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Ming Dynasty Style Four Chinese Ceremonial Chairs
Ming Dynasty Style Four Chinese Ceremonial Chairs

Ming Dynasty Style Four Chinese Ceremonial Chairs

Located in Prato, Tuscany

This series of four beautiful and rare Chinese ceremonial chairs has some unique features.

Category

Antique Late 19th Century Chinese Ming Chairs

Materials

Hardwood

Chinese Ming Style Jichimu Horseshoe Chairs and Table
Chinese Ming Style Jichimu Horseshoe Chairs and Table

Chinese Ming Style Jichimu Horseshoe Chairs and Table

Located in Kilmarnock, VA

A sophisticated Chinese jichimu ("chicken wing wood") seating group comprising a pair of horseshoe chairs with matching table, dating from the late Republic to mid-20th century perio...

Category

Mid-20th Century Chinese Ming Side Chairs

Materials

Hardwood

Set of Six Chinese Dining Chairs in Ming Style
Set of Six Chinese Dining Chairs in Ming Style

Set of Six Chinese Dining Chairs in Ming Style

Located in Antwerp, BE

Vintage set of Chinese in Ming style dining chairs in solid wood.

Category

Vintage 1970s Belgian Ming Dining Room Chairs

Materials

Wood

Set of Eight Vintage MCM Chinese Dining Room Chairs in Ming Style
Set of Eight Vintage MCM Chinese Dining Room Chairs in Ming Style

Set of Eight Vintage MCM Chinese Dining Room Chairs in Ming Style

Located in Moreno Valley, CA

Set of eight Yoke high back Chinese dining room chairs in Ming style. Handcrafted vintage Mid Century Modern elmwood Chinese export chairs There is no structural damages on the chair...

Category

Early 20th Century Chinese Mid-Century Modern Chairs

Materials

Elm

Hand-Crafted Chinese Yoke Chairs, Elm Wood, Ming Style, 20th Century
Hand-Crafted Chinese Yoke Chairs, Elm Wood, Ming Style, 20th Century

Hand-Crafted Chinese Yoke Chairs, Elm Wood, Ming Style, 20th Century

Located in Moreno Valley, CA

Pair of Yoke high back Chinese chairs in Ming style. Could be used as side chairs or dining chairs.

Category

20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Corner Chairs

Materials

Elm

Ming Dynasty Style Elmwood Wedding Chair with Curving Back and Carved Splat
Ming Dynasty Style Elmwood Wedding Chair with Curving Back and Carved Splat

Ming Dynasty Style Elmwood Wedding Chair with Curving Back and Carved Splat

Located in Yonkers, NY

Traditionally created for brides during wedding ceremonies, it now serves as a captivating historical piece that can add a touch of sophistication and a story to any modern home. In...

Category

Early 20th Century Chinese Ming Chairs

Materials

Elm

Chinoiserie Horseshoe Yoke Back Black Lacquer Chair Ming Style Legs Made China
Chinoiserie Horseshoe Yoke Back Black Lacquer Chair Ming Style Legs Made China

Chinoiserie Horseshoe Yoke Back Black Lacquer Chair Ming Style Legs Made China

Located in Topeka, KS

Circa, Late 20th to Early 21st Century. Chinoiserie Chair… EXTRORDINAIRE!!!!! This is a magnificent vintage Chinoiserie style chair made in China.

Category

Late 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Lounge Chairs

Materials

Stone

Antique Chinese Ming-Style Armchair, Hand-Crafted Hardwood, Circa 1890
Antique Chinese Ming-Style Armchair, Hand-Crafted Hardwood, Circa 1890

Antique Chinese Ming-Style Armchair, Hand-Crafted Hardwood, Circa 1890

Located in San Carlos, CA

Discover the allure of our Chinese Ming-style Antique Chair, a true gem that effortlessly blends history with sophistication.

Category

Antique Late 19th Century Chinese Ming Side Chairs

Materials

Hardwood

Tall Ming Style Chairs with Black Paint, a Pair
Tall Ming Style Chairs with Black Paint, a Pair

Tall Ming Style Chairs with Black Paint, a Pair

Located in Wichita, KS

Beautiful and tall Ming style chairs with a yoke back. The chairs are painted black and very dramatic in scale and appearance. They are vintage but give a nod to the traditional an...

Category

Early 20th Century Chinese Chinese Chippendale Chairs

Materials

Wood

Ming Style Chinese Chair
Ming Style Chinese Chair

Ming Style Chinese Chair

$1,418Sale Price|20% Off

Ming Style Chinese Chair

Located in Milano, IT

This Chinese chair, dating from the late 1800s and crafted in the Ming style, is a fascinating example of traditional Chinese art and craftsmanship.

Category

Antique Late 19th Century Chinese Ming Furniture

Materials

Wood

Antique Ming Style Low Back Chairs with Carved Medallion
Antique Ming Style Low Back Chairs with Carved Medallion

Antique Ming Style Low Back Chairs with Carved Medallion

Located in Freehold, NJ

This pair of mid century accent chairs in the style of Ming Dynasty feature solid wood frames, beautiful teak wood grain, low seat with ornate carved back, and removable cushions wit...

Category

Antique Early 1900s Chinese Chinese Export Lounge Chairs

Materials

Upholstery, Wood

Ming Dynasty Style Natural Wood Wedding Side Chair with Woven Rattan Seat
Ming Dynasty Style Natural Wood Wedding Side Chair with Woven Rattan Seat

Ming Dynasty Style Natural Wood Wedding Side Chair with Woven Rattan Seat

Located in Yonkers, NY

A single Chinese Ming dynasty style vintage wedding side chair from the mid-20th century, with woven rattan seat, curving back splat and natural wood patina.

Category

Mid-20th Century Chinese Ming Side Chairs

Materials

Wood, Rattan

Pair of Early 19th Century Chinese 'Lazy Chairs' in Walnut and Black Lacquer
Pair of Early 19th Century Chinese 'Lazy Chairs' in Walnut and Black Lacquer

Pair of Early 19th Century Chinese 'Lazy Chairs' in Walnut and Black Lacquer

Located in Kastrup, DK

Ming style, early 19th century China. The term 'Lazy' refers to the back which is more laid back than the normal china chairs of that type.

Category

Antique 19th Century Chinese Ming Chairs

Materials

Walnut, Lacquer

Pair of Early 19th Century Chinese 'Lazy Chairs' in Walnut and Black Lacquer
Pair of Early 19th Century Chinese 'Lazy Chairs' in Walnut and Black Lacquer

Pair of Early 19th Century Chinese 'Lazy Chairs' in Walnut and Black Lacquer

Located in Kastrup, DK

Ming style, early 19th century China. The term 'Lazy' refers to the back which is more laid back than the normal china chairs of that type.

Category

Antique 19th Century Chinese Ming Chairs

Materials

Walnut, Lacquer

Pair of Ming Dynasty Style Yoke Back Side Chairs with Woven Rattan Seats
Pair of Ming Dynasty Style Yoke Back Side Chairs with Woven Rattan Seats

Pair of Ming Dynasty Style Yoke Back Side Chairs with Woven Rattan Seats

Located in Yonkers, NY

A pair of Chinese Ming dynasty style yoke back side chairs from the early 20th century with woven rattan seats, curving back splats and natural wood patina.

Category

Early 20th Century Chinese Side Chairs

Materials

Rattan, Wood

Pair of Folding Thrones in Ming Dynasty Style - 1940s Manufacture
Pair of Folding Thrones in Ming Dynasty Style - 1940s Manufacture

Pair of Folding Thrones in Ming Dynasty Style - 1940s Manufacture

Located in Manzano, IT

Refined set of two folding throne chairs (Jiao-yi) produced in the 1940s. These stunning reproductions from the mid-20th century perfectly capture the aesthetics and technical comple...

Category

Mid-20th Century Chinese Chinese Chippendale Chairs

Materials

Brass

19th Century Yoke Back Chair
19th Century Yoke Back Chair

19th Century Yoke Back Chair

Located in Nijlen, BE

Elegant Yoke-back chairs of fine quality with soft patina. These yoke-back chairs have no armrests which made them popular at banquets or large dinner parties. They were light weight...

Category

Antique 19th Century Chinese Ming Chairs

Materials

Elm

Chinese Ming Style Chromed Steel Officials Hat Chair
Chinese Ming Style Chromed Steel Officials Hat Chair

Chinese Ming Style Chromed Steel Officials Hat Chair

Located in Rio Vista, CA

Opulent reimagined Chinese Ming style officials hat chair beautifully crafted from steel with a smooth, thick, seamless chromed finish.

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Chinese Ming Armchairs

Materials

Steel, Chrome

Set of Six Gilded Steel Chinese Officials Hat Dining Chairs
Set of Six Gilded Steel Chinese Officials Hat Dining Chairs

Set of Six Gilded Steel Chinese Officials Hat Dining Chairs

Located in Rio Vista, CA

Brilliant Hollywood Regency set of six Chinese Ming style officials hat chairs. The chairs feature a modern redux crafted in stainless steel with a dramatic anodized gilt or brass fi...

Category

20th Century Chinese Hollywood Regency Dining Room Chairs

Materials

Steel

Pair of Chinese Ming Dynasty Tomb Funeral Pottery Chair Models
Pair of Chinese Ming Dynasty Tomb Funeral Pottery Chair Models

Pair of Chinese Ming Dynasty Tomb Funeral Pottery Chair Models

Located in Atlanta, GA

A pair of Chinese stoneware horseshoe cross chairs circa Ming dynasty (15th-17th century).

Category

Antique 16th Century Chinese Ming Ceramics

Materials

Stoneware

Ming Dinasty Style Chair
Ming Dinasty Style Chair

Ming Dinasty Style Chair

$1,418Sale Price|20% Off

Ming Dinasty Style Chair

Located in Milano, IT

This Chinese chair is a refined example of traditional craftsmanship, with a simple, clean structure that echoes the essential lines typical of the Ming style.

Category

Antique Early 1900s Chinese Ming Furniture

Materials

Wood

Ming Dynasty Child’s Safety Chair
Ming Dynasty Child’s Safety Chair

Ming Dynasty Child’s Safety Chair

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Fabulous Ming Dynasty Child’s Safety Chair with Bronze casters and all hand carved wood details. the Horseshoe Shaped back and fretwork on all sides is Ming. Amazing original safety ...

Category

Antique 1690s Chinese Ming Furniture

Materials

Wood

Set of Four McGuire Rattan Chinese Officials Hat Dining Chairs
Set of Four McGuire Rattan Chinese Officials Hat Dining Chairs

Set of Four McGuire Rattan Chinese Officials Hat Dining Chairs

By McGuire

Located in Rio Vista, CA

Dramatic set of four rattan dining chairs made by McGuire. The chairs are made in the manner and style of a Chinese Ming officials hat chair crafted from rattan poles lashed together...

Category

20th Century American Organic Modern Dining Room Chairs

Materials

Leather, Fabric, Rattan

Pair Antique Ming Style Chinese Qing Carved Hardwood Gilt Lacquer Throne Chairs
Pair Antique Ming Style Chinese Qing Carved Hardwood Gilt Lacquer Throne Chairs

Pair Antique Ming Style Chinese Qing Carved Hardwood Gilt Lacquer Throne Chairs

Located in Portland, OR

This very attractive pair of antique carved Chinese throne chairs are made from Chinese elm, with traces of red lacquer decoration, they have carved & pierced headrests, the chair ba...

Category

Antique Mid-19th Century Chinese Ming Furniture

Materials

Hardwood, Lacquer

Set of Six Guanmaoyi Yokeback Dining Chairs, circa 1960s
Set of Six Guanmaoyi Yokeback Dining Chairs, circa 1960s

Set of Six Guanmaoyi Yokeback Dining Chairs, circa 1960s

Located in Peabody, MA

A set of six Classic Chinese Guanmaoyi yokeback chairs in lacquered elmwood consisting of two armchairs and four sides.

Category

Mid-20th Century Chinese Ming Dining Room Chairs

Materials

Wood

19th Century Chinese Yoke Back Ming Chairs, a Pair
19th Century Chinese Yoke Back Ming Chairs, a Pair

19th Century Chinese Yoke Back Ming Chairs, a Pair

Located in Sarasota, FL

A pair of Chinese yoke-back Ming chairs (Qing Dynasty), made of hardwood and finely carved throughout.

Category

Antique Mid-19th Century Chinese Qing Furniture

Materials

Hardwood

Antique Chinese Marble Medallion Chair, Ming or Qing Dynasty, Carved Rosewood
Antique Chinese Marble Medallion Chair, Ming or Qing Dynasty, Carved Rosewood

Antique Chinese Marble Medallion Chair, Ming or Qing Dynasty, Carved Rosewood

Located in PARIS, FR

This exquisitely carved Chinese black lacquered wood chair embodies the timeless elegance and masterful craftsmanship of the Ming or Qing dynasties.

Category

Antique 18th Century Chinese Qing Antiquities

Materials

Rosewood

Chinese Lamphanger Chair
Chinese Lamphanger Chair

Chinese Lamphanger Chair

$1,418Sale Price|20% Off

Chinese Lamphanger Chair

Located in Milano, IT

This chair from the late Ming dynasty represents an exceptional example of the art and craftsmanship that characterize the Ming style.

Category

Antique 19th Century Chinese Ming Furniture

Materials

Wood

Very Fine Pair of Ming Style Side Chairs
Very Fine Pair of Ming Style Side Chairs

Very Fine Pair of Ming Style Side Chairs

Located in Bridgeport, CT

A refined Pair of very well made Chinese Side Chairs with traditional form. Very well made with a soft natural finish, the chairs have gently curved square backs with vertical carv...

Category

20th Century Chinese Ming Furniture

Materials

Hardwood

Chinese Ming Style High Back Chair, Red Lacquer
Chinese Ming Style High Back Chair, Red Lacquer

Chinese Ming Style High Back Chair, Red Lacquer

Located in Hamburg, DE

They are commonly referred to as 'Deng Gua Yi', which means lamp. The backrest of these chairs is reminiscent of the construction from which two lanterns were hung. This seat, somet...

Category

Antique Mid-19th Century Qing Furniture

Materials

Wood

Pair of James Mont Style Lacquered Horseshoe Chairs by Century
Pair of James Mont Style Lacquered Horseshoe Chairs by Century

Pair of James Mont Style Lacquered Horseshoe Chairs by Century

By Century Furniture, James Mont

Located in Rio Vista, CA

Opulent pair of large Chinese ming style horseshoe lounge chairs made by Century.

Category

20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs

Materials

Brass

Pair of James Mont Style Mid-Century Lacquered Horseshoe Chairs by Century
Pair of James Mont Style Mid-Century Lacquered Horseshoe Chairs by Century

Pair of James Mont Style Mid-Century Lacquered Horseshoe Chairs by Century

By James Mont

Located in Chicago, IL

A lovely pair of large Chinese ming style horseshoe lounge chairs made by Century Furniture.

Category

Late 20th Century American Chinoiserie Lounge Chairs

Materials

Textile, Wood

Set of Eight McGuire Organic Modern Rattan Dining Chairs
Set of Eight McGuire Organic Modern Rattan Dining Chairs

Set of Eight McGuire Organic Modern Rattan Dining Chairs

By McGuire

Located in Rio Vista, CA

The design is reminiscent of Chinese Ming officials hat chairs. The armchairs have gracefully curved open arms terminating in rounded rawhide-wrapped ends.

Category

Late 20th Century American Organic Modern Dining Room Chairs

Materials

Leather, Fabric, Rattan

Ming Dynasty Style Wedding Chair with Carved Medallion and Curving Arms
Ming Dynasty Style Wedding Chair with Carved Medallion and Curving Arms

Ming Dynasty Style Wedding Chair with Carved Medallion and Curving Arms

Located in Yonkers, NY

An antique Chinese Ming Dynasty style wooden wedding chair from the early 20th century, with carved medallion, curving armrests and natural wood patina.

Category

Early 20th Century Chinese Ming Armchairs

Materials

Wood

(6) Hans J. Wegner CH24 'Wishbone' Danish Beech Dining Chairs
(6) Hans J. Wegner CH24 'Wishbone' Danish Beech Dining Chairs

(6) Hans J. Wegner CH24 'Wishbone' Danish Beech Dining Chairs

By Hans J. Wegner

Located in Norwalk, CT

Inspired by the graceful lines of traditional Chinese Ming Dynasty chairs, Wegner reimagined the form to create something more approachable: light, ergonomic, and suited for modern l...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Danish Mid-Century Modern Dining Room Chairs

Materials

Beech

Set of Refine Ming Dynasty Green Glazed Attendants and a Sedan Chair
Set of Refine Ming Dynasty Green Glazed Attendants and a Sedan Chair

Set of Refine Ming Dynasty Green Glazed Attendants and a Sedan Chair

Located in Greenwich, CT

A set of very refined green glazed attendants and one sedan chair, each with benevolent facial expression, beautiful colors and lines, Ming dynasty 1368-1644. Three glazed attendants...

Category

Antique 15th Century and Earlier Chinese Ming Sculptures and Carvings

Materials

Pottery

Child's Size Chinese Horseshoe Chair
Child's Size Chinese Horseshoe Chair

Child's Size Chinese Horseshoe Chair

Located in Bridgeport, CT

A child's size Chinese horseshoe chair with exposed mortise and tenon joints, carved center medallion and a square perimeter stretcher. Dimensions: 18 1/2" W, 14" D, 12" seat height...

Category

20th Century Ming Furniture

Materials

Wood

Ming Dynasty Style Scholar's Lamp-Hanger Chair with Rattan Inset Seat and Back
Ming Dynasty Style Scholar's Lamp-Hanger Chair with Rattan Inset Seat and Back

Ming Dynasty Style Scholar's Lamp-Hanger Chair with Rattan Inset Seat and Back

Located in Yonkers, NY

A Ming Dynasty style antique scholar's chair from the early 20th century, with inset rattan back splat and seat. This Ming Dynasty style scholar's chair from the early 20th century e...

Category

Early 20th Century Chinese Ming Armchairs

Materials

Rattan, Wood

Pair of Ming Dynasty Style Elmwood Scholar' Armchairs with Rattan Seats
Pair of Ming Dynasty Style Elmwood Scholar' Armchairs with Rattan Seats

Pair of Ming Dynasty Style Elmwood Scholar' Armchairs with Rattan Seats

Located in Yonkers, NY

A pair of Chinese Ming Dynasty style elm scholar's chairs from the early 20th century, with unusual upper rail, carved panels on the splats, curved arms and rattan seats.

Category

Early 20th Century Chinese Ming Armchairs

Materials

Elm, Rattan

CHINESE QING DYNASTY Triangle Palace Arm Chair Upholstered Seating RED
CHINESE QING DYNASTY Triangle Palace Arm Chair Upholstered Seating RED

CHINESE QING DYNASTY Triangle Palace Arm Chair Upholstered Seating RED

Located in Peoria, AZ

EYE-CATCHER! QING DYNASTY TRIANGLE ARM CHAIR! RED ENAMEL & SILK EARLY TWENTIETH CENTURY DIMENSIONS: APPROX. 28" TALL BY 20" WIDE This phenomenally rare Qing dynasty styled p...

Category

Early 20th Century Chinese Ming Furniture

Materials

Upholstery, Wood

19th Century Chinese Horseshoe Round Back Chairs All Original a Pair
19th Century Chinese Horseshoe Round Back Chairs All Original a Pair

19th Century Chinese Horseshoe Round Back Chairs All Original a Pair

Located in Somis, CA

A pair of large, sold wood, all original, early 19th century Chinese Provincial Horseshoe Chairs. The solid, 2" thick, rounded crest rail is constructed with one single continuous be...

Category

Antique Early 19th Century Chinese Ming Furniture

Materials

Wood

Hans Wegner Chinese Chair 4283
Hans Wegner Chinese Chair 4283

Hans Wegner Chinese Chair 4283

By Fritz Hansen, Hans J. Wegner

Located in Esbjerg, DK

Wegner famous and beautiful chair is an adaptation of an old Chinese chair of the Ming dynasty; “China Chair”.

Category

Vintage 1950s Danish Scandinavian Modern Armchairs

Materials

Leather, Cherry

Hans Wegner Chinese Chair 4283
Hans Wegner Chinese Chair 4283

Hans Wegner Chinese Chair 4283

By Fritz Hansen, Hans J. Wegner

Located in Esbjerg, DK

Wegner famous and beautiful chair is an adaptation of an old Chinese chair of the Ming dynasty; “China Chair”.

Category

Vintage 1950s Danish Scandinavian Modern Armchairs

Materials

Leather, Cherry

Later 20th Century Chinese Blonde Wood Official's Hat or Yoke Back Chairs, Pair
Later 20th Century Chinese Blonde Wood Official's Hat or Yoke Back Chairs, Pair

Later 20th Century Chinese Blonde Wood Official's Hat or Yoke Back Chairs, Pair

Located in Austin, TX

A stunning pair of 20th century Chinese yoke back armchairs crafted of cypress, baimu. The chairs of typical style and construction, and known as official's hat chairs or yoke back...

Category

Late 20th Century Chinese Ming Armchairs

Materials

Cypress

Hans Wegner for Fritz Hansen China Chair, Rosewood and Black Leather
Hans Wegner for Fritz Hansen China Chair, Rosewood and Black Leather

Hans Wegner for Fritz Hansen China Chair, Rosewood and Black Leather

By Hans J. Wegner

Located in Seattle, WA

It is model number FH4283, part of a series created by Wegner and produced by Fritz Hansen, Denmark. The chair pays tribute to furniture from the Chinese Ming dynasty.

Category

Vintage 1950s Danish Mid-Century Modern Armchairs

Materials

Leather, Rosewood

Century Furniture Chin Hua Collection Horseshoe Arm Chairs
Century Furniture Chin Hua Collection Horseshoe Arm Chairs

Century Furniture Chin Hua Collection Horseshoe Arm Chairs

By Century Furniture

Located in Stafford, TX

Sobota. Inspired by classic Chinese Ming dynasty forms, the chairs blend traditional Asian motifs with the refined craftsmanship and clean lines characteristic of Sobota’s work.

Category

Vintage 1980s American Chinoiserie Armchairs

Materials

Upholstery, Wood

Syoya Yoshida・Japanese Style Rocking Chair/1950s Tatsumi Mokko/mingei wabi-sabi
Syoya Yoshida・Japanese Style Rocking Chair/1950s Tatsumi Mokko/mingei wabi-sabi

Syoya Yoshida・Japanese Style Rocking Chair/1950s Tatsumi Mokko/mingei wabi-sabi

Located in 足利市, JP

It draws sophisticated inspiration from the noble silhouette of classical Chinese Ming-style "Guanmao" (Official's Hat) chairs, seamlessly reimagined through a traditional bentwood (...

Category

Mid-20th Century Japanese Showa Furniture

Materials

Cherry

18th Century English George III Period Mahogany Armchair with Modern Fabric
18th Century English George III Period Mahogany Armchair with Modern Fabric

18th Century English George III Period Mahogany Armchair with Modern Fabric

Located in Chicago, IL

The back has an elegant splat, a principal element of eighteenth-century English chairs. Splats are the center support for a chair’s open back and originated from the importation of ...

Category

Antique 1760s English George III Armchairs

Materials

Mahogany

Antique Ming-Style Hardwood Chinese Chair, Late 19th Century
Antique Ming-Style Hardwood Chinese Chair, Late 19th Century

Antique Ming-Style Hardwood Chinese Chair, Late 19th Century

Located in Wilmington, DE

An antique Ming-style Chinese hardwood chair dating to the late 19th century.

Category

Antique Late 19th Century Chinese Ming Chairs

Materials

Hardwood

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Chinese Ming Chairs For Sale on 1stDibs

Find a variety of Chinese ming chairs available on 1stDibs. The range of distinct Chinese ming chairs — often made from wood, hardwood and elm — can elevate any home. Chinese ming chairs have long been popular, with older editions for sale from the 18th Century and newer versions made as recently as the 21st Century. Chinese ming chairs are generally popular furniture pieces, but Hollywood Regency style is often sought at 1stDibs. Baker Furniture Company, Drexel and George Zee and Co each produced beautiful Chinese ming chairs that are worth considering.

How Much are Chinese Ming Chairs?

Chinese ming chairs can differ in price owing to various characteristics — the average selling price at 1stDibs is $2,750, while the lowest priced sells for $800 and the highest can go for as much as $9,800.

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 Chinese Ming Chairs
  • 1stDibs ExpertNovember 2, 2021
    A Ming chair refers to a typically elaborate and sophisticated piece of seating furniture that was designed during China’s Ming dynasty — an era that saw a deepening of interest in interior design and furniture in the East Asian country owing to the evolution of joinery techniques and a rise in Chinese commerce. Celebrated Danish furniture maker Hans Wegner transitioned from cabinetry to furniture design in the 1940s and, in 1944, began to develop seating based on Ming dynasty chairs.