Questions & Answers
Our trusted network of 1stDibs sellers answer common questions
Why is it called a porter’s chair?
1 Answer
A porter's chair is called that due to its history. Early examples of porter's chairs date back to medieval England and France. At that time, households positioned the chairs near the front doors of homes to give the hall porters a place to sit while they waited to receive guests. Although hall porters are less commonly employed in homes today, the upholstered chairs with their curved, deep backs continue to bear the name. On 1stDibs, shop a diverse assortment of antique, vintage and contemporary chairs.
1stDibs ExpertAugust 15, 2024
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Shop for Chairs on 1stDibs
Set of 8 Mid-Century Modern W199 Bent-Wood Chairs by Walter Gropius for Thonet
By Walter Gropius, Thonet
Located in Lafayette, IN
Spectacular set of 8 "W199" bentwood armchairs designed by Bauhaus co-founder Walter Gropius. Set features (2) "captains chairs" with arms and (6) of the even-more-rare arm-less chai...
Category
Vintage 1940s American Bauhaus Chairs
Materials
Wood, Plywood
Pair of Rose Tarlow From Melrose House Chippendale Arm Chairs
By Rose Tarlow
Located in LOS ANGELES, CA
Pair of Rose Tarlow From Melrose House Chippendale Arm Chairs
Category
1990s American Chippendale Chairs
Materials
Mahogany
Pair of John Dickinson Inspired Etruscan Club Chair
Located in New York, NY
Pair of Etruscan club chairs covered in a white patent leather with wooden legs and an Ivory craquelure finish.
Each chairs has age related wear which only enhances the beauty of the...
Category
Vintage 1980s American Mid-Century Modern Chairs
Materials
Patent Leather, Wood
$22,000 / set
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
Set of Two Mid Century Kangaroo Chairs and Table, Ernst Moeckl, Germany, 1968
By Ernst Moeckl
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
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
$5,940 / set