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

Why is it called a chair?

1 Answer
Why is it called a chair?
Why the furniture used for seating is called a chair has to do with the history of language. The word comes from the 13th-century English word chaer, which in turn can be traced back to the Latin word cathedra, meaning seat. If that word reminds you of the word cathedral, it's no accident. The word cathedral gets its name from the fact that a cathedral is where the bishop of a parish has his seat. On 1stDibs, shop a wide range of chairs.
1stDibs ExpertFebruary 13, 2024
Shop for Chairs on 1stDibs
Pair of 20th century modernist wood low chairs or stools 1950 french design
Located in Neuilly-en- sancerre, FR
French hand-made Pair of 20th century modernist low chairs Wood low chairs or stools design Modernist french handmade design Original very good condition Seat height 43 cm Tota...
Category

Mid-20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Chairs

Materials

Wood

Mid Century Swivel Brown and Red Tulip Armchair, Germany, 1970s.
Located in 05-080 Hornowek, PL
Vintage 1970s Tulip Chair with Geometric Pattern Upholstery Retro Mid-Century Modern Plastic Base Accent Chair This chair is a classic 1970s vintage tulip chair with a plastic base,...
Category

Mid-20th Century German Mid-Century Modern Chairs

Materials

Wool, Cotton, Plastic

Set of Two Mid Century Kangaroo Chairs and Table, Ernst Moeckl, Germany, 1968
Located in 05-080 Hornowek, PL
The z.stuhl chair, designed by Ernst Moeckl (1931-2013) in the 1970s, is a cantilever chair made of polyurethane, which is available with and without armrests. In the vernacular, the...
Category

20th Century German Mid-Century Modern Chairs

Materials

Fiberglass

Set of Six Shell Dining Chairs, Brown FR Fabric, by Vintola Studio, Europe
Located in 05-080 Hornowek, PL
Springy, very comfortable and stabile club seats. They are contemporary chairs inspired of 1960s style. They can be used as armchairs and dining chairs. Chair was designed by Vint...
Category

2010s Polish Mid-Century Modern Chairs

Materials

Velvet, Beech

1970s pair of Emmanuelle Peacock Chair
Located in grand Lancy, CH
iconic whitewashed wicker pair of "emmanuelle" fan back wicker chair. This exceptionally designed handwoven chair is a modern re-interpretation of the traditional peacock chair. Desi...
Category

Vintage 1970s European Chairs

Materials

Bamboo, Rattan

Set of Ten Shell Dining Chairs, Light Beige FR Fabric, by Vintola Studio, Europe
Located in 05-080 Hornowek, PL
Springy, very comfortable and stabile club seats. They are contemporary chairs inspired of 1960s style. They can be used as armchairs and dining chairs. Chair was designed by Vint...
Category

2010s Polish Mid-Century Modern Chairs

Materials

Velvet, Beech

Shop All