How do I reupholster a barrel back chair?

Reupholster a barrel back chair by first removing the old upholstery from the chair. Use the old pieces of material as a guide to help you cut the new upholstery into properly sized pieces. Reupholster the chair by using a furniture stapler to re-secure the new upholstery in the same manner that the old upholstery was attached. Shop a range of vintage and contemporary barrel back chairs on 1stDibs.

What is a barrel chair?

Barrel chairs are accent chairs that feature a curved back shaped like half of a barrel. In some cases, the back slopes down at the sides to form arms. Other pieces are armless or have separate rolled arms at the sides. You'll find a variety of barrel chairs on 1stDibs.

What are barrel chairs?

Barrel chairs have high, semicircular backs which form a single piece with the arms.

What era are barrel chairs from?

The earliest barrel chairs are from is the era of the early 19th century. However, Frank Lloyd Wright created one of the most famous barrel chairs in 1937 as a part of his design for Wingspread, a home in Wind Point, Wisconsin. On 1stDibs, find a collection of barrel chairs.

Who invented the barrel chair?

No one knows who invented the barrel chair originally, or even where the chairs appeared first. They became popular during the mid to late 19th century, but it was Frank Lloyd Wright who made them famous when he designed an iconic version for Wingspread, a home he designed in Wind Point, Wisconsin. Wright also used his Taliesin Barrel chair to furnish his own home in Wisconsin. Shop a selection of barrel chairs on 1stDibs.

What is a Windsor back chair?

A Windsor back chair is a solid wooden chair with an arched spindle back. Most designs have curved arms positioned on angled stands and carved legs connected by a cross stretcher. The chair gets its name from the English city of Windsor, where the chairs were first made in the 18th century. On 1stDibs, shop a collection of Windsor back chairs.

What is the back of a chair called?

The back of a chair is called a chair back. In some cases, you may see people use modifiers to describe the styles of chair backs. For example, a chair with two crisscrossing cross rails is an X-back or cross back, while a chair with a series of horizontal cross rails positioned parallel to one another is a ladder back. Explore a wide range of chairs on 1stDibs.

What is a splat back chair?

A splat back chair is a chair with a vertical central element on its back. Splat back chairs have more of a formal feel to them compared to other types of chairs and seating. Splat back Windsor chairs are popular on 1stDibs.

What is a yoke back chair?

Yoke back chairs are those that feature a curved top rail and a single central splat. The style of chair originated in China during the 10th century and was a common feature in Chinese homes by the 12th century. On 1stDibs, shop a range of yoke back chairs.

What is a bow back chair?

A bow back chair refers to a silhouette of a chair with a curved back and is usually made with high-quality wood. Bow back chairs were popular during the colonial period and are representative of American-Amish heritage. Browse a range of vintage bow back chairs on 1stDibs.

What is a channel back chair?

A channel back chair is a chair that features deep channels in the upholstery along the back. These can create a seashell-like effect. This kind of back may also be called a fluted back. On 1stDibs, find a collection of vintage and new channel back chairs.

What is a lyre back chair?

A lyre back chair is a type of furniture used for seating that originated during the early 18th century. It features a square back embellished with wood shaped like a lyre, an ancient stringed musical instrument. On 1stDibs, find a variety of lyre back chairs.

What is a low back chair?

A low-back chair is designed to provide lumbar support to the lower back and mid-back. These chairs have a small backrest that reaches till the middle of one's back. Shop a collection of antique, vintage and contemporary low back chairs from some of the world’s top dealers on 1stDibs.

What is a comb back chair?

A comb back chair is a style of chair featuring a back resembling a comb. Comb back chairs are also known as Windsor chairs and are typically crafted with a cage-like backing. Shop a selection of comb back chairs on 1stDibs.

What is a balloon back chair?

A balloon back chair is a specific type of seat that became popular during the Victorian era. It features a curved back that tapers as it travels down to the seat. Many balloon back chairs are armless, and nearly all examples feature upholstered seats. You'll find a range of balloon back chairs on 1stDibs.

What is a sling back chair?

A sling chair is usually made up of a framework connected by ropes or fabric hanging between the poles or frame. This design results in a structure quite similar to a sling stretcher.

What is a spoon back chair?

A spoon back chair is an accent chair that features a deep curved back that forms arms along the sides of the furniture by sloping downward. Most spoon back chairs have wooden backs and upholstered seats. Find a variety of spoon back chairs on 1stDibs.

What are rounded back chairs called?

Countless chair styles have incorporated rounded backs over the centuries, including the famous club chair. Some interior designers favor round-back chairs for their sleek curvatures. Shop a collection of rounded back chairs from some of the world’s top sellers Oon 1stDibs.

What is a high back office chair?

A high back office chair has a tall backrest to provide support to both your back and neck. It helps minimize the risk of chronic neck and back problems. These chairs also come with wheels attached for ease of mobility. Shop a range of antique and vintage high back office chairs on 1stDibs.

When were cane back chairs popular?

While cane back chairs have been made around the globe for thousands of years, it was in the 1970s that this style took the world by storm and became a must for many households. It’s the organic, natural look of a cane back chair that made it so desirable and that makes it a modern furniture element as well, with its tropical vibe and vacation attitude. Shop a collection of cane back chairs from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.

Barrel Back Chair

English Barrels

Barrel Bar

Costes Chair

Milo Baughman Chairs 1960

Oak Barrel

George Barrel

Mid Century Modern Tub Chair

Old Hickory Adirondack Chair

Lovely Lawrence Peabody Sculptural Walnut Lounge Chair, Mid-Century Modern

$2,250

Lovely Lawrence Peabody Sculptural Walnut Lounge Chair, Mid-Century Modern

By Lawrence Peabody

Located in Pemberton, NJ

lounge chair, circa 1960s. It features a sculptural walnut base and Classic barrel back tub chair design

Category

Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs

Materials

Upholstery, Walnut

"Elena" Italianate Biedermeier-Style Chair by Gianni Versace Home with Medusa

$10,000Sale Price|20% Off

"Elena" Italianate Biedermeier-Style Chair by Gianni Versace Home with Medusa

By Versace Home Collection, Gianni Versace

Located in Miami, FL

a wonderful Italian Gianni Versace Home Biedermeier-style Italianate Medusa barrel back accent chair

Category

Late 20th Century Italian Biedermeier Bergere Chairs

Materials

Bronze

Art Deco Club Chairs Newly Restored & Fully Upholstered in a Orange Bouclé

$3,500 / set

Art Deco Club Chairs Newly Restored & Fully Upholstered in a Orange Bouclé

Located in Chicago, IL

Art Deco Channel Barrel Back Club Chairs Newly Restored & Fully Upholstered in a Burnt-Orange

Category

Vintage 1940s American Art Deco Club Chairs

Materials

Bouclé, Wood, Paint

French Pair Louis XVI Style Antique Tub Chairs, Early 20th C.

$3,920 / set

French Pair Louis XVI Style Antique Tub Chairs, Early 20th C.

Located in Atlanta, GA

A French pair of Louis XVI style occasional barrel-back bergère chairs from the early 20th century

Category

Early 20th Century French Louis XVI Bergere Chairs

Materials

Fabric, Wood

Alfredo Paredes Varadero Shell Dining Chair

$3,410 / item

Alfredo Paredes Varadero Shell Dining Chair

Located in New York, NY

An unusual 3/4 barrel back dining chair which provides great comfort with elegantly detailed

Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Dining Room Chairs

Materials

Upholstery

1990s Mcguire Art Deco Style Wood Case Club Chairs, Set of 2

$9,850 / set

1990s Mcguire Art Deco Style Wood Case Club Chairs, Set of 2

By McGuire

Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL

Extremely rare! Dramatic pair of organic wood case barrel back club chairs by McGuire. The chairs

Category

1990s Bohemian Club Chairs

Materials

Upholstery, Wood

Pair Charles Hollis Jones (Attrib.) Lucite Barrel-Back Counter Counter Chairs

$2,200 / set

Pair Charles Hollis Jones (Attrib.) Lucite Barrel-Back Counter Counter Chairs

By Charles Hollis Jones

Located in West Palm Beach, FL

Pair of 1970s Charles Hollis Jones (Attrib.) Lucite Barrel-Back Counter Stools A sleek and

Category

Late 20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Stools

Materials

Metal

New Blue Wool Upholstery Teak Frames Danish Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs

$7,800 / set

New Blue Wool Upholstery Teak Frames Danish Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs

By Adrian Pearsall, Finn Juhl

Located in Rockaway, NJ

Danish Mid-Century Modern barrel backs new wool upholstery lounge chairs in style of Finn Juhl.

Category

20th Century Danish Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs

Materials

Wool, Teak

Pair of Red Upholstery Barrel Scallop Shape Back Lounge Chairs

$3,600 / set

Pair of Red Upholstery Barrel Scallop Shape Back Lounge Chairs

By Kroehler Mfg. Co., Harvey Probber

Located in Rockaway, NJ

Pair of striking looking red upholstery lounge chairs by Kroehler.

Category

20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Armchairs

Materials

Upholstery, Birch

Chinese Carved Hardwood Horseshoe Ming Style Barrel Back Lounge Arm Chair

$450

Chinese Carved Hardwood Horseshoe Ming Style Barrel Back Lounge Arm Chair

Located in Philadelphia, PA

Chinese Carved Hardwood Horseshoe Ming Style Barrel Back Lounge Arm Chair. Item features a solid

Category

Late 20th Century Unknown Chinoiserie Armchairs

Materials

Wood

Mid-Century English Bamboo Barrel Back Arm Chair with Upholstered Seat

$800

Mid-Century English Bamboo Barrel Back Arm Chair with Upholstered Seat

By McGuire

Located in Oklahoma City, OK

Take a set in this beautiful antique barrel-back bamboo chair. This chair features an upholstered

Category

20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Armchairs

Materials

Fabric, Bamboo

Antique English Regency Mahogany Inlaid Barrel Back Parlor Suite Settee Chairs

$2,350 / set

Antique English Regency Mahogany Inlaid Barrel Back Parlor Suite Settee Chairs

Located in Dayton, OH

Charming 19th Century English Regency Parlor Suite. Features a barrel back form with flared arms

Category

Antique 19th Century Regency Living Room Sets

Materials

Mahogany

Pair of Overscale Tufted Lounge Chairs in the Style of Harvey Probber

$5,800 / set

Pair of Overscale Tufted Lounge Chairs in the Style of Harvey Probber

Located in Atlanta, GA

A Beautiful pair of tufted barrel back lounge or club chairs. This Dramatic design also offers

Category

Vintage 1970s Unknown Lounge Chairs

Materials

Aluminum

Pair, Vintage Brown Leather Barrel Back Arm Chairs, Denmark circa 1940

$4,150 / set

Pair, Vintage Brown Leather Barrel Back Arm Chairs, Denmark circa 1940

Located in Round Top, TX

Pair, brown leather barrel back arm chairs with contrasting black hard wood legs. Upholstered club

Category

Mid-20th Century Danish Chesterfield Armchairs

Materials

Leather, Wood

Set of Seven McGuire Rattan Cane Belden Dining Chairs

$8,800 / set

Set of Seven McGuire Rattan Cane Belden Dining Chairs

By McGuire

Located in Rio Vista, CA

Handsome set of seven rattan barrel back dining chairs made in the California organic modern

Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Organic Modern Dining Room Chairs

Materials

Brass

Louis XVI Style, Barrel Back Occasional Chair, Cream Painted Wood, Cane, 1960s

$900

Louis XVI Style, Barrel Back Occasional Chair, Cream Painted Wood, Cane, 1960s

Located in Stamford, CT

Louis XVI Style, Barrel Back Occasional Chair, Cream Painted Wood, Cane, 1960s Cream Painted Wood

Category

Vintage 1960s Louis XVI Armchairs

Materials

Cane, Wood

Regency Style Mahogany Rolling Barrel Back Armchair

$1,800

Regency Style Mahogany Rolling Barrel Back Armchair

Located in Brooklyn, NY

This antique, early 20th century, Regency style barrel-back tub chair features a mahogany frame

Category

Early 20th Century American Regency Revival Armchairs

Materials

Brass

Pair of Paul McCobb Solid Birch Round Back Barrel Shape Arm Chairs

$3,400

Pair of Paul McCobb Solid Birch Round Back Barrel Shape Arm Chairs

By Paul McCobb

Located in Rockaway, NJ

Pair of Paul McCobb Solid Birch Round Back Barrel Shape Arm Chairs

Category

20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Armchairs

Materials

Birch

Pair of New Alcantera Upholstery Barrel Back Tub Baughman Lounge Chairs SHARP!

$12,500 / set

Pair of New Alcantera Upholstery Barrel Back Tub Baughman Lounge Chairs SHARP!

By Milo Baughman, Thayer Coggin

Located in Rockaway, NJ

Pair of New Alcantera Upholstery Barrel back tub baughman lounge chairs SHARP!.

Category

20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Armchairs

Materials

Upholstery, Ultrasuede

American Mission Style Oak Barrel Back Armchairs

$8,250 / item

American Mission Style Oak Barrel Back Armchairs

Located in Queens, NY

PAIR of American Mission-style (19/20th Century) stained oak barrel back arm chairs with solid wood

Category

20th Century American Mission Armchairs

Materials

Copper

Karl Springer Style Round Dining or Game Table with Pedestal Base

$7,250

Karl Springer Style Round Dining or Game Table with Pedestal Base

By Karl Springer

Located in Chicago, IL

with the table (upholstered barrel back chairs on swivels) are available in a separate listing. They

Category

Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Tables

Materials

Wood, Lacquer

Pair of Vintage c1970s Swivel Bases Barrel Back Lounge Club Arm Chairs MINT

$4,400

Pair of Vintage c1970s Swivel Bases Barrel Back Lounge Club Arm Chairs MINT

By Milo Baughman

Located in Rockaway, NJ

Pair of Vintage c1970s Swivel Bases Barrel Back Lounge Club Arm Chairs MINT

Category

20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Armchairs

Materials

Upholstery

Pair of Asian Modern Black Lacquer Barrel Horse Shoe Back Lounge Chairs Mint!

$2,600 / set

Pair of Asian Modern Black Lacquer Barrel Horse Shoe Back Lounge Chairs Mint!

By Baker Furniture Company

Located in Rockaway, NJ

Pair of Asian modern black lacquer barrel horse shoe back lounge chairs mint!

Category

20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Armchairs

Materials

Upholstery

Woodard Rose Pattern Blue Wrought Iron Barrel Back Garden Chair Table - 3 Pc Set

$795 / set

Woodard Rose Pattern Blue Wrought Iron Barrel Back Garden Chair Table - 3 Pc Set

By Woodard Furniture Co.

Located in Philadelphia, PA

Vintage Woodard Barrel Back Blue Wrought Iron Rose Pattern Garden Arm Chairs & Table Set. Listing

Category

Mid-20th Century Unknown Mid-Century Modern Dining Room Sets

Materials

Wrought Iron

Pair of New Gold Linen Upholstery Barrel Back Wrap Around Lounge Arm Chairs MINT

$2,080

Pair of New Gold Linen Upholstery Barrel Back Wrap Around Lounge Arm Chairs MINT

Located in Rockaway, NJ

Pair of New Solid Gold Tone Linen Upholstery Barrel Back Wrap Around Lounge Arm Fireside Lounge

Category

20th Century Armchairs

Materials

Linen, Walnut

1980s Ward Bennett for Brickel Associates Bronze & Fabric Bucket Desk Chairs 2x

$1,800 / item

1980s Ward Bennett for Brickel Associates Bronze & Fabric Bucket Desk Chairs 2x

By Brickel Associates, Ward Bennett

Located in Philadelphia, PA

This is a single sculptural barrel-back desk chair, retaining its original blue fabric upholstered

Category

Vintage 1980s American Modern Office Chairs and Desk Chairs

Materials

Fabric

Early 19th Century French Folk Art Barrel-Back Armchair

$8,500

Early 19th Century French Folk Art Barrel-Back Armchair

Located in Chicago, IL

-back armchair, a true testament to the craftsmanship and creativity of its time. The chair's barrel

Category

Antique Early 19th Century French Folk Art Armchairs

Materials

Walnut

Vintage Wrought Iron Sofa Set Conversation 9 Pieces

$5,995

Vintage Wrought Iron Sofa Set Conversation 9 Pieces

By Russell Woodard, John Salterini

Located in Cumberland, RI

Radar Chairs, Wrought Iron Arm Chairs, Vintage Outdoor Patio Barrel Back Chairs, and many other Vintage

Category

Mid-20th Century North American Mid-Century Modern Patio and Garden Furn...

Materials

Metal, Iron, Wrought Iron

Louis XVI Style Mahogany & Flemish Style Needlepoint Tapestry Bergère, C. 1880s

$4,400Sale Price|20% Off

Louis XVI Style Mahogany & Flemish Style Needlepoint Tapestry Bergère, C. 1880s

Located in Germantown, MD

A 19th Century Louis XVI Style Barrel Back Bergere Chair Covered in Flemish Style Needlepoint

Category

Antique 19th Century French Louis XVI Bergere Chairs

Materials

Upholstery, Mahogany, Tapestry

Swiveling Armchair by Milo Baughman for Thayer-Coggins, 1960s

$11,500

Swiveling Armchair by Milo Baughman for Thayer-Coggins, 1960s

Located in Sagaponack, NY

A sculptural and well balanced swiveling and tilting upholstered barrel-back lounge chair having

Category

Vintage 1960s American Swivel Chairs

Materials

Upholstery

Ebonized Barrel Back Four Seat Sofa and Lounge Chair in New Bouclé, USA, 1970's

$12,000Sale Price / set|20% Off

Ebonized Barrel Back Four Seat Sofa and Lounge Chair in New Bouclé, USA, 1970's

Located in Deland, FL

Attention designers! Equal parts comfort and style this extraordinary lounge chair and sofa set has

Category

Vintage 1970s Unknown Mid-Century Modern Sofas

Materials

Oak

Vintage Wrought Iron Outdoor Sofa

$1,459

Vintage Wrought Iron Outdoor Sofa

By Woodard Furniture Co.

Located in Cumberland, RI

Arm Chairs, Vintage Outdoor Patio Barrel Back Chairs, and many other Vintage Wrought Iron Patio

Category

Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Patio and Garden Furniture

Materials

Wrought Iron

Mid-Century Barrel Lounge Chair with Ottoman by Dunbar

$3,970 / set

Mid-Century Barrel Lounge Chair with Ottoman by Dunbar

By Dunbar Furniture

Located in Raleigh, NC

Mid-century barrel back lounge chair and ottoman attributed to Dunbar. This chair has a classic

Category

Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Armchairs

Materials

Fabric, Foam, Wood

Wrought Iron Dining Set by Salterini 7 Piece

$7,999 / set

Wrought Iron Dining Set by Salterini 7 Piece

By Salterini, John Salterini

Located in Cumberland, RI

Dining Chairs, Vintage Tempestini Radar Chairs, Wrought Iron Arm Chairs, Vintage Outdoor Patio Barrel

Category

Mid-20th Century Patio and Garden Furniture

Materials

Iron, Wrought Iron

Lounge Tub Barrel Chair in Walnut & Vinyl After Finn Andersen, USA, c. 1960s

$3,895

Lounge Tub Barrel Chair in Walnut & Vinyl After Finn Andersen, USA, c. 1960s

By Finn Andersen

Located in Deland, FL

company. A rare and beautifully restored pair of barrel-back lounge chairs designed by Finn Andersen for

Category

Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Armchairs

Materials

Walnut

20th Century English Red Leather Wing Chair

$6,341

20th Century English Red Leather Wing Chair

Located in Gloucestershire, GB

20th Century English, red leather pleated barrel back wing chair. Dating from around 1930, the

Category

Mid-20th Century English Georgian Armchairs

Materials

Leather, Wood

Pair of American Mission Oak Arm Chairs

$8,250

Pair of American Mission Oak Arm Chairs

Located in Queens, NY

Pair of American Mission-style (19/20th Century) stained oak barrel back arm chairs with solid wood

Category

20th Century American Mission Armchairs

Materials

Copper

Antique Victorian Wicker Rattan Bentwood Sculptural Sunroom Sofa Set with Chairs

$5,200 / set

Antique Victorian Wicker Rattan Bentwood Sculptural Sunroom Sofa Set with Chairs

Located in Philadelphia, PA

) sleek sculptural sofa (1) barrel back lounge chair (1) rocking chair, blue upholstered cushions with

Category

Early 20th Century Victorian Sofas

Materials

Wicker, Rattan, Bentwood

Salterini Style Wrought Iron Garden Patio Arm Chairs by Florentine Craft Studio

$695 / set

Salterini Style Wrought Iron Garden Patio Arm Chairs by Florentine Craft Studio

By Florentine Craft Studio

Located in Philadelphia, PA

. Vintage Salterini Style Art Nouveau Wrought Iron Garden Patio Barrel Back Arm Chairs with Leaf and Vine

Category

Mid-20th Century Art Nouveau Patio and Garden Furniture

Materials

Wrought Iron

Antique French Louis XVI Style Armchairs or Bergère Chairs from the Early 1800’s

$6,250 / set

Antique French Louis XVI Style Armchairs or Bergère Chairs from the Early 1800’s

Located in BENSENVILLE, IL

upholstery department completely stripped the Louis XVI Barrel Back Bergère Chairs to the bare wood frame and

Category

Antique 1810s French Louis XVI Armchairs

Materials

Upholstery, Velvet, Paint

Pair Of Vintage Hollywood Regency Style Armchairs

$1,495 / set

Pair Of Vintage Hollywood Regency Style Armchairs

Located in Bridgeport, CT

chairs with barrel-back, tight seat and back, cross stretcher, baluster form front legs and saber back

Category

20th Century Hollywood Regency Armchairs

Materials

Fabric, Wood

Vintage Italian Barrel Back Chair

Unavailable|~~$1,980~~

Vintage Italian Barrel Back Chair

Located in Houston, TX

Barrel back chair in steel with painted surface with custom coral linen cushion.

Category

20th Century Italian Chairs

Materials

Steel

Art Deco Barrel Back Chair

Unavailable|~~$4,250~~

Art Deco Barrel Back Chair

Located in Vancouver, BC

Art Deco barrel back chair with ebonized frame with contemporary cream upholstery and black piping.

Category

Vintage 1930s French Art Deco Club Chairs

Pair of Low Barrel Back Chairs

Unavailable|~~$3,600 / set~~

Pair of Low Barrel Back Chairs

Located in Bridgehampton, NY

Great pair of low barrel back chairs completely reupholstered in muslin ready for your fabric

Category

Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Club Chairs

Materials

Upholstery

Chrome Barrel Back Chairs by Milo Baughman

Unavailable

Chrome Barrel Back Chairs by Milo Baughman

By Milo Baughman

Located in Palm Beach, FL

Gorgeous pair of heavy chrome barrel back chairs by Milo Baughman. Newly upholstered with beautiful

Category

Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Club Chairs

Materials

Chrome

Swedish Gustavian Barrel Back Chairs

Unavailable|~~$24,500 / set~~

Swedish Gustavian Barrel Back Chairs

Located in Houston, TX

Stunning pair of Swedish barrel backs, Gustavian period, circa 1800. Recently upholstered in

Category

Antique Early 19th Century Chairs

Swedish Neoclassical Barrel Back Chairs

Unavailable|~~$9,865 / set~~

Swedish Neoclassical Barrel Back Chairs

Located in Houston, TX

Swedish classical style, Egypt mania. Bronze decorations. Painted frame. Beautiful shape.

Category

Early 20th Century Swedish Neoclassical Chairs

Materials

Burlap, Fabric, Wood

Barrel Back Chair by Selig

Unavailable|~~$2,200~~

Barrel Back Chair by Selig

Located in New York, NY

Button tufted barrel back club chair with chrome base by Selig circa 1960 upholstered in grey Dover

Category

Vintage 1960s North American Club Chairs

Louis XV Barrel Back Chair

Unavailable|~~$2,500~~

Louis XV Barrel Back Chair

Located in New Orleans, LA

Newly upholstered in French cotton check

Category

Antique 19th Century French Bergere Chairs

Materials

Wood

Original English Regency Barrel Back Chair, circa 1820

Unavailable|~~$1,668~~

Original English Regency Barrel Back Chair, circa 1820

Located in Dallington, East Sussex

A very fine heavy and substantial barrel back chair with slender mahogany tapered ring turn front

Category

Antique 1820s Regency Armchairs

Materials

Mahogany

Set of Antique Barrel Back Chairs

Unavailable|~~$6,800~~

Set of Antique Barrel Back Chairs

Located in Bridgehampton, NY

Green leather upholstered oak frame chairs. Sold as a set of 6.

Category

Vintage 1940s English Bergere Chairs

Swiveling 1940's Barrel Back Chairs

Unavailable|~~$2,200~~

Swiveling 1940's Barrel Back Chairs

By Erwin-Lambeth

Located in Woodstock, NY

A matched pair of stylish 1940's chairs, retaining the original tag of Erwin-Lambeth, and the John

Category

Vintage 1940s American Club Chairs

Materials

Cotton

Set of Eight Costes Barrel Back Chairs by Philippe Starck for Driade/Aleph

Unavailable|~~$6,312 / set~~

Set of Eight Costes Barrel Back Chairs by Philippe Starck for Driade/Aleph

By Philippe Starck, Driade

Located in Oisterwijk, NL

plywood back on black enameled tubular steel legs. The chairs are used, but still in good vintage

Category

Late 20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Dining Room Chairs

Materials

Metal

Original lounge chair, Barrel chair, round back chair, bold, modern, walnut wood

Unavailable|~~$4,714 / item~~

Original lounge chair, Barrel chair, round back chair, bold, modern, walnut wood

By Sara Hayat Design

Located in Greenwood Village, CO

Experience the Timeless Elegance of Erete: A Modern, Bold, Barrel Back Chair with an Original

Category

2010s Pakistani Modern Chairs

Materials

Brass

Original lounge chair, Barrel chair, round back chair, bold, modern, walnut wood

Unavailable|~~$4,714 / item~~

Original lounge chair, Barrel chair, round back chair, bold, modern, walnut wood

By Sara Hayat Design

Located in Greenwood Village, CO

Experience the Timeless Elegance of Erete: A Modern, Bold, Barrel Back Chair with an Original

Category

2010s Pakistani Modern Club Chairs

Materials

Brass

Original lounge chair, Barrel chair, club chair, bold, modern, walnut wood

Unavailable|~~$4,714 / item~~

Original lounge chair, Barrel chair, club chair, bold, modern, walnut wood

By Sara Hayat Design

Located in Greenwood Village, CO

Experience the Timeless Elegance of Erete: A Modern, Bold, Barrel Back Chair with an Original

Category

2010s Pakistani Mid-Century Modern Club Chairs

Materials

Velvet, Walnut

Pair of Faux Bamboo Chairs

Unavailable|~~$4,370 / set~~

Pair of Faux Bamboo Chairs

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Pair of Faux Bamboo Barrel Back Chairs. Original Finish

Category

Vintage 1940s American Bergere Chairs

Materials

Beech, Cotton

Seating Under $2,000

Antique and Vintage Seating

20th Century Seating

Wood Seating

North American Seating

Seating on Sale

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Barrel Back Chair For Sale on 1stDibs

At 1stDibs, there are many versions of the ideal barrel back chair for your home. Frequently made of fabric, wood and upholstery, every barrel back chair was constructed with great care. Find 860 options for an antique or vintage barrel back chair now, or shop our selection of 16 modern versions for a more contemporary example of this long-cherished piece. Whether you’re looking for an older or newer barrel back chair, there are earlier versions available from the 18th Century and newer variations made as recently as the 21st Century. A barrel back chair is a generally popular piece of furniture, but those created in Mid-Century Modern, Modern and Hollywood Regency styles are sought with frequency. Many designers have produced at least one well-made barrel back chair over the years, but those crafted by Milo Baughman, Thayer Coggin and Selig are often thought to be among the most beautiful.

How Much is a Barrel Back Chair?

A barrel back chair can differ in price owing to various characteristics — the average selling price 1stDibs is $3,800, while the lowest priced sells for $275 and the highest can go for as much as $22,500.

Finding the Right Seating for You

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.

Questions About Barrel Back Chair

How do I reupholster a barrel back chair?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
Reupholster a barrel back chair by first removing the old upholstery from the chair. Use the old pieces of material as a guide to help you cut the new upholstery into properly sized pieces. Reupholster the chair by using a furniture stapler to re-secure the new upholstery in the same manner that the old upholstery was attached. Shop a range of vintage and contemporary barrel back chairs on 1stDibs.
What is a barrel chair?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022
Barrel chairs are accent chairs that feature a curved back shaped like half of a barrel. In some cases, the back slopes down at the sides to form arms. Other pieces are armless or have separate rolled arms at the sides. You'll find a variety of barrel chairs on 1stDibs.
What are barrel chairs?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertAugust 16, 2019
Barrel chairs have high, semicircular backs which form a single piece with the arms.
What era are barrel chairs from?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertFebruary 13, 2023
The earliest barrel chairs are from is the era of the early 19th century. However, Frank Lloyd Wright created one of the most famous barrel chairs in 1937 as a part of his design for Wingspread, a home in Wind Point, Wisconsin. On 1stDibs, find a collection of barrel chairs.
Who invented the barrel chair?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertMarch 3, 2023
No one knows who invented the barrel chair originally, or even where the chairs appeared first. They became popular during the mid to late 19th century, but it was Frank Lloyd Wright who made them famous when he designed an iconic version for Wingspread, a home he designed in Wind Point, Wisconsin. Wright also used his Taliesin Barrel chair to furnish his own home in Wisconsin. Shop a selection of barrel chairs on 1stDibs.
What is a Windsor back chair?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022
A Windsor back chair is a solid wooden chair with an arched spindle back. Most designs have curved arms positioned on angled stands and carved legs connected by a cross stretcher. The chair gets its name from the English city of Windsor, where the chairs were first made in the 18th century. On 1stDibs, shop a collection of Windsor back chairs.
What is the back of a chair called?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertMarch 15, 2024
The back of a chair is called a chair back. In some cases, you may see people use modifiers to describe the styles of chair backs. For example, a chair with two crisscrossing cross rails is an X-back or cross back, while a chair with a series of horizontal cross rails positioned parallel to one another is a ladder back. Explore a wide range of chairs on 1stDibs.
What is a splat back chair?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertFebruary 22, 2021
A splat back chair is a chair with a vertical central element on its back. Splat back chairs have more of a formal feel to them compared to other types of chairs and seating. Splat back Windsor chairs are popular on 1stDibs.
What is a yoke back chair?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
Yoke back chairs are those that feature a curved top rail and a single central splat. The style of chair originated in China during the 10th century and was a common feature in Chinese homes by the 12th century. On 1stDibs, shop a range of yoke back chairs.
What is a bow back chair?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
A bow back chair refers to a silhouette of a chair with a curved back and is usually made with high-quality wood. Bow back chairs were popular during the colonial period and are representative of American-Amish heritage. Browse a range of vintage bow back chairs on 1stDibs.
What is a channel back chair?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
A channel back chair is a chair that features deep channels in the upholstery along the back. These can create a seashell-like effect. This kind of back may also be called a fluted back. On 1stDibs, find a collection of vintage and new channel back chairs.
What is a lyre back chair?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
A lyre back chair is a type of furniture used for seating that originated during the early 18th century. It features a square back embellished with wood shaped like a lyre, an ancient stringed musical instrument. On 1stDibs, find a variety of lyre back chairs.
What is a low back chair?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertNovember 2, 2021
A low-back chair is designed to provide lumbar support to the lower back and mid-back. These chairs have a small backrest that reaches till the middle of one's back. Shop a collection of antique, vintage and contemporary low back chairs from some of the world’s top dealers on 1stDibs.
What is a comb back chair?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
A comb back chair is a style of chair featuring a back resembling a comb. Comb back chairs are also known as Windsor chairs and are typically crafted with a cage-like backing. Shop a selection of comb back chairs on 1stDibs.
What is a balloon back chair?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
A balloon back chair is a specific type of seat that became popular during the Victorian era. It features a curved back that tapers as it travels down to the seat. Many balloon back chairs are armless, and nearly all examples feature upholstered seats. You'll find a range of balloon back chairs on 1stDibs.
What is a sling back chair?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertFebruary 22, 2021
A sling chair is usually made up of a framework connected by ropes or fabric hanging between the poles or frame. This design results in a structure quite similar to a sling stretcher.
What is a spoon back chair?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
A spoon back chair is an accent chair that features a deep curved back that forms arms along the sides of the furniture by sloping downward. Most spoon back chairs have wooden backs and upholstered seats. Find a variety of spoon back chairs on 1stDibs.
What are rounded back chairs called?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
Countless chair styles have incorporated rounded backs over the centuries, including the famous club chair. Some interior designers favor round-back chairs for their sleek curvatures. Shop a collection of rounded back chairs from some of the world’s top sellers Oon 1stDibs.
What is a high back office chair?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertOctober 12, 2021
A high back office chair has a tall backrest to provide support to both your back and neck. It helps minimize the risk of chronic neck and back problems. These chairs also come with wheels attached for ease of mobility. Shop a range of antique and vintage high back office chairs on 1stDibs.
When were cane back chairs popular?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
While cane back chairs have been made around the globe for thousands of years, it was in the 1970s that this style took the world by storm and became a must for many households. It’s the organic, natural look of a cane back chair that made it so desirable and that makes it a modern furniture element as well, with its tropical vibe and vacation attitude. Shop a collection of cane back chairs from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.

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