Skip to main content
Questions & Answers
Our trusted network of 1stDibs sellers answer common questions

How can you tell if a dining chair is antique?

1 Answer
How can you tell if a dining chair is antique?
To tell if a dining chair is antique, first look for markings that can help you identify the maker. You will normally find these under the seat. By using information published on trusted online resources, you can research the markings to learn who made the chair and when the maker was active. Any dining chair made 100 years ago or earlier is an antique. Another way to identify antique chairs is to examine their details closely. Most antique dining chairs are handmade, so you can expect to see subtle tool markings and slight irregularities. A lack of these characteristics may indicate that a dining chair is machine-made and less likely to be an antique. For assistance with dating your dining chairs, consult a certified appraiser or knowledgeable antique dealer. On 1stDibs, find a large selection of antique dining chairs.
1stDibs ExpertAugust 15, 2024
Shop for Dining Room Chairs on 1stDibs
Ludvig Sturm Set of Ten Dining Chairs in Green Velvet, Sweden ca. 1948
Located in Prague, New Town
Ludvig Sturm for Inrednings-Kompaniet AB, set of 10 Swedish Modern dining chairs, oak, Sweden, ca. 1948. A large set of 10 Swedish Modern dining chairs in oak, designed by Ludvig St...
Category

Vintage 1940s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Dining Room Chairs

Materials

Velvet, Oak

Danish Rosewood MCM dining chairs by Kai Kristiansen
Located in Sayreville, NJ
Vintage Kai Kristiansen model 42 dining chairs in rosewood with black vinyl upholstery. The chairs are very comfortable and supportive with the curved sweeping back rest that pivots...
Category

Vintage 1960s Danish Mid-Century Modern Dining Room Chairs

Materials

Upholstery, Rosewood

Harlequin Set of 10 Antique Gustavian Style Urn Back Dining Chairs
Located in St Annes, Lancashire
A wonderful set of ten English limed oak chairs. Not quite matching. There are actually 3 different models ( 4 + 3 + 3 ). Each chair has a variation of the same basic characteristi...
Category

Early 20th Century English Gustavian Dining Room Chairs

Materials

Oak

Handcrafted Sawtooth Dining Chair
Located in London, GB
Solid English Ash 'Sawtooth' dining chair with a radical and robust signature design by James Torble. As dining chairs are typically viewed from behind - these have a magnificent saw...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary English Modern Dining Room Chairs

Materials

Ash

Set of 6 Antique 18 C Gustavian Dining Chairs W Carolina Irving Andaluz Linen
Located in LOS ANGELES, CA
Set of 6 Antique 18 C Gustavian Dining Chairs W Carolina Irving Andaluz Linen Fabric
Category

Antique 18th Century Swedish Gustavian Dining Room Chairs

Materials

Wood

Set of 12 Kai Kristiansen Model 42 Teak Dining Chairs Danish Midcentury
Located in Bridgeport, CT
Set of 6 model #42 dining chairs also known as the "Z" chair designed by Kai Kristiansen manufactured by Schou Andersen in the 1960s. One of the most iconic and coveted chairs to com...
Category

Vintage 1960s Danish Mid-Century Modern Dining Room Chairs

Materials

Wool, Oak

Shop All