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
Mid-century Cesca chair designed by Marcel Breuer for Gavina, Italy, 1960s
By Gavina, Marcel Breuer
Located in Milano, IT
Mid-century Cesca chair designed by Marcel Breuer for Gavina, Italy, 1960s
This elegant Cesca chair, created by Marcel Breuer and produced by Gavina in the 1960s, is a fine example ...
Category
Vintage 1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Chairs
Materials
Steel
Set of 8 10 12 Giancarlo Piretti DSC 106 Oak Stacking Dining Chairs by Castelli
Located in Lafayette, IN
The iconic "DSC 106" stacking chair designed by the renowned Giancarlo Piretti for Castelli. Chair features plastic-sheathed legs, contoured Oak plywood seat & back, and stylish cast...
Category
Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Chairs
Materials
Aluminum
Set of 6 Mid-Century Modern W199 Bent-Wood Chairs by Walter Gropius for Thonet
By Walter Gropius, Thonet
Located in Lafayette, IN
Spectacular set of 6 "W199" bentwood armchairs designed by Bauhaus co-founder Walter Gropius. Set features (2) "captains chairs" with arms and (4) of the even-more-rare arm-less chai...
Category
Vintage 1940s American Bauhaus Chairs
Materials
Wood, Plywood
Selection of 10 Art Deco aluminum chairs, designed by Warren McArthur, American
Located in grand Lancy, CH
Selection of 10 Art Deco aluminum chairs, designed by Warren McArthur, American
Category
Early 2000s American Chairs
Materials
Aluminum
Set of 14 Warren McArthur Chairs
Located in grand Lancy, CH
Selection of Art Deco aluminum chairs, designed by Warren McArthur, American,
Category
Early 2000s American Chairs
Materials
Aluminum
$3,200 / set
Set of 6 Libellula chairs in dark brown leather, by G.Carini, for Planula, Italy
Located in Milano, IT
Set of 6 Libellula chairs in original dark brown leather, designed by G. Carini for Planula, Italy, 1970s
The “Libellula” chairs embody the visual lightness and refined rigor of 197...
Category
Vintage 1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Chairs
Materials
Steel
