDibs today.
- What is a vintage T shirt?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertOctober 5, 2021A vintage T-shirt is a tee that is at least 20 years old. For a piece of furniture or jewelry to be considered antique, it needs to be at least 100 years old. Shop designer and vintage T-shirts in fascinating styles and colors on 1stDibs.
- What is vintage chalkware?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022Vintage chalkware is a type of decorative object produced mostly during the early 20th century. Most pieces are made of gypsum or plaster of Paris and feature a hand-painted finish. On 1stDibs, you can find a selection of vintage chalkware.
- What is vintage cloisonne?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022In jewelry terms, a piece that is between 50 and 100 years old is considered vintage. Cloisonne jewelry is made by filling in tiny pockets or cloisons with ground glass, oxides and colorful enamels. This means that a piece of cloisonne jewelry that is 50-100 years old would be considered vintage. Shop a collection of vintage cloisonne from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.
- What is vintage pewter?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022The difference between vintage and antique is age. Vintage is typically defined as anything between 50 and 100 years old, while antique items are more than 100 years old. Vintage pewter would be any pewter that is between 50 and 100 years old. Shop a collection of vintage pewter from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.
- What is vintage photography?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertAugust 17, 2021Vintage photography are the earliest prints that photographers could make from negatives. Yet even later copies from the same negative are considered original vintage prints. Find a collection of photography today on 1stDibs.
- What is vintage etching?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022Vintage etching is a term that refers to a specific type of print produced between 50 and 100 years ago. Printmakers produced etchings by carving images into a copper plate and then soaking it in an acid bath. Then, they applied ink to the plate and pressed it against paper or another material to create an image. On 1stDibs, find a collection of vintage etchings.
- What is a vintage watch?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertOctober 12, 2021A vintage watch is any watch that is at least two decades old. A model number can usually be found on a watch's movement for identification purposes, and date marks on the back of a watch can usually tell you if it is vintage. Vintage timepieces have made a comeback for serious collectors as well as casual enthusiasts all over the world. Find a collection of vintage watches on 1stDibs today.
- What is a vintage purse?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertOctober 5, 2021A vintage purse is a purse which is at least 20 years old. The appeal of vintage bags has broadened over time, and today, vintage purses from Chanel, Hermès and other luxury fashion brands are in high demand. On 1stDibs, you can find a wide variety of vintage and designer purses and other bags.
- What is a vintage diamond?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertOctober 12, 2021A vintage diamond — as in, “a vintage diamond engagement ring” — refers to a ring that is at least 20 years old. Antique rings were made more than 100 years ago. Vintage diamond jewelry is not old enough to qualify as antique but it is at least two decades old. Find a collection of antique and vintage diamond jewelry on 1stDibs today.
- 1stDibs ExpertNovember 6, 2023The difference between an accent chair and a dining chair comes down to function and design. An accent chair usually goes in a seating area, and makers craft them with comfort in mind. As a result, most accent chairs feature cushioning and upholstery and are characterized by generous proportions. The purpose of a dining chair is to provide a place to sit while enjoying a meal. Usually, dining chairs are lighter and smaller than accent chairs for easy maneuvering. While they may have padded seats and backrests, dining chairs generally aren't as abundantly cushioned as accent chairs. Explore a large selection of chairs on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022A club chair is called a club chair because the accent chairs became popular in the interior décor of gentleman's clubs in France. The original name for the club chair is “fauteuil confortable," which translates to "comfortable chair." You'll find a collection of club chairs on 1stDibs.
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