Comfortable Art Deco Style Shell Chair with Fabric Upholstery and Lacquered Wood
Located in Ulm, DE
Invite your visitors to take a seat in this comfortable armchair. This chair lends a special touch to your dining room: Even a fast food dinner will feel like a feast. High q...
Upholstery, Wood
Art Deco Inspired Barrel Swivel Lounge Chair with Espresso Lacquer Shell, New
Located in New York, NY
This striking armchair combines generous upholstered volume with a sculptural wraparound shell. The rounded seat, curved arms, and continuous backrest create a soft, enveloping profi...
Fabric, Wood
Hollywood Regency Art Deco Grosfeld House Fan / Shell Chairs
By Gilbert Rohde, Grosfeld House, Dorothy Draper
Located in Chicago, IL
Glamour Pair of Vintage Asymmetrical Fan back chairs. Style of Dorothy Draper / Gilbert Rohde These will require reupholstery.
Upholstery
Sylvie Chair in Black Pen Shell by R & Y Augousti
By R & Y Augousti
Located in New York, NY
Acclaimed design duo Ria & Yiouri Augousti have established themselves since the 1990s as pioneers of modern-vintage style through their luxurious Art Deco inspired collections. ...
Brass
$7,045 / item
Sylvie Chair in Black Pen Shell by R & Y Augousti
By R & Y Augousti
Located in New York, NY
Acclaimed design duo Ria & Yiouri Augousti have established themselves since the 1990s as pioneers of modern-vintage style through their luxurious Art Deco inspired collections. ...
Brass
$7,045 / item
Sylvie Chair in Black Pen Shell by R & Y Augousti
By R & Y Augousti
Located in New York, NY
Acclaimed design duo Ria & Yiouri Augousti have established themselves since the 1990s as pioneers of modern-vintage style through their luxurious Art Deco inspired collections. ...
Brass
Pair of Austrian Art Nouveau Period Kohn Bentwood Bistro Chairs, Shell Motif
By Jacob & Josef Kohn
Located in Fayetteville, AR
Designed by Jacob and Josef Kohn, these Art Nouveau period bentwood bistro chairs feature pressed wood seats and seat backs detailed with a classic symmetrical shell motif. The seats...
Bentwood
Shell side chair by Thomas Pheasant for Baker Furniture
By Baker Furniture Company
Located in Hong Kong, HK
Inspired by post-French Revolution Directoire chairs and Art Deco luxury, the Shell chair features a curved back that elegantly envelopes the seat.
Bronze
Eden Chair in Black Pen Shell and Upholstered in Calf-Hair by R&Y Augousti
By R & Y Augousti
Located in New York, NY
All furniture is handcrafted by skilled artisans, ultimately making each piece unique, designed in Paris and produced in the Philippines. The Eden chair in black pen shell and uphol...
Shagreen Stingray
Swivel Lounge Chair in Woolly Textured Boucle with Striped Exotic Wood Shell
By JLC
Located in New York, NY
The Swivel Lounge Chair is defined by a rounded, enveloping silhouette with a continuous upholstered seat, curved arms, and softly arched backrest. The form has a generous lounge pro...
Bouclé, Upholstery, Wood
Mid-20th Century, Pair of Danish Shell Lounge Chairs in Green Velvet, 1940s
By Mogens Lassen, Viggo Boesen, Flemming Lassen
Located in Odense, DK
These intriguing, curvy, modern easy chairs will complement many interior styles. A mid century, antique, Classic, Scandinavian or an Art Deco home decor.
Fabric, Velvet, Wood
$1,450 / set
Petite Art Deco Channel Back Shell Chairs, pair
By Grosfeld House
Located in Grand Rapids, MI
USA, 1930s Pair of petite art deco channel back armchairs for restoration. Great opportunity to select your own fabric. Quality frames in a petite size would be great in a bedroom, s...
Brocade, Fruitwood
VINTAGE PAIR OF ART DECO STYLE HAND DYED LEATHER SHELL ARM CHAiRS
Located in Pulborough, GB
The hand-dyed finish gives the leather wonderful depth and variation, creating a warm, aged look with plenty of vintage charm. The chairs feature an elegant shell-shaped backrest, a...
Leather
Shell Inlaid Sylvie Console and Chair by R&Y Augousti
By R & Y Augousti
Located in New York, NY
This listing is for the Sylvie Console and Sylvie Chair by R&Y Augousti in Black Pen Shell The Sylvie Console is an ethereal and sculptural piece.
Shell
Shell Dining Table Set with Two Sculptural Chairs by R&Y Augousti
By R & Y Augousti
Located in New York, NY
The top is inlaid in black pen shell. Available in other finishes and other variations This piece is sold with two Sylvie Chairs by R&Y Augousti The dimensions of this piece a...
Brass
Set of Sculptural Chairs and Dining Table in Shell and Brass by Kifu Paris
By Kifu Augousti
Located in New York, NY
The Paris based label has distinguished themselves since their launch, with their iconic use of shagreen mixed with brass and other exotic materials. All furniture is handcrafted by ...
Brass
Shell Inlaid Dining Table by Kifu Paris with a Pair of R&Y Augousti Chairs
By Kifu Augousti
Located in New York, NY
The Paris based label has distinguished themselves since their launch, with their iconic use of shagreen mixed with brass and other exotic materials. All furniture is handcrafted by ...
Brass
Saint Germain Armchair in Black Pen Shell & Bronze-Patina Brass by R&Y Augousti
By R & Y Augousti
Located in New York, NY
The Paris based label has distinguished themselves since their launch, with their iconic use of shagreen mixed with brass and other exotic materials. All furniture is handcrafted by ...
Brass
Sculpted Art Deco Shell Shaped Boudoir Chair in Plum
Located in Mount Penn, PA
An Art Deco sculpted, plum colored, beautiful, shell shaped Boudoir chair with Hollywood glamour style.
Textile, Wood
Shell Chairs
By Gio Ponti
Located in BANGALOW, NSW
A pair of Gio Ponti 'Shell' chairs for "Casa e Giardino", 1940's Italy. Curved shell model covered in original teal leather, the cushions have feathers inside with air vents that al...
Leather
Unavailable
H 34.26 in W 24.81 in D 30.32 in
Antique Austrian Shell Shaped Art Deco Club Chair with Wooden Polished Armrests
Located in Vienna, AT
Unique antique Art Deco armchair from Austria produced in the 1930s.
Fabric, Upholstery, Wood
Art Deco Cotton Velvet Shell Armchair
Located in London, GB
A beautiful and rare original 1930's art deco armchair in the shape of a shell. This stunning piece is in its original cotton velvet upholstery which shows signs of age which add...
Velvet
Pair 1930s Asymmetrical Art Deco Shell Back Chairs
Located in Chicago, IL
Elegant pair of mirror image art deco shell back fireside chairs in heathered cinnamon-orange upholstery.
Mahogany, Wool, Upholstery
Rare Art Deco Shell Back Stick Rattan Lounge Chairs
Located in Van Nuys, CA
Rare Art Deco style "Shell Back" rattan lounge chairs feature the icon modernist shell seat back all made with hand-hammered stick rattan covered in blue cushions.
Rattan
3-Piece Art Deco Shell Back Salon Suite
Located in Debenham, Suffolk
3-piece Art Deco shell back salon suite circa 1930. Good quality suite comprising of a sofa and 2 matching chairs.
Mahogany
Pair of 1930s Single Arm Art Deco Shell Back Chairs
Located in Chicago, IL
Elegant pair of mirror image Art Deco shell back fireside chairs in heathered cinnamon-orange upholstery.
Lacquer, Upholstery, Wood
Sold
H 32.5 in W 20.5 in D 26 in
Art Deco Steel Metal Clam Shell Back Green Patio Bouncer Lounge Chairs, a Pair
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Antique Art Deco steel metal clam shell back green patio bouncer lounge chairs - a pair.
Steel
Sold
H 32.5 in W 20.5 in
Art Deco Steel Metal Clam Shell Back Green Patio Bouncer Lounge Chairs, a Pair
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Antique Art Deco steel metal clam shell back green patio bouncer lounge chairs - a pair.
Steel
3 piece Art Deco shell back salon suite
Located in Debenham, Suffolk
3 piece art deco shell back salon suite circa 1930. Good quality suite comprising of a sofa and 2 matching chairs.
Fabric, Beech
Sold
H 24.02 in W 31.5 in D 27.56 in
French Art Deco 1930s Syrie Maugham Style Shell Velvet Fireside Chairs
Located in London, GB
A pair of rare fireside chairs of surrealist, scallop shell-like form, likely commissioned by a prominent decorator of the Art Deco era and very much in the manner of Syrie Maugham (...
Velvet, Oak
Art Deco Red Velvet Upholstered Club Chair
Located in Astoria, NY
Art Deco red velvet upholstered club shell chair enhanced with heavily carved wood arms and base, circa 1930s.
Velvet, Wood
Sold
H 41.34 in W 27.56 in D 29.93 in
Vintage Art Deco Shell Back Grey Leather Lacquered Frame Swivel Chair 1 of 2
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
We are delighted to offer for sale this stunning vintage Art Deco shell back leather swivel chair. A very well made and comfortable chair.
Leather
Sold
H 41.34 in W 27.56 in D 29.93 in
Vintage Art Deco Shell Back Grey Leather Lacquered Frame Swivel Chair 1 of 2
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
We are delighted to offer this stunning vintage Art Deco shell back leather swivel chair. A very well made and comfortable chair.
Leather
Sold
H 35.5 in W 18 in D 16.5 in
Bentwood Embossed Shell Mazowia Cafe Chair in the Style of Thonet Poland, 1910
By Mazowia
Located in Oklahoma City, OK
Grotto style bentwood chair marked with Mazowia as the maker. Chair features bentwood back with beautiful curved wood. Seat features a beautiful fleur-de-lis pattern or shell embosse...
Bentwood, Wood
Art Deco Cantilevered Steel Clam Shell Patio Lounge Chair
Located in Van Nuys, CA
Art Deco steel metal clamshell back green patio bouncer lounge chair featuring a distressed green painted finish, "clamshell" backs. Measurements: 32.5" H x 20.5" W x 26" D x 17" se...
Steel
Pair of Art Deco Shell-Shaped Club Armchairs
Located in Debenham, Suffolk
Superbly Shaped Pair Of Art Deco Club Chairs Circa 1940. Shell Shaped Backs, Upholstery Is In Good Order.
Birch
Pair of Birch Art Deco Shell-Back Lounge Armchairs
Located in Debenham, Suffolk
Fine quality pair of art deco period chairs circa 1930. Shell backs with swept back birch arms, standing on ball and claw feet.
Birch
Mid 20th century leather shell back lounge chair
Located in Debenham, Suffolk
Mid 20th century leather shell back lounge chair circa 1950. Superb quality and very comfortable scandinavian lounge chair. Tan leather with great patina, arranged into a shell ba...
Leather
Pair Asymmetrical Shellback Arm Chairs In Cinnamon Upholstery
Located in Chicago, IL
Elegant pair of mirror image art deco shell back fireside chairs in heathered cinnamon-orange upholstery.
Mahogany, Wool, Upholstery
Sold
H 34.65 in W 19.69 in D 21.66 in
Set of Six French Art Deco Dining Chairs in Tuja Burl Wood, Re-Lacquered
Located in Salzburg, AT
A Classic Art Deco shell chair with curved backrest offers excellent sitting comfort.
Leather, Burl
Swedish Art Deco Club Chairs Shell Shaped Back
Located in Skanninge, SE
Sunny pair of Art Deco club chairs, with armrests and legs in stained birch.
Birch
Sylvie Chair in Black Pen Shell by R & Y Augousti
By R & Y Augousti
Located in New York, NY
Acclaimed design duo Ria & Yiouri Augousti have established themselves since the 1990s as pioneers of modern-vintage style through their luxurious Art Deco inspired collections. T...
Shell
Sold
H 34.5 in W 29 in D 28.5 in
Vintage Hollywood Regency Art Deco Fan Shell - Back Chairs - Grosfeld House
Located in Chicago, IL
Glamour Pair of Vintage Asymmetrical Fan back chairs. Original upholstery looks pretty nice. May want to have the undersides addressed though as it is vintage upholstery and there a...
Upholstery
Sold
H 33 in W 21 in D 23.5 in
Antique American Cast Iron Sea Horse and Scallop Shell Design Garden Chairs
By Marcy Foundry
Located in Rochester, NY
Pair of antique American black painted cast iron garden chairs with curved arms, wood plank seats and finely detailed sea horse and scallop shell design at top rails. They are stampe...
Iron
Art Deco Style Donghia "Shell" Chair & Ottoman in a Green Fabric
By Donghia
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
This Art Deco inspired lounge chair and ottoman was designed by John Hutton for Donghia and are known as the "Shell Chair."
Fabric
Sold
H 34.26 in W 24.81 in D 30.32 in
Antique Austrian Shell Shaped Art Deco Club Chair with Black Armrests, 1935
Located in Vienna, AT
Unique antique Art Deco armchair from Austria produced in the 1930s.
Fabric, Wood
With entire areas of our homes reserved for “sitting rooms,” the value of quality antique and vintage seating cannot be overstated.
Fortunately, the design of side chairs, armchairs and other lounge furniture — since what were, quite literally, the early perches of our ancestors — has evolved considerably.
Among the earliest standard seating furniture were stools. Egyptian stools, for example, designed for one person with no seat back, were x-shaped and typically folded to be tucked away. These rudimentary chairs informed the design of Greek and Roman stools, all of which were a long way from Sori Yanagi's Butterfly stool or Alvar Aalto's Stool 60. In the 18th century and earlier, seats with backs and armrests were largely reserved for high nobility.
The seating of today is more inclusive but the style and placement of chairs can still make a statement. Antique desk chairs and armchairs designed in the style of Louis XV, which eventually included painted furniture and were often made of rare woods, feature prominently curved legs as well as Chinese themes and varied ornaments. Much like the thrones of fairy tales and the regency, elegant lounges crafted in the Louis XV style convey wealth and prestige. In the kitchen, the dining chair placed at the head of the table is typically reserved for the head of the household or a revered guest.
Of course, with luxurious vintage or antique furnishings, every chair can seem like the best seat in the house. Whether your preference is stretching out on a plush sofa, such as the Serpentine, designed by Vladimir Kagan, or cozying up in a vintage wingback chair, there is likely to be a comfy classic or contemporary gem for you on 1stDibs.
With respect to the latest obsessions in design, cane seating has been cropping up everywhere, from sleek armchairs to lounge chairs, while bouclé fabric, a staple of modern furniture design, can be seen in mid-century modern, Scandinavian modern and Hollywood Regency furniture styles.
Admirers of the sophisticated craftsmanship and dark woods frequently associated with mid-century modern seating can find timeless furnishings in our expansive collection of lounge chairs, dining chairs and other items — whether they’re vintage editions or alluring official reproductions of iconic designs from the likes of Hans Wegner or from Charles and Ray Eames. Shop our inventory of Egg chairs, designed in 1958 by Arne Jacobsen, the Florence Knoll lounge chair and more.
No matter your style, the collection of unique chairs, sofas and other seating on 1stDibs is surely worthy of a standing ovation.