Bentwood Barrel Chairs
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20th Century Mid-Century Modern Chairs
Mohair, Bentwood
Antique 19th Century American Rocking Chairs
Hickory, Leather
Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Chairs
Sheepskin, Wood
Early 20th Century European Vienna Secession Lounge Chairs
Upholstery, Wood
Early 20th Century European Art Nouveau Club Chairs
Beech
Early 20th Century Czech Armchairs
Bentwood
Early 20th Century Austrian Armchairs
Early 20th Century Polish Armchairs
Early 20th Century American Armchairs
Upholstery, Linen
Early 20th Century European Vienna Secession Lounge Chairs
Upholstery, Wood
20th Century Chinese Chairs
Wood
Vintage 1930s Arts and Crafts Armchairs
Leather, Bentwood
Vintage 1960s Czech Mid-Century Modern Office Chairs and Desk Chairs
Bentwood
Vintage 1940s Italian Armchairs
Walnut, Bentwood, Wood, Chenille
Bentwood Barrel Chairs For Sale on 1stDibs
How Much are Bentwood Barrel Chairs?
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.
- What is a bentwood chair?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertFebruary 22, 2021A bentwood chair is a chair made out of wood that has been steamed and formed into its desired shape. The iconic No. 14 chair made by Thonet is a well-know chair made in this technique. There are many bentwood chairs for sale on 1stDibs.
- What are barrel chairs?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertAugust 16, 2019
Barrel chairs have high, semicircular backs which form a single piece with the arms.
- What is a barrel chair?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022Barrel 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.
- 1stDibs ExpertAugust 15, 2024To identify a bentwood chair, search the piece for a maker's mark. Most often, you will find it under the seat. Once you have located the marking, consult trusted online resources to learn more about the maker. From there, you can find chairs similar to yours in online catalogues to gain more information about your piece. Another option is to have a certified appraiser or knowledgeable antique dealer assist you with the identification process. On 1stDibs, shop a diverse assortment of bentwood chairs.
- 1stDibs ExpertNovember 4, 2024To identify a bentwood chair, look closely at its back. With a real bentwood chair, an artisan achieves the curved effect by steaming or soaking wood and then bending it. As a result, you won't normally see any tool marks that indicate carving, and each curved component will be an individual piece that is screwed, glued or bolted together. If you spot the “Thonet” name on the seat, it's another good indication that your chair is bentwood, as the maker was famous for this type of seating. If you're still unsure about the type of chair you have, consider seeking the opinion of a certified appraiser or experienced antique dealer. Explore a selection of bentwood chairs on 1stDibs.
- When were Bentwood chairs made?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022The Bentwood Chair was made by German-Austrian cabinetmaker Michael Thonet in the mid-19th century. His design is still popular with interior designers and homeowners worldwide. Shop a collection of Bentwood chairs from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.
- Who invented the barrel chair?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertMarch 3, 2023No 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 era are barrel chairs from?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertFebruary 13, 2023The 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.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022Reupholster 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.
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