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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
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Custom Slip Covered Linen English Arm Chair Made to Order with Down Cushion
Located in Old Town Orange, CA
37.5" D x 29.25" W x 33" H Seat Height 18" / Arm Height 23.5" Seat Depth 23.5" / Seat Width 19"-20.5" at front A timeless staple, this English roll arm chair...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Chairs

Materials

Cotton, Linen, Foam, Wood, Down

Original Josef Hoffmann, Chair, Model# 330 from 1900
Located in Vienna, AT
Exhibition: chairs for a dining room in: Winter Exhibition of the Austrian Museum for Art and Industry, Vienna, late 1901; exhibition in Saint Louis, 1904, beechwood, stained to simu...
Category

Antique Early 1900s Austrian Jugendstil Chairs

Materials

Beech

Upholstered Sculptural Dining Chair in Burnt Orange Fabric - Modern
Located in St Petersburg, US
This contemporary dining chair combines sculptural comfort with refined material contrast, creating an elegant seating piece for modern dining spaces. Upholstered in a warm burnt-ora...
Category

2010s Modern Chairs

Materials

Fabric, Wood

Mario Bellini for Cassina Set of Six 'Cab' Chairs in Red Brown Leather
Located in grand Lancy, CH
Mario Bellini for Cassina, set of six 'cab' dining chairs, model '412', leather, plastic, Italy, design 1980 Beautiful set of 'Cab' dining chairs chairs in luxurious reddish brown le...
Category

Vintage 1980s Italian Chairs

Materials

Leather

Edoardo Gellner, Lounge Chairs, Velvet, Wood, Italy, 1947
Located in High Point, NC
A pair of yellow velvet and wood lounge chairs designed and produced by Edoardo Gellner, Italy, c. 1947.  Model designed for Menardi House, Cortina D...
Category

Vintage 1940s Italian Mid-Century Modern Chairs

Materials

Velvet, Wood

OAK Wood Dining Chair with Fabric Seat, Solid Wood Frame - Contemporary
Located in St Petersburg, US
OAK Wood dining chairs are crafted from solid oak, highlighting the natural warmth and organic character of the wood. The sculptural frame features softly curved lines and carefully ...
Category

2010s Organic Modern Chairs

Materials

Oak, Fabric

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