Question 1

Did they have record players in the 1930s?

Accepted Answer

Yes, people had record players in the 1930s. In fact, record players began to become more common during the decade and continued to grow in popularity throughout the 1940s, 50s and 60s. Thomas Edison made the first phonograph record player in 1877. Shop a variety of record players on 1stDibs.

Question 2

What did phones look like in the 1930s?

Accepted Answer

In the 1930s, phones typically looked like rotary telephones. They had either a round or square base with a numbered dial that spun when you dialed and a handset receiver with both an earpiece and a mouthpiece. A cord connected the handset to the base. Find a variety of rotary phones on 1stDibs.

Question 3

What did brides wear in the 1930s?

Accepted Answer

What brides wore in the 1930s varied. Some wore long flowing dresses made of satin or silk. Long sleeves were popular and designs often featured only minimal embellishments like appliqués and beading. Because many people faced difficult financial situations due to the Great Depression, brides also sometimes simply wore their best dresses on their wedding days. On 1stDibs, shop a collection of vintage wedding dresses.

Question 4

What is the difference between a lounge chair and a chair?

Accepted Answer

The difference between a lounge chair and a chair is specificity. A chair is the general term for furniture typically designed to seat one person at a time, and there are many different kinds of chairs, including dining, accent and office chairs. Lounge chairs are another example of a specific type of chair. They are chairs with a footrest that allows you to elevate your feet while sitting. On 1stDibs, explore a large collection of chairs.

Question 5

How can you tell if a chair is an Eames chair?

Accepted Answer

To tell if a chair is an Eames chair, take a look under the seat or cushion. Authentic Eames lounge chairs are manufactured by Herman Miller and Vitra. If your Eames chair is a Herman Miller original, look for the legendary manufacturer’s specific logomarks on the product (these logomarks can be found on the company’s official website). There is also the manufacturing label, which is usually found under the seat or cushion (unless a former owner removed it). All of the classic Herman Miller designs are paired with a certificate of authenticity. Some designs may also have a medallion attached to certify their authenticity. You can then check trusted online resources to determine if the information on the label is correct for the style of chair (and more info on its construction is available on the official Eames website). You won’t see screws outside of the wood shells on an authentic Eames lounge chair, and prior to the 1970s, original vintage Eames lounge chairs were made with no more than five layers of plywood (during the 1970s, the chairs were made with seven layers). Find a variety of authentic Eames chairs on 1stDibs.

Question 6

What is the difference between an accent chair and a dining chair?

Accepted Answer

The difference between an accent chair and a dining chair comes down to function and design. An accent chair usually goes in a seating area, and makers craft them with comfort in mind. As a result, most accent chairs feature cushioning and upholstery and are characterized by generous proportions. The purpose of a dining chair is to provide a place to sit while enjoying a meal. Usually, dining chairs are lighter and smaller than accent chairs for easy maneuvering. While they may have padded seats and backrests, dining chairs generally aren't as abundantly cushioned as accent chairs. Explore a large selection of chairs on 1stDibs.

Question 7

Why is a club chair called a club chair?

Accepted Answer

A club chair is called a club chair because the accent chairs became popular in the interior décor of gentleman's clubs in France. The original name for the club chair is “fauteuil confortable," which translates to "comfortable chair." You'll find a collection of club chairs on 1stDibs.

Question 8

What is the difference between an Adirondack chair and a Muskoka chair?

Accepted Answer

The difference between an Adirondack chair and a Muskoka chair can be easily explained in that garden armchairs are called Adirondack in the USA and Muskoka in Canada. While they both have short legs, bent reclining seats, wide armrests and high backs, the Adirondack chair is 2 inches higher from the floor and 2 inches wider. The Adirondack chair uses a flat yoke at the back while Muskoka might use curved yokes. Shop for an Adirondack chair or Muskoka chair on 1stDibs.

Question 9

What is the difference between a side chair and a Parsons chair?

Accepted Answer

The difference between a side chair and a Parsons chair is style. A side chair is a very commonly used dining chair. The form of a side chair may vary, but the constant is the lack of armrests to keep hands free for eating and to save space at the table. A Parsons chair is a type of side chair that features upholstery on the seat and back. Shop a selection of dining chairs on 1stDibs.

Question 10

What is the difference between a club chair and an armchair?

Accepted Answer

There is no difference between a club chair and an armchair; a club chair is a type of armchair. An armchair is any chair with arms, while a club chair is a wide, comfortable type of armchair that is typically clad in leather and features thick upholstery. All club chairs are armchairs, but not all armchairs are club chairs. On 1stDibs, shop a collection of club chairs.

Question 11

What is the difference between a task chair and an executive chair?

Accepted Answer

The difference between a task chair and an executive chair is that most task chairs will have adjustable seat height as well as swivel and tilt functions. Task chairs are lightweight and mobile but are not intended for long periods of continuous use. Executive chairs are meant to be more comfortable and are usually designed with high backrests. An executive chair is intended for long periods of use compared to a task chair, which in some cases may be armless and isn’t going to provide the premium comfort that can be expected from an executive chair. Task chairs are also typically less expensive than executive chairs. Find a variety of antique, modern and contemporary task chairs and executive chairs on 1stDibs.

Question 12

What is the difference between a lounge chair and an accent chair?

Accepted Answer

The difference between a lounge chair and an accent chair pertains to purpose. Typically, a lounge chair is wider and deeper than an accent chair and tends to have a thicker cushion. These stylistic differences owe to the fact that lounge chairs are meant to provide luxurious, comfortable seating for long periods of time, while accent chairs are more often intended to add visual appeal to a living room. On 1stDibs, shop a collection of living room chairs.

Question 13

What is the difference between an occasional chair and an accent chair?

Accepted Answer

The difference between an occasional chair and an accent chair comes down to usage. An occasional chair is a decorative chair that is placed in a room for its look rather than to function as an everyday seating solution. As a result, occasional chairs may be used infrequently. An accent chair is any decorative chair placed in a seating area. They can be used only occasionally or on a daily basis. Explore a wide variety of chairs on 1stDibs.

Question 14

What is a Selig chair?

Accepted Answer

A Selig chair is a chair imported by or produced by Selig, an American furniture company. Selig created Danish-inspired chairs, sofas and other furnishings for the home that were cutting-edge, contemporary and airy. The brand was also among the first to introduce Scandinavian and European modern styles to Americans in the 1950s and 60s. The company imported and manufactured furniture known for its extraordinary design and style using high-quality, enduring and seductive materials. On 1stDibs, shop an assortment of Selig chairs.

Question 15

What are timeless chairs?

Accepted Answer

Timeless chairs are generally furnishings that are considered iconic designs and remain in demand year after year. These are objects that have been produced in multiples and have earned landmark status in design history. Examples of timeless chairs include the Eames lounge chair by Charles and Ray Eames, the Wishbone chair by Hans J. Wegner, the Egg chair by Arne Jacobsen and the Womb chair by Eero Saarinen. Find a variety of antique, vintage and contemporary chairs on 1stDibs.

Question 16

What is an angel chair?

Accepted Answer

An angel chair can refer to one of two kinds of chairs. The first is a piece created by Fratelli Boffi, featuring a gold leaf-finished wood frame that has a curvy shape similar to angel wings. Another angel chair is a design by Brazilian artist Alê Jordão. Made from repurposed Volkswagen Beetle car parts painted silver, the chair features a dramatically curved back resembling angel wings. Explore a large selection of chairs on 1stDibs.

Question 17

What is a cocktail chair?

Accepted Answer

A cocktail chair is a type of seating used in living rooms, parlors and similar spaces. Often designed with comfort in mind, cocktail chairs typically feature cushioned upholstery. While providing inviting places to sit, the chairs also add to the overall look of a seating area. You may sometimes see cocktail chairs referred to as accent chairs. Shop a large collection of cocktail chairs on 1stDibs.

Question 18

What is the definition of a chair?

Accepted Answer

The definition of a chair is a seat typically designed for one person. Most chairs feature four legs or a pedestal base and have defined seats and backrests for supporting the body in a seated position. There are a few main categories of chairs, including dining chairs, office or desk chairs and accent chairs. On 1stDibs, shop a wide variety of antique, vintage and contemporary chairs.

Question 19

What is a Parsons chair?

Accepted Answer

A Parsons chair is a type of dining chair. It features four wooden legs with a slight taper. In some cases, the front legs may be turned. The chairs also tend to have high rectangular backs and lightly padded seats, both clad in upholstery. The name Parsons chair refers to the Parsons School of Design in Paris, France, where students first developed the now iconic chair during the 1930s. Shop an assortment of Parsons chairs on 1stDibs.

Question 20

What is a dining chair?

Accepted Answer

A dining chair is a chair used to provide seating while dining at a table. There are two main types: side chairs and armchairs. As the name suggests, armchairs feature integrated arms, and they typically go along the short ends of rectangular tables. Free of arms, side chairs are usually arranged along the sides of rectangular tables. On 1stDibs, shop a large selection of dining chairs.

Chairs From The 1930s

Vintage 1930s Danish Art Deco Lounge Chairs

Beautiful Leather and Brass Studded Lounge Chair from the 1930s

Vintage 1930s French Chairs

French Iron Chair from the 1930s, Unusual Model, Great Patina

Vintage 1930s French Art Deco Lounge Chairs

Extraordinary Sculptural Art Deco Chair, France, 1930s-1940s

Early 20th Century Spanish Chairs

Set of 6 Spanish 1930s Wood & Leather Chairs

20th Century Italian International Style Chairs

Five Italian Side Chairs

Mid-20th Century Chairs

art deco gondola burl chair

Vintage 1930s German Art Deco Chairs

Art Deco Chair, Germany, 1930s. After renovation.

Vintage 1930s Belgian Art Deco Chairs

Belgian Art Deco Chair, 1930s

Vintage 1930s Polish Bauhaus Chairs

A pair 1930's Thonet Crocodile folding chairs Bauhaus era

Vintage 1930s Art Deco Side Chairs

Pair of French Art Deco Side Chairs

Vintage 1930s American Machine Age Chairs

Kem Weber for Lloyd Furniture Pair of Chairs

Vintage 1930s Danish Art Deco Lounge Chairs

Danish 1930s Art Deco Lounge Chair in Red Mohair with Carved Armrests

Mid-20th Century Dutch Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs

Model 436 Lounge Chair by Paul Schuitema For D3, 1930s

Vintage 1930s Swedish Gustavian Lounge Chairs

1930s Swedish Tan / Brown Nailed Leather Lounge Chair By Otto Schultz For Boet

Vintage 1930s Danish Biedermeier Lounge Chairs

Pair 1930s Scandinavian Wine Red Velvet / Velours Lounge Chairs Made In Denmark

Vintage 1930s Danish Biedermeier Lounge Chairs

1930s Scandinavian Wine Red Velvet / Velours Lounge Chair Made In Denmark

Vintage 1930s Danish Biedermeier Lounge Chairs

1930s Scandinavian Wine Red Velvet / Velours Lounge Chair Made In Denmark

Vintage 1930s Danish Art Deco Lounge Chairs

Danish 1930s Art Deco Lounge Chair in Red Mohair with Mahogany Accents

Mid-20th Century Czech Art Deco Armchairs

Positioning Art Deco Armchair, 1930's, Bohemia

Vintage 1930s Bauhaus Lounge Chairs

Sling Lounge Chair by Marcel Breuer, 1930s

Vintage 1930s Danish Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs

1930-40s Danish Art Deco or Early Midcentury Lounge Chair in Green Mohair

Vintage 1940s French Art Deco Armchairs

Set of Four Armchairs by Gauthier Poinsignon

Vintage 1930s German Mid-Century Modern Chairs

1930s Tübinger chair by the architect Prof. Adolf Gustav Schneck for Schäfer

Early 20th Century American Queen Anne Dining Room Chairs

1930s Queen Ann Solid Walnut Dining Chairs with Aubergine Wool Needlepoint Seats

Early 20th Century American Neoclassical Revival Lounge Chairs

Set of Four Neo Classical 1930s Armchairs of Bamboo and Rattan in Beige

Early 20th Century Unknown Bauhaus Armchairs

Early Tubular Chair in Original Upholstery

Vintage 1930s French Art Deco Club Chairs

French Art Deco Club Chair Original and Supple Leather, Restored Internally Only

Vintage 1930s German Bauhaus Chairs

Two original 1930s wooden chairs by the well-known Bauhaus student Peter Keler

Vintage 1930s Spanish Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs

Lounge Chairs with Dark Stained Oak Frames and Carved Details, Spain 1930s

Vintage 1930s Danish Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs

Large upholstered Lounge / Easy Chair From Denmark 1930's

Early 20th Century American Queen Anne Armchairs

1930s Solid Walnut Armchair with Aubergine Color Needlepoint Seat

Vintage 1930s American Queen Anne Wingback Chairs

1930's Wingback Lounge Chair

Vintage 1930s Austrian Modern Chairs

Two Cherry Wood Chairs from 1930s from the Circle of Josef Frank

Vintage 1930s Bauhaus Chairs

1930's Thonet B33 Chair By Marcel Breuer

Vintage 1930s French Art Deco Club Chairs

French Art Deco Leather Club Chairs France c. 1930's

Early 20th Century French Rustic Patio and Garden Furniture

Set of Four French 1930s Faux Bois Garden Chairs with Rustic Character

Vintage 1930s French Art Deco Club Chairs

Pair of French 1930's Leather Club Chairs

Vintage 1930s English Art Deco Chairs

Nice Vintage Set of circa 1930's English Oak Stacking Chairs with Period Finish

Vintage 1930s Dutch Art Deco Side Chairs

Set Of Two The Hague School Side Chairs In Mahogany, Netherlands 1930's

Vintage 1930s Dutch Bauhaus Chairs