Biedermeier Armchairs
Price
Shipping Options
Sort By
Biedermeier Armchair from the Bohemian Castle Dačice
Located in Prague 1, CZ
Shipping to any US port only for $290 USD
Biedermeier armchair.
This armchair belonged to the heritage of the Dalmberg family from the Bohemian castle in Dacice.
Material: Walnut.
C...
Category
Antique 1820s Czech Biedermeier Armchairs
Materials
Walnut, Upholstery, Wood
H 30.71 in. W 23.63 in. D 22.84 in.
19th Century Unique Restored Biedermeier Armchair, Vienna, 1820s, New Upholstery
Located in Prague 1, CZ
Biedermeier armchair
Material: Walnut.
Source: Austria, Vienna
Period: 1820-1829
Completely restored.
New professional upholstery.
Shellac-polish.
Category
Antique Early 19th Century Austrian Biedermeier Armchairs
Materials
Upholstery, Wood, Walnut, Fabric
H 31.5 in. W 21.26 in. D 19.69 in.
Early 19th Century Pair of Empire / Biedermeier Solid Plum Wood Swan Armchairs
Located in Darmstadt, DE
A pair of Empire / Biedermeier plum wood from circa 1815, newly upholstered with new fabric in classicist style. The armrests, backrest and seat are upholstered. The upholstery fabri...
Category
Antique Early 19th Century German Empire Bergere Chairs
Materials
Wood
H 37.01 in. W 23.63 in. D 24.81 in.
Antique Satin Birch Wood Swedish Biedermeier Library Reading Armchair Ebonished
By Biedermeier
Located in London, GB
We are delighted to this lovely hand made Swedish Biedermeier library reading armchair
A very good looking and decorative armchair, designed as a library ready chair, it's very co...
Category
Antique 19th Century Swedish Victorian Armchairs
Materials
Upholstery, Birch
H 37.41 in. W 24.22 in. D 36.62 in.
Pair of Biedermeier Armchairs
Located in Stamford, CT
A pair of Biedermeier armchairs from the estate of Milton & Beatrice Stern, Greenwich, CT.
Featured on the October 1991 cover of Architectural Digest.
Seat height : 18
Category
Antique Mid-19th Century Austrian Biedermeier Armchairs
Materials
Beech
H 36 in. W 25 in. D 23.5 in.
Nordic Birch Biedermeier Armchair
Located in New York, NY
Designed for a graceful 19th century sitting room, this chair is constructed of solid highly figured birch, and reupholstered in a period appropriate, but modern fabric. The addition...
Category
Antique 1860s Swedish Biedermeier Armchairs
Materials
Birch
H 37 in. W 26 in. D 29 in.
Pair of Large Biedermeier Armchairs
Located in New York, NY
A fine pair of large Biedermeier armchairs.
Walnut with fruitwood inlays.
Category
Antique 1820s Austrian Biedermeier Armchairs
Materials
Walnut
H 39.5 in. W 36 in. D 29 in.
Pair of Excellent Biedermeier Armchairs
Located in Los Angeles, CA
An excellent pair of Biedermeier armchairs in burled walnut. These are wide and comfortable and upholstered in a gold and black abstract chrysanthemum pattern.
Category
20th Century Austrian Biedermeier Armchairs
Materials
Fabric, Walnut
H 36 in. W 25 in. D 23 in.
Biedermeier Armchairs, Germany, circa 1830
Located in Greding, DE
Pair of Biedermeier mahogany armchairs with curved armrests and shovel-shaped backrests. The vertical struts of the backrests are modelled on stylised cornucopias. The seats and back...
Category
Antique 1830s German Biedermeier Armchairs
Materials
Fabric, Satin, Mahogany
H 36.23 in. W 25.2 in. D 23.63 in.
Oversized "Napoleon Hat" Biedermeier Armchairs
Located in New York, NY
This neoclassical design, fondly referred to as "Napoleon Hat" because of the shape of the curving back crest, these chairs were designed to be used in a living room setting, as occa...
Category
Antique 19th Century Swedish Biedermeier Armchairs
Materials
Fir, Ebony
H 35.5 in. W 23.25 in. D 23 in.
Biedermeier Armchair, South German, circa 1820
Located in Greding, DE
Biedermeier armchair on square pointed feet at the front and slightly flared sabre legs at the back. The armrests start at the same height as the straight backrest and then lower the...
Category
Antique 1820s German Biedermeier Armchairs
Materials
Cherry
H 22.84 in. W 18.51 in. D 17.72 in.
19th Century Upholstered Biedermeier Armchair
Located in Opole, PL
We present you a wooden armchair with a softly upholstered seat and a backrest.
The upper section of the backrest is bent, whereas its rails are rolled in the volute manner, and pla...
Category
Antique Late 19th Century European Biedermeier Armchairs
Materials
Upholstery, Wood
H 38.19 in. W 24.81 in. D 34.65 in.
Biedermeier Armchairs, Danube Monarchy 19th Century
Located in Greding, DE
Pair of Biedermeier armchairs of the 19th century with unusual designed backrest with ebonised struts and upholstered seat.
Category
Antique 19th Century Austrian Biedermeier Armchairs
Materials
Mahogany
H 38.59 in. W 24.02 in. D 18.9 in.
19th Century Biedermeier Armchair Solid Cherry
Located in Darmstadt, DE
Beautiful Biedermeier armchair from south Germany, very good restorated condition. Solid cherrywood and completely new upholstered.
Measures: Seat height 45 cm.
Category
Antique Early 19th Century German Biedermeier Armchairs
Materials
Cherry
H 35.44 in. W 22.84 in. D 22.84 in.
19th Century Biedermeier Armchair Solid Walnut
Located in Darmstadt, DE
Beautiful Biedermeier armchair from Germany, very good restorated condition. Solid walnut wood and completely new upholstered.
Measures: Seat height 43 cm.
Category
Antique Early 19th Century German Biedermeier Armchairs
Materials
Walnut
H 33.08 in. W 23.63 in. D 20.48 in.
19th Century Biedermeier Armchair Solid Walnut Wood
Located in Darmstadt, DE
Biedermeier armchair from Germany, very good restorated condition, solid walnut. The feet are with brass shoes.
Category
Antique Early 19th Century German Biedermeier Armchairs
Materials
Walnut
H 37.41 in. W 27.96 in. D 27.96 in.
Pair of Period Biedermeier Armchairs
Located in Dallas, TX
pr of beautiful period Austrian mahogany Charles X open armchairs.
Category
20th Century Austrian Armchairs
Materials
Wood
Pair of Early 19th c. Austrian Biedermeier Armchairs
Located in New York, NY
Pair of Austrian Biedermeier (1830s) cherry veneered, maple inlaid, and ebonized armchairs with round back designs and inset upholstered seats.
Category
Antique 19th Century Austrian Biedermeier Armchairs
Materials
Maple, Wood, Upholstery, Cherry
H 29.5 in. W 21.5 in. D 19 in.
19th Century Biedermeier Armchair Solid Cherrywood, New Upholstered
Located in Darmstadt, DE
Biedermeier armchair from south Germany, very good restorated condition. Solid cherrywood and completely new upholstered.
Category
Antique Early 19th Century German Biedermeier Armchairs
Materials
Cherry
H 35.83 in. W 23.63 in. D 23.23 in.
Biedermeier Armchair, Cherry Wood with Carvings, France, circa 1820
Located in Regensburg, DE
Very elegant french Biedermeier armchair from about 1820.
Cherry solid wood with vases and flower rank carvings at the frontside of the armrests.
The upholstery fabric is a white, ...
Category
Antique Early 19th Century French Biedermeier Armchairs
Materials
Cherry, Fabric
H 36.23 in. W 22.84 in. D 22.05 in.
Two Large Biedermeier Armchairs Walnut Cream Material with Blue Flowers
Located in Munich, DE
Two large Biedermeier armchairs circa 1850 in a typical cream material with blue flowers.
These two chairs are very comfortable chairs made from walnut.
The Biedermeier period refe...
Category
Antique 1850s Biedermeier Armchairs
Materials
Walnut
H 42.13 in. W 42.13 in. D 24.41 in.
Biedermeier Armchair, Cherry Wood, Black Velvet, South Germany, circa 1830
Located in Regensburg, DE
Wonderful antique neoclassical Biedermeier armchair from South Germany about 1830.
Cherry veneer and solid. Restored condition. Hand polished with shellac (French polish).
Elegant ...
Category
Antique 1830s German Biedermeier Armchairs
Materials
Velvet, Cherry, Cherry
H 36.23 in. W 22.84 in. D 20.48 in.
Set of Four Scandinavian Biedermeier Armchairs in Birch, circa 1835
Located in Miami, FL
A set of four very handsome Scandinavian Biedermeier armchairs in blond birchwood with barrel-back and tapered legs, circa 1835. Chairs features ebonized wood, line inlays that accen...
Category
Antique 1830s Scandinavian Biedermeier Armchairs
Materials
Hardwood, Birch
H 31 in. W 22.75 in. D 19.5 in.
Two 19th Century Biedermeier Armchairs Made of Solid Birchwood
Located in Berlin, DE
Solid wood, birch. Very comfortable Amrlehnstühle from the Biedermeier circa 1860 historical upholstery. The black fabric cover was recently renewed.
Category
Antique 19th Century German Biedermeier Armchairs
Materials
Birch
H 32.29 in. W 24.81 in. D 16.93 in.
Neoclassical Biedermeier Armchair, Cherry Solid Wood, South Germany, circa 1900
Located in Regensburg, DE
Beautiful and very comfortable neoclassical Biedermeier style armchair from South Germany, circa 1900.
Cherry solid wood, hand polished with shellac (French Polish). Newly upholst...
Category
Antique Early 1900s German Biedermeier Armchairs
Materials
Cherry, Fabric
H 37.8 in. W 24.41 in. D 23.63 in.
Continental 19th Century Cherry Biedermeier Armchair with Carved Lyre Back
Located in Wells, ME
Continental 19th century cherry Biedermeier armchair with carved curved lyre back, ebonized arm accents, tapered legs and black overupholstered seat. The overupholstered seat and cur...
Category
Antique Late 19th Century European Biedermeier Armchairs
Materials
Cherry
H 31.75 in. W 21.5 in. D 20 in.
Pair of Swedish Karl Johan 'Biedermeier' Armchairs
Located in Vienna, AT
Sculpted and hardwood Karl Johan armchairs, early part of the 19th century.
Scratches, marks, stains,
Complete restoration with new upholstery on request possible.
Category
Antique 1840s Swedish Karl Johan Armchairs
Materials
Hardwood
H 35.04 in. W 25.99 in. D 21.66 in.
19th Century German Cherrywood Biedermeier Armchair with Brown Leather Seat
Located in Berlin, DE
This 19th century German Biedermeier armchair was made in the 1920s. It is made out of solid cherry wood and the seat is reupholstered with brown / cognac leather.
A unique piece wh...
Category
Antique 1820s German Biedermeier Armchairs
Materials
Leather, Cherry
H 33.47 in. W 21.26 in. D 18.12 in.
Antique Empire / Biedermeier Armchair, circa 1810, Mahogany
Located in Berlin, DE
Mahogany solid wood, partially veneered. Semicircular backrests, Bergeren-form.
Restored and reupholstered with original Wollrips fabric covered.
(C-147).
Category
Antique Early 19th Century French Empire Armchairs
Materials
Mahogany
H 71 in. W 57 in. D 57 in.
Pair of Biedermeier Style Armchairs
Located in Troy, MI
Pair of Biedermeier style armchairs with clean, simple lines in lighter wood believed to be birch, circa 1930s. Seats have muslin cover and are ready to be upholstered in fabric of y...
Category
Early 20th Century Belgian Biedermeier Armchairs
Materials
Upholstery, Birch
H 34.75 in. W 21.5 in. D 19 in.
Austrian Biedermeier Karelian Birch Armchair
Located in New York, NY
Austrian Biedermeier karelian birch armchair with ebonized and mahogany inlaid trim on back with scroll design finial, circa 1825.
Category
Antique 19th Century Austrian Biedermeier Armchairs
Materials
Birch, Mahogany
H 37 in. W 24 in. D 22 in.
Biedermeier Wingback Armchair, South German, 1840
Located in Belmont, MA
Biedermeier wingback armchair, South German 1840, yew tree.
This beautiful original Biedermeier wingback armchair is in very good refinished condition. The seat and back are covered ...
Category
Antique 1840s German Biedermeier Armchairs
Materials
Yew
H 44.49 in. W 26.38 in. D 31.5 in.
Pair of Biedermeier Black Lacquered Armchairs
Located in Bridgeport, CT
Open tub form armchairs in fine black lacquered finish. Scrolled arms and large round seats raised on square tapering splayed legs. Newly upholstered in a green textured fabric with ...
Category
Antique Late 19th Century Biedermeier Armchairs
Materials
Wood
H 29.5 in. W 23 in. D 23 in.
Pair of South German Biedermeier Armchairs or Bergères in Walnut, circa 1830
Located in Miami, FL
A very beautiful pair of South German Biedermeier armchairs or bergères in fine walnut each with shaped, fan-carved crest rail above scrolled armrests terminating in out-scrolled fee...
Category
Antique 1830s German Biedermeier Armchairs
Materials
Upholstery, Walnut
H 38.5 in. W 34.5 in. D 25 in.
19th Century Biedermeier Mahogany Armchair
Located in Opole, PL
The armrests end with decorations in the shape of bird heads.
The armchair legs are straight.
Furthermore, the backrest is finished with a delicate floral ornamenting.
This piec...
Category
Antique 19th Century European Biedermeier Armchairs
Materials
Upholstery, Mahogany
H 36.23 in. W 22.84 in. D 22.05 in.
Antique European Biedermeier Walnut Armchair, circa 1820
Located in Big Flats, NY
An antique Biedermeier armchair offers walnut frame with upholstered back and seat, S-scroll and reeded arms, raised on slightly flared and square legs, circa 1820
Measures: 35" H...
Category
Antique Early 19th Century European Biedermeier Armchairs
Materials
Fabric, Wood, Walnut
H 35 in. W 22 in. D 24 in.
Antique European Biedermeier Walnut Armchair, circa 1820
Located in Big Flats, NY
An antique European Biedermeier armchair offers walnut frame with scroll form crest surmounting upholstered back and seat, raised on square and tapered legs, circa 1820
Measures: ...
Category
Antique Early 19th Century European Biedermeier Armchairs
Materials
Fabric, Wood, Walnut
H 35.25 in. W 22.75 in. D 25.25 in.
20th Century Biedermeier Armchair Louis Philippe, circa 1855
Located in Berlin, DE
Solid mahogany body.
Richly carved and curly. Classic upholstery upholstered in a blue, embroidered fabric.
(B-147).
Category
Antique 1860s German Louis Philippe Armchairs
Materials
Mahogany
H 45.28 in. W 27.56 in. D 29.53 in.
Sofa and Armchairs in Biedermeier Style, 1950s
Located in Budapest, HU
Elegant set consisting of a sofa and two armchairs in Biedermeier style. Refined carving on the back.
Category
Mid-20th Century Hungarian Biedermeier Armchairs
Materials
Wood
H 39.38 in. W 66.15 in. D 25.6 in.
Swedish Biedermeier Style Lyre Carved Back Armchair
Located in New York, NY
Swedish Biedermeier style (19th-20th Century) birch armchair with lyre carved back and blue stripe upholstery.
Category
Antique Late 19th Century Swedish Biedermeier Armchairs
Materials
Birch
H 33 in. W 22.75 in. D 20.5 in.
Biedermeier Marquetry Armchairs in Rose Uniacke Velvet, Pair
Located in SAINT LOUIS, MO
Beautiful pair of Biedermeier armchairs, newly restored in rose Uniacke onyx velvet. Nailheads added to surround. Each with a concave top rail with an oval inlaid panel, joined to cl...
Category
Antique 19th Century European Biedermeier Armchairs
Materials
Velvet, Birch
H 34.75 in. W 24 in. D 24 in.
Pair of Austrian Biedermeier Armchairs, c. 1st Quarter of the 19th Century
Located in New York, NY
Pair of early nineteenth century Austrian Biedermeier open armchairs composed of ebonized wood decorated with gilded palmette trim and upholstered in golden fabric at the seat and back.
Category
Antique 19th Century Austrian Biedermeier Armchairs
Materials
Gold Leaf
H 36.75 in. W 23 in. D 24 in.
Pair of 19th c. Swedish Biedermeier Open Armchairs
Located in New York, NY
Pair of nineteenth century Swedish Biedermeier armchairs with open frames composed of birch with upholstered seats and backs carved with parcel gilt ebonized swans.
Category
Antique 19th Century Swedish Biedermeier Armchairs
Materials
Gold Leaf
H 33.5 in. W 21.75 in. D 22 in.
Austrian 19th century Mahogany Biedermeier Library Armchair
Located in Troy, NY
Unique Library or Lounge armchair, the padded armrests supported by decorative sculpted and ebonized swans., the back ending in a backwards scroll, the deep low seat supported by tu...
Category
Antique 19th Century Austrian Biedermeier Armchairs
Materials
Mahogany
H 43.5 in. W 26 in. D 34 in.
Fine Pair of Biedermeier Mahogany and Penwork Armchairs
Located in New York, NY
Each with pierced cartouche-shaped back beautifully inlaid with finely etched satinwood floral decoration on an ebonized ground and issuing downswept armrests; the leather over uphol...
Category
Antique 1830s Austrian Biedermeier Armchairs
Materials
Mahogany, Satinwood
H 38 in. W 25.25 in. D 24.5 in.
Armchair after Josef Danhauser Vienna in Biedermeier Style
Located in Berlin, DE
very special Design with elegant upholster in satin.
Exotic palisander on solid beechwood.
Dimension.
Width:60cm,
height:83.5cm
depth:55 cm
Category
20th Century German Biedermeier Armchairs
Materials
Wood
H 32.88 in. W 23.63 in. D 21.66 in.
Seating Set Biedermeier, Sofa and Two Armchairs, 1870s
Located in Budapest, HU
Elegant Biedermeier seating set consisting of a sofa and two armchairs. Extraordinary workmanship of the woods made according to the canons of the time.
Measures sofa:
Depth 75...
Category
Mid-20th Century Hungarian Biedermeier Armchairs
Materials
Wood
H 43.31 in. W 71.66 in. D 29.53 in.
Seating Set Biedermeier, Sofa and Two Armchairs, 1870s
Located in Budapest, HU
Beautiful Biedermeier seating set consisting of a sofa and two armchairs. Extraordinary workmanship of the woods made according to the canons of the time.
Measures sofa: Depth 75...
Category
Mid-20th Century Hungarian Biedermeier Armchairs
Materials
Wood
H 43.31 in. W 71.66 in. D 29.53 in.
Pair of Austrian Biedermeier Carved Cherrywood Armchairs, c. 1830
Located in New York, NY
Pair of early nineteenth century Austrian Biedermeier cherrywood open armchairs, each carved with a fluted lyre-form back and upholstered with beige seats.
Category
Antique 19th Century Austrian Biedermeier Armchairs
Materials
Cherry, Upholstery
H 38 in. W 25 in. D 24 in.
20th Century Biedermeier Style Armchair After Josef Danhauser
By Josef Danhauser
Located in Berlin, DE
Armchair after Josef Danhauser Vienna Biedermeier style.
Light palisander on solid beech wood. Inlaid filament.
(B-Sam-6).
Category
20th Century Biedermeier Armchairs
Materials
Wood
H 32.88 in. W 23.63 in. D 21.66 in.
19th Century Armchair, Walnut, German Biedermeier, Backrest Adjustable
Located in Greven, DE
Antique armchair with adjustable backrest
Central Germany
Walnut
Mid-19th century, Biedermeier, circa 1840
Dimensions: Height 112 cm, seat height 42 cm, width 67 cm
Descri...
Category
Antique 1830s German Biedermeier Armchairs
Materials
Walnut
H 44.1 in. W 26.38 in. D 27.56 in.
Biedermeier Style Armchair Group, Saber Chairs, set of 8
Located in Dusseldorf, DE
Beautiful group of armchairs consisting of 8 so-called saber-chairs made of bentwood (stained in cherry wood color) in Biedermeier style.
Dimensions: 89 cm high, 55 cm wide, 51 c...
Category
Early 20th Century German Biedermeier Armchairs
Materials
Bentwood, Upholstery
H 35.04 in. W 21.66 in. D 20.08 in.
20th Century Biedermeier Style Armchair After Josef Danhauser
By Josef Danhauser
Located in Berlin, DE
Armchair after Josef Danhauser Vienna Biedermeier style.
Light palisander on Solid Beech Wood. Inlaid filament.
(B-Sam-6).
Category
20th Century Biedermeier Armchairs
Materials
Wood
H 32.88 in. W 23.63 in. D 21.66 in.
Pair of 19th Century Austrian Biedermeier Mahogany Armchairs
Located in Dallas, TX
Elegant pair of 19th century Austrian mahogany armchairs. The finish on the wood is exceptional and the chairs are upholstered in a lovely green fabric. Superb for a super polished l...
Category
Antique Late 19th Century Austrian Biedermeier Armchairs
Materials
Upholstery, Mahogany
H 35 in. W 27 in. D 30 in.
Italian Biedermeier Mahogany Reclining Lounge Armchair Cast Iron Hardware
Located in Philadelphia, PA
19th century Italian Biedermeier mahogany reclining lounge armchair cast iron hardware. Item features cast iron hardware, reclining back, solid wood frame, beautiful wood grain, dist...
Category
Early 20th Century North American Biedermeier Armchairs
Materials
Walnut, Cedar
H 45 in. W 24.5 in. D 29 in.
19th Century Unusua Restored Biedermeier Mahogany Armchair, Germany, 1840s
Located in Prague 1, CZ
Newly upholstered Biedermeier armchair
Material: Mahogany.
Source: Germany
Period: 1840-1849.
Category
Antique Early 19th Century German Biedermeier Armchairs
Materials
Upholstery, Wood, Mahogany
H 33.47 in. W 23.63 in. D 25.6 in.
Pair of Biedermeier Style Satin Birchwood and Ebonized Armchairs
Located in London, GB
A fine pair of Biedermeier style satin birchwood armchairs
The plume shaped top rail extending to midway between the stiles, terminating in an ebonised fan shaped splat, above a s...
Category
Antique Late 19th Century Austrian Biedermeier Armchairs
Materials
Upholstery, Birch, Birch
H 38 in. W 24 in. D 20 in.
19th Century Biedermeier Set of Four Walnut Armchairs
Located in Darmstadt, DE
The rare set consists of four solid walnut armchairs from the Biedermeier period. The armchairs are newly upholstered and very well restored. The seat height is relatively high, so y...
Category
Antique Early 19th Century German Biedermeier Armchairs
Materials
Walnut
H 38.19 in. W 22.45 in. D 25.6 in.
Morelato Wooden Armchair in Biedermeier Style
By Morelato
Located in Salizzole, IT
Comfort, smooth lines and solidity for this small living room set in the Biedermeier style. The peculiar shape of the high armrests and back characterize this living room set. The sl...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Armchairs
Materials
Leather, Fabric, Cherry
H 31.5 in. W 30.32 in. D 23.63 in.
Early 19th Century Biedermeier Solid Walnut Ear/Wing Armchair
Located in Darmstadt, DE
This Biedermeier winged armchair and the stool are made of solid walnut. The chair is reupholstered with straps and springs. The wood has been restored and hand-polished. Very beauti...
Category
Antique Early 19th Century German Biedermeier Armchairs
Materials
Walnut
H 45.28 in. W 27.96 in. D 39.38 in.
- 1
Biedermeier Armchairs For Sale on 1stDibs
There is a range of biedermeier armchairs for sale on 1stDibs. Each of these unique biedermeier armchairs was constructed with extraordinary care, often using wood, fabric and hardwood. Find 100 antique and vintage biedermeier armchairs at 1stDibs now, or shop our selection of 4 modern versions for a more contemporary example of this long-cherished furniture. Biedermeier armchairs have been produced for many years, with earlier versions available from the 19th Century and newer variations made as recently as the 21st Century. There are many kinds of biedermeier armchairs to choose from, but at 1stDibs, Empire and Victorian biedermeier armchairs are of considerable interest. There have been many well-made biedermeier armchairs over the years, but those made by Morelato and Biedermeier are often thought to be among the most beautiful.
How Much are Biedermeier Armchairs?
Biedermeier armchairs can differ in price owing to various characteristics — the average selling price at 1stDibs is $3,901, while the lowest priced sells for $671 and the highest can go for as much as $35,000.
Finding the Right Armchairs for You
Armchairs have run the gamut from prestige to ease and everything in between.
Long before industrial mass production democratized seating, armchairs conveyed status and power. In ancient Egypt, the commoners took stools, while in early Greece, ceremonial chairs of carved marble were designated for nobility. But the high-backed early thrones of yore, elevated and ornate, were merely grandiose iterations of today’s armchairs.
Modern-day armchairs, built with functionality and comfort in mind, are now central to tasks throughout your home. Formal dining armchairs support your guests at a table for a cheery feast, a good drafting chair with a deep seat is parked in front of an easel where you create art and, elsewhere, an ergonomic wonder of sorts positions you at the desk for your 9 to 5.
When placed under just the right lamp where you can lounge comfortably, both elbows resting on the padded supports on each side of you, an upholstered armchair — or a rattan armchair for your light-suffused sunroom — can be the sanctuary where you’ll read for hours. If you’re in the mood for company, your velvet chesterfield armchair is a place to relax and be part of the conversation that swirls around you. Maybe the dialogue is about the beloved Papa Bear chair, a mid-century modern masterpiece from Danish carpenter and furniture maker Hans Wegner, and the wingback’s strong association with the concept of cozying up by the fireplace, which we can trace back to its origins in 1600s-era England, when the seat’s distinctive arm protrusions protected the sitter from the heat of the period’s large fireplaces.
If the fireside armchair chat involves spirited comparisons, your companions will likely probe the merits of antique and vintage armchairs such as Queen Anne armchairs, Victorian armchairs or even Louis XVI armchairs, as well as the pros and cons of restoration versus conservation.
Everyone seems to have a favorite armchair and most people will be all too willing to talk about their beloved design. Whether that’s the unique Favela chair by Brazilian sibling furniture designers Fernando and Humberto Campana, who repurpose everyday objects to artful effect; or Marcel Breuer’s futuristic tubular metal Wassily lounge chair; the functionality-first LC series from Charlotte Perriand, Le Corbusier and Pierre Jeanneret; or the Eames lounge chair of the mid-1950s created by Charles and Ray Eames, there is an iconic armchair for everyone and every purpose. Find yours on 1stDibs right now.