Shell Dining Chairs
Late 20th Century Philippine Dining Room Chairs
Upholstery, Wood
Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Chairs
Metal
Vintage 1950s German Mid-Century Modern Dining Room Chairs
Plywood
Mid-20th Century Polish Mid-Century Modern Chairs
Wool, Bentwood, Plywood
Vintage 1980s American Modern Dining Room Chairs
Shell, Bouclé, Wood
Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Dining Room Chairs
Metal
2010s American Mid-Century Modern Dining Room Chairs
Steel
2010s Polish Mid-Century Modern Armchairs
Bouclé, Velvet, Beech
2010s Polish Mid-Century Modern Armchairs
Linen, Bouclé, Beech, Velvet
2010s Polish Mid-Century Modern Armchairs
Bouclé, Linen, Velvet, Beech
2010s Polish Mid-Century Modern Armchairs
Bouclé, Beech, Velvet
20th Century American Modern Dining Room Chairs
Chrome
Vintage 1930s Georgian Dining Room Chairs
Walnut
Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Dining Room Chairs
Chrome
Vintage 1960s Italian Dining Room Chairs
Wood
Vintage 1960s Danish Scandinavian Modern Dining Room Chairs
Beech, Teak
Vintage 1970s European Mid-Century Modern Dining Room Chairs
Steel, Chrome
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Dining Room Chairs
Walnut, Upholstery
Vintage 1960s Italian Hollywood Regency Dining Room Chairs
Upholstery, Wood
Vintage 1960s North American Mid-Century Modern Dining Room Chairs
Walnut
Late 20th Century Queen Anne Dining Room Chairs
Wood
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Dining Room Chairs
Upholstery, Walnut
20th Century Philippine Hollywood Regency Dining Room Chairs
Fabric, Wood, Paint
Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Dining Room Chairs
Fiberglass
20th Century Italian Hollywood Regency Dining Room Chairs
Brass
Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Dining Room Chairs
Metal, Steel
Vintage 1960s German Mid-Century Modern Dining Room Chairs
Steel, Chrome
Vintage 1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Dining Room Chairs
Metal
Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Dining Room Chairs
Fiberglass
Vintage 1960s Mid-Century Modern Dining Room Chairs
Fiberglass
Vintage 1960s Mid-Century Modern Dining Room Chairs
Fiberglass
Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Dining Room Chairs
Fiberglass
Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Dining Room Chairs
Fiberglass
Vintage 1960s German Mid-Century Modern Dining Room Chairs
Steel, Chrome
21st Century and Contemporary American Mid-Century Modern Dining Room Ch...
Oak
Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Dining Room Chairs
Fiberglass
Vintage 1960s Czech Mid-Century Modern Dining Room Chairs
Velvet, Oak
Late 20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Dining Room Chairs
Metal
Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Dining Room Chairs
Fiberglass
Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Dining Room Chairs
Fiberglass
Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Dining Room Chairs
Fiberglass
Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Dining Room Chairs
Fiberglass
Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Dining Room Chairs
Aluminum
Vintage 1980s Regency Dining Room Chairs
Mahogany
Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Dining Room Chairs
Aluminum
Vintage 1960s Mid-Century Modern Dining Room Chairs
Fiberglass
Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Dining Room Chairs
Fiberglass
2010s Chippendale Dining Room Chairs
Fabric, Mahogany
2010s Italian Modern Dining Room Chairs
Wood, Velvet
21st Century and Contemporary American Mid-Century Modern Dining Room Ch...
Oak
Antique Mid-18th Century American Chippendale Dining Room Chairs
Silk, Walnut
Early 20th Century Colonial Revival Dining Room Chairs
Wood
Vintage 1950s Danish Scandinavian Modern Dining Room Chairs
Oak, Teak
Vintage 1950s Danish Mid-Century Modern Dining Room Chairs
Metal
20th Century French Country Dining Room Chairs
Fabric, Wood
Mid-20th Century Dutch Mid-Century Modern Dining Room Chairs
Metal
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Dining Room Chairs
Nylon, Beech
Antique 1890s British Dining Room Chairs
Mahogany
Vintage 1960s North American Mid-Century Modern Dining Room Chairs
Fiberglass
Vintage 1950s German Mid-Century Modern Dining Room Chairs
Steel
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Shell Dining Chairs For Sale on 1stDibs
How Much are Shell Dining 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 are Shell Chairs?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertMarch 31, 2023Shell chairs are iconic mid-century modern chairs designed by Hans J. Wegner and first released in 1963. In terms of both process and aesthetics, the Shell chair was ahead of its time when it was introduced. The expressive seat and back are made out of form-pressed oak or walnut laminates and topped with upholstered cushions for maximum comfort. Its design includes a tapered three-leg structure with two front legs made of one continuous piece and a separate hind leg that supports the backrest. This gives the chair a feeling of lightness without sacrificing stability. On 1stDibs, find a selection of Shell chairs.
- Is the Shell Chair comfortable?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertFebruary 13, 2023Whether the Shell chair is comfortable is largely a matter of personal opinion. However, creator Hans J. Wegner designed the curves of the backrest and the seat to complement the contours of the human body in order to provide ample support when the Shell chair made its debut in 1963. Chairs became Wegner’s specialty, and over the years he designed over 500 of them. More than 100 of his designs, such as the Wishbone chair and the Papa Bear chair, went into production. Shop a selection of Shell chairs and other vintage Hans Wegner seating on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022Whether or not the Wegner shell chair is comfortable is largely a matter of personal preference. Wegner did design the dramatically curved seat and gently tapered back to properly support the contours of the human body. On 1stDibs, shop a range of Hans Wegner chairs.
- 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 13, 2024The history of the Wegner Shell Chair begins in 1963. Hans J. Wegner unveiled the chair at the Furniture Guild Exhibition in Copenhagen, Denmark. Often described as being "wing-like," the chair's radical fluid lines were considered a bit too futuristic at the time. Initially, mixed reviews from critics and the general public, as well as production difficulties, resulted in a very limited early run. Twelve new models were produced for a retrospective exhibition celebrating Wegner's 77th birthday in 1989, and the design began garnering renewed attention (a photograph of the chair was even selected to grace the cover of the exhibition catalog). In 1998, nearly a decade following the piece's reemergence at the retrospective event, Carl Hansen & Søn reintroduced the Shell chair 35 years after it was first released, and it has felt relevant ever since. On 1stDibs, shop an assortment of Hans Wegner Shell chairs.
- What is a dining chair?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2024A dining chair is a chair used to provide seating while dining at a table. There are two main types: side chairs and armchairs. As the name suggests, armchairs feature integrated arms, and they typically go along the short ends of rectangular tables. Free of arms, side chairs are usually arranged along the sides of rectangular tables. On 1stDibs, shop a large selection of dining chairs.
- 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 22, 2021Dining chairs should be around 18 inches tall. Since most dining tables are 30 inches high, 18 inch tall dining chairs allow for a comfortable amount of legroom. As a general rule of thumb, there should be around 12 inches between a dining table and a seat.
- What is a carver dining chair?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertOctober 12, 2021A carver dining chair is a kind of spool chair with legs rising above the seat level to frame the back and support the armrests. A theory about how carver chairs got their name is that the “master of the household” would sit at the head of the dining table and carve the meat that would be served for dinner. A widely reported origin story for the carver chair is that the name references a Pilgrim named John Carver, who was the founder of the Plymouth colony of Massachusetts in the United States. On 1stDibs, shop a range of antique and vintage carver chairs.
- 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 ExpertSeptember 25, 2019
Dining room chairs with arms require more space than armless ones.
- 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 13, 2023A good width for a dining chair is generally considered to be 16 to 20 inches. Chairs within this size range typically provide enough space for most people to sit comfortably. Shop a collection of dining chairs on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertSeptember 25, 2019
Dining room chairs and dining tables do not necessarily have to match.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022A dining chair with arms is called a carver chair or elbow chair. It is a traditional dining chair with arms added to it for a more structured look and is a popular option for dining seats for a spot to comfortably rest your arms. Shop a selection of dining chairs on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertMarch 3, 2023Whether leather is good for dining chairs is largely a matter of personal opinion. However, many people find leather to be easy to wipe clean and appreciate its texture and appearance. On 1stDibs, shop a collection of leather dining chairs.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022The entire back of a dining chair is simply called the chair back. It may have another name that more accurately describes the shape such as an X back or a cross back. The individual parts of a chair back include the ear, top rail, cross rail, stile and back post. On 1stDibs, find vintage and contemporary dining chairs from top sellers around the world.
- 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 22, 2021Choosing a fabric for reupholstering dining chairs is dependent on a number of factors. Cotton, faux suede, leather, tweed, velvet and vinyl are all popular options though each has different benefits. It is important to consider durability, ability to clean, and coordinating with decor.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022The end chairs are called an armchair. Typically found at the head of the table, these specific chairs have armrests and give off a more formal feel. You can shop a collection of armchairs and dining tables from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022Dining chairs without arms are called side chairs. Their counterpart, the armchair, is often found at the head of the table, with the side chairs filling in the seats along the side of the table. Shop a collection of side chairs from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022Dining room chairs with arms are simply called armchairs. They are not to be confused with armchairs used in seating areas. A dining chair without arms is a side chair. You'll find a collection of antique and vintage dining chairs on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022No, your dining room table and chairs do not need to match. Coordinated colors and styles can add visual flair to a space, and is a great way to show off your personal style. Shop a collection of dining room tables and chairs from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertSeptember 25, 2019
The seat of a dining room chair is typically 18 inches from the floor and 16 to 20 inches wide.
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