Questions & Answers
Our trusted network of 1stDibs sellers answer common questions
Why is it called a chair?
1 Answer

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
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Shop for Chairs on 1stDibs
Custom Made Outdoor Iron Dining Chair with Sunbrella Cushion
Located in Old Town Orange, CA
Salterini style chair This iconic reproduction chair has the classic woven lattice inset seats and on the chair backs. The frames have a hand-hammered finish on the legs with a durab...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Chairs
Materials
Iron
Antique Milwaukee Quartersawn Oak Adjustable Swivel Library Office Desk Chair
By Milwaukee Chair Company
Located in Dayton, OH
Antique Milwaukee quartersawn oak bankers / lawyers / executive desk chair featuring a slatted back and rolling castors. Circa 1920s.
Dimensions:
17.5" x 20" x 38"h, seat 21", low...
Category
Vintage 1920s American Mission Chairs
Materials
Oak
$560 Sale Price
30% Off
Hans J. Wegner Styled Sculptural Valet Dressing Chair by Armcrest
Located in Cincinnati, OH
A sculptural and functional wood framed valet dressing chair with woven seat, hanging jacket bar with upper smalls shelve. In the manner of Danish designer Hans J. Wegner this is the...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Chairs
Materials
Wood
Italian Extra High Ladderback Chair, circa 1960s
Located in Milan, IT
Italian wooden chair from the 1960s featuring a tall, sculptural ladderback with a series of gently arched slats. The frame is crafted from solid wood with turned uprights and legs, ...
Category
Vintage 1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Chairs
Materials
Rope, Wood
Pair of fire place chairs Atelier Marolles style
Located in grand Lancy, CH
Pair of sculpted unique pair fire place chairs in the style of Atelier Marolles
Category
Vintage 1950s French Chairs
Materials
Wood
$3,400 / set
19Thc Children's Windsor Chairs in Original Paint
Located in Los Angeles, CA
19Thc Original Black Painted child's Windsor chairs.These chairs are in fine and sturdy condition.Sold as a pair.
Category
Antique Late 19th Century American Folk Art Chairs
Materials
Wood
$1,356 Sale Price / set
20% Off


