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
Alpine *escabelle* chair; restored in two places
Located in grand Lancy, CH
Alpine *escabelle* chair; restored in two places—at the front and back of the seat. It can be sat on, but is primarily decorative
Category
Antique 1860s Swiss Chairs
Materials
Wood
Harrie Bertoia, Diamond Chair Black & White with Black Fabric Cushion
By Harry Bertoia, Knoll
Located in Nuernberg, DE
An exceptional early Harry Bertoia Diamond Chair, featuring the distinctive two-tone black and white lacquered frame with its original black upholstered seat. Designed by Harry Berto...
Category
Vintage 1960s German Mid-Century Modern Chairs
Materials
Metal
Art Deco Antique Club Armchair Fauteuil Leather Skai & Studs French, circa 1920
Located in Labrit, Landes
Club chair in patinated brown leather and skai seat cushion, circa 1920
A club chair dating from the 1920s, featuring a high, rounded, scalloped backrest that extends into wrapped, ...
Category
Vintage 1920s French Armchairs
Materials
Copper
Art Deco / Swedish Grace Lounge Chair in Red Jacquard Velvet, 1930s
Located in Silvolde, Gelderland
Striking Art Deco / Swedish Grace lounge chair dating from the 1930s, distinguished by its generous proportions, sculptural silhouette and r...
Category
Vintage 1930s Swedish Art Deco Chairs
Materials
Velvet
Vintage Verner Panton Heart Cone Chair in Original Orange Upholstery
Located in Nuernberg, DE
Designed in 1958 by visionary Danish designer Verner Panton, the Heart Cone Chair is one of the most recognizable icons of mid-century modern design. Characterized by its bold heart-...
Category
20th Century German Mid-Century Modern Chairs
Materials
Wood
Swiss Alpine Folk Art Painted Pine Escabelle Chair, 1837
Located in grand Lancy, CH
Swiss Alpine escabelle chair made of pine and dated 1837. The chair features a shaped backrest with hand-painted decorative motifs and inscriptions, characteristic of Alpine folk art...
Category
Antique 1830s Swiss Chairs
Materials
Pine
