Skip to main content

Circa 1980s Chairs

to
39
258
36
300
263
200
16
2
1
10
10
8
6
5
Sort By
Danish Modern lounge chair and ottoman in bent beech wood and brown leather
Danish Modern lounge chair and ottoman in bent beech wood and brown leather

Danish Modern lounge chair and ottoman in bent beech wood and brown leather

By Stouby Polster Møbelfabrik

Located in Brooklyn, NY

Skippers label under the cushion. Designed by Finn Ostergaard for Skippers mobler. Denmark Circa 1980's

Category

Vintage 1980s Danish Scandinavian Modern Lounge Chairs

Materials

Leather, Birch

Set of Eight Archline Armchairs by Charles Hollis Jones
Set of Eight Archline Armchairs by Charles Hollis Jones

Set of Eight Archline Armchairs by Charles Hollis Jones

By Charles Hollis Jones

Located in San Diego, CA

Great set of eight Archline lucite armchairs by Charles Hollis Jones, circa 1980s. The chairs have

Category

Late 20th Century American Post-Modern Chairs

Materials

Upholstery, Lucite

2 Baker French Louis XVI Mahogany Fauteuil Library Lounge Club Armchairs Pair
2 Baker French Louis XVI Mahogany Fauteuil Library Lounge Club Armchairs Pair

2 Baker French Louis XVI Mahogany Fauteuil Library Lounge Club Armchairs Pair

By Baker Furniture Company

Located in Dayton, OH

Pair of Baker Furniture library or lounge arm chairs, circa 1980s. Made of mahogany featuring

Category

Vintage 1980s Louis XVI Lounge Chairs

Materials

Upholstery, Mahogany

Circa 1980s Wrought Iron Table & 4 Chairs by Russell Woodard
Circa 1980s Wrought Iron Table & 4 Chairs by Russell Woodard

Circa 1980s Wrought Iron Table & 4 Chairs by Russell Woodard

By Russell Woodard

Located in Chapel Hill, NC

Wrought iron table & 4 chairs by Russell Woodard, circa 1980s. The "Arnold Palmer Collection

Category

Vintage 1980s American Patio and Garden Furniture

Materials

Wrought Iron

Rattan Wicker Caned Back Upholstered Chair with Ottoman, Circa 1980s
Rattan Wicker Caned Back Upholstered Chair with Ottoman, Circa 1980s

Rattan Wicker Caned Back Upholstered Chair with Ottoman, Circa 1980s

Located in Germantown, MD

Rattan Wicker caned back upholstered chair with ottoman set. Excellent vintage condition. Very

Category

Late 20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Armchairs

Materials

Upholstery, Wicker, Cane, Rattan

Pair of Two-Tone Modern Cantilever Ribbon Armchairs
Pair of Two-Tone Modern Cantilever Ribbon Armchairs

Pair of Two-Tone Modern Cantilever Ribbon Armchairs

Located in Dallas, TX

Simple yet stunning design, circa late 1980s-early 1990s lounge chair, unmarked but very much in

Category

Late 20th Century Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs

Materials

Upholstery

Shelby Williams Post Modern Royal Blue Chrome Armchair - One Chair, 1980s
Shelby Williams Post Modern Royal Blue Chrome Armchair - One Chair, 1980s

Shelby Williams Post Modern Royal Blue Chrome Armchair - One Chair, 1980s

By Milo Baughman

Located in Basel, BS

the 1980's This classic chair is a beauty. These chairs are POPPING. The chrome shines, the blue

Category

20th Century Mid-Century Modern Armchairs

Materials

Chrome

1980s Pair of Eero Saarinen Dining Arm Chairs with Tubular Legs and Blue Fabric
1980s Pair of Eero Saarinen Dining Arm Chairs with Tubular Legs and Blue Fabric

1980s Pair of Eero Saarinen Dining Arm Chairs with Tubular Legs and Blue Fabric

By Eero Saarinen, Knoll

Located in Philadelphia, PA

in 1957. These particular examples were produced by Knoll in the USA circa the 1980s. The chairs are

Category

Vintage 1980s American Modern Armchairs

Materials

Steel

Carved African Bamileke Throne Chair
Carved African Bamileke Throne Chair

Carved African Bamileke Throne Chair

Located in Troy, MI

This circa 1980s hand carved African chair was made by a member of the Bamileke tribe from Cameroon

Category

Mid-20th Century Cameroonian Tribal Armchairs

Materials

Wood

Selection of Frances Elkins Loop Chairs
Selection of Frances Elkins Loop Chairs

Selection of Frances Elkins Loop Chairs

By Frances Elkins

Located in Atlanta, GA

in the 1930s. This example is a later production, probably circa 1980s. This chair is currently being

Category

Vintage 1980s American Hollywood Regency Armchairs

Materials

Upholstery, Wood

Pair of Ben Chairs by Pierre Paulin for Artifort
Pair of Ben Chairs by Pierre Paulin for Artifort

Pair of Ben Chairs by Pierre Paulin for Artifort

By Pierre Paulin, Artifort

Located in London, London

1980s–1990s. The chairs are characterised by their compact, sculptural form, with a continuous

Category

Late 20th Century Dutch Post-Modern Armchairs

Materials

Fabric

Pair of 1970s Postmodern Italian Club Chairs Saporiti Italia Chenille
Pair of 1970s Postmodern Italian Club Chairs Saporiti Italia Chenille

Pair of 1970s Postmodern Italian Club Chairs Saporiti Italia Chenille

By Saporiti

Located in Buxton, GB

A stunning and substantial pair of Postmodern Italian "Club" Chairs, circa late 1970s/early 1980s

Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Armchairs

Materials

Chenille

Pair Of Mid-Century Modern Finn Juhl Model 45 Style Open Armchairs
Pair Of Mid-Century Modern Finn Juhl Model 45 Style Open Armchairs

Pair Of Mid-Century Modern Finn Juhl Model 45 Style Open Armchairs

By Baker Furniture Company, Finn Juhl

Located in Brooklyn, NY

designer Finn Juhl. This well-made pair are reproductions of the model 45 chair circa the 1980s. The chairs

Category

Mid-20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Armchairs

Materials

Metal

Pentti Hakala ‘Inna’ Chair for Inno Finland, circa 1980s
Pentti Hakala ‘Inna’ Chair for Inno Finland, circa 1980s

Pentti Hakala ‘Inna’ Chair for Inno Finland, circa 1980s

By Pentti Hakala, Inno-tuote Oy

Located in Amstelveen, Noord

, Finland. This Minimalist chair was designed to be assembled by the first buyer. The materials are steel

Category

Vintage 1980s Finnish Post-Modern Lounge Chairs

Materials

Chrome

John Makepeace Workshops set of six vintage modernist chairs, circa 1980s
John Makepeace Workshops set of six vintage modernist chairs, circa 1980s

John Makepeace Workshops set of six vintage modernist chairs, circa 1980s

By John Makepeace

Located in London, GB

/designer furniture maker, John Makepeace, OBE FCSD FRSA, circa 1980. Fully stamped underneath JOHN

Category

Vintage 1980s English Mid-Century Modern Chairs

Materials

Leather, Fruitwood

Postmodern Black Leather Chair, 1980s
Postmodern Black Leather Chair, 1980s

Postmodern Black Leather Chair, 1980s

Located in Philadelphia, PA

dining chairs circa 1980s - Sold individually - Condition: Excellent

Category

Vintage 1980s Post-Modern Dining Room Chairs

Materials

Leather

Varier Extrem by Terje Ekstrom, Norway, circa 1980s
Varier Extrem by Terje Ekstrom, Norway, circa 1980s

Varier Extrem by Terje Ekstrom, Norway, circa 1980s

Located in Alsdorf, NW

Iconic Ekstrem chair from Terje Ekstrom which was handcrafted in Norway. Ultra rare with the

Category

Vintage 1980s Norwegian Post-Modern Lounge Chairs

Materials

Wool

B&B Italia Arcadia Tallback Dining Chairs by Paolo Piva, circa 1980s
B&B Italia Arcadia Tallback Dining Chairs by Paolo Piva, circa 1980s

B&B Italia Arcadia Tallback Dining Chairs by Paolo Piva, circa 1980s

Located in Melbourne, AU

Arcadia dining chairs designed by Paolo Piva for B&B Italia C1980s, upholstered in black leather

Category

Vintage 1980s Italian Post-Modern Dining Room Chairs

Materials

Leather

Danish, Mid-Century Modern, Wing Chair in Black Leather by Hurup, circa 1980
Danish, Mid-Century Modern, Wing Chair in Black Leather by Hurup, circa 1980

Danish, Mid-Century Modern, Wing Chair in Black Leather by Hurup, circa 1980

Located in Paddock Wood, Kent

Danish wing chair in black leather by Hurup, circa 1980 This high back winged chair with black

Category

Vintage 1980s Danish Mid-Century Modern Chairs

Materials

Leather

Pair of Black and chrome Giroflex Club Chairs by Albert Stohl, AG 1980s
Pair of Black and chrome Giroflex Club Chairs by Albert Stohl, AG 1980s

Pair of Black and chrome Giroflex Club Chairs by Albert Stohl, AG 1980s

By Giroflex Stoll

Located in Retie, BE

circa 1980s - 1990s. Both with original labels. Chrome chairs with black seating or black fabric This

Category

Late 20th Century Swiss Mid-Century Modern Club Chairs

Materials

Chrome

Art Deco Revival Oversized Leather Club Chair
Art Deco Revival Oversized Leather Club Chair

Art Deco Revival Oversized Leather Club Chair

Located in Alhambra, CA

Art Deco Revival leather club chair, circa 1980s. Oversized and extra plush seat with original

Category

Vintage 1980s Art Deco Club Chairs

Materials

Leather

Pair of Postmodern Cantilevered Sling Form Lounge Chairs
Pair of Postmodern Cantilevered Sling Form Lounge Chairs

Pair of Postmodern Cantilevered Sling Form Lounge Chairs

Located in West Palm Beach, FL

Striking pair of postmodern cantilevered chromed steel sling form lounge chairs, circa 1970s-1980s

Category

Vintage 1970s American Post-Modern Club Chairs

Materials

Chrome

Paco Capdell, Pair of Side Chairs in Beech and Chrome, Late 1970s Design
Paco Capdell, Pair of Side Chairs in Beech and Chrome, Late 1970s Design

Paco Capdell, Pair of Side Chairs in Beech and Chrome, Late 1970s Design

Located in Cape Town, ZA

A pair of stylish Postmodern side chairs by Spanish furniture manufacturer Paco Capdell, circa late

Category

Late 20th Century Spanish Post-Modern Chairs

Materials

Chrome

Postmodern Side Chair in Leather by Arrben, circa 1980s
Postmodern Side Chair in Leather by Arrben, circa 1980s

Postmodern Side Chair in Leather by Arrben, circa 1980s

Located in Cape Town, ZA

Iconic 1980s chair by Italian manufacturer Arrben in black leather, based on a design by Tito

Category

Late 20th Century South African Post-Modern Armchairs

Materials

Leather

Set of Four Postmodern DIA Brass Framed Armchairs/Games Chairs
Set of Four Postmodern DIA Brass Framed Armchairs/Games Chairs

Set of Four Postmodern DIA Brass Framed Armchairs/Games Chairs

By Design Institute America

Located in West Palm Beach, FL

Glamorous set of four Postmodern brass framed armchairs by Design Institute America, circa 1980s

Category

Vintage 1980s North American Post-Modern Armchairs

Materials

Metal, Brass

Six Black Leather and Wood Armchairs by Bulo
Six Black Leather and Wood Armchairs by Bulo

Six Black Leather and Wood Armchairs by Bulo

By Bulo

Located in Schagen, NL

Six black leather armchairs manufactured by Bulo Belgium circa 1980s. The chairs feature a wooden

Category

Vintage 1980s Belgian Post-Modern Armchairs

Materials

Leather, Wood

Carlo Bimbi and Nilo Gioacchini "Charlie" Barstools for Segis Italia, Set of 5
Carlo Bimbi and Nilo Gioacchini "Charlie" Barstools for Segis Italia, Set of 5

Carlo Bimbi and Nilo Gioacchini "Charlie" Barstools for Segis Italia, Set of 5

By Carlo Bimbi and Nilo Gioacchini

Located in Miami, FL

, circa 1980s. Chairs are made of black moulded plastic attached to a tubular chrome frame. The chairs

Category

Vintage 1980s Italian Post-Modern Stools

Materials

Chrome

A mid century modern chrome dining set including 4 chairs and table 1970s
A mid century modern chrome dining set including 4 chairs and table 1970s

A mid century modern chrome dining set including 4 chairs and table 1970s

By Milo Baughman

Located in Houston, TX

A mid century modern chrome dining set including 4 chairs on casters and a table, circa 1980s

Category

Vintage 1980s Unknown Mid-Century Modern Dining Room Sets

Materials

Chrome

1980's Postmodern Italian folding Chairs
1980's Postmodern Italian folding Chairs

1980's Postmodern Italian folding Chairs

Located in San Diego, CA

Rare Pair of Italian Lacquered Wood Folding Chairs, Circa 1980s Elevate your space with this rare

Category

20th Century Italian Post-Modern Chairs

Materials

Wood

Set of 6 chair from Portugal, circa 1980's
Set of 6 chair from Portugal, circa 1980's

Set of 6 chair from Portugal, circa 1980's

By Maco Braga

Located in Paris, FR

Set of 6 chair from Portugal, circa 1980's

Category

Vintage 1980s Portuguese Modern Chairs

Materials

Leather, Mahogany

Postmodern Italian Lacquer Wood & Cane Seat Rare Chair, Circa 1980's
Postmodern Italian Lacquer Wood & Cane Seat Rare Chair, Circa 1980's

Postmodern Italian Lacquer Wood & Cane Seat Rare Chair, Circa 1980's

Located in San Diego, CA

A very cool and unique chair in white lacquer wood finish with cane seat, solid and sturdy retains

Category

20th Century Italian Post-Modern Chairs

Materials

Cane, Wood, Lacquer

Postmodern Italian Lacquer Wood & Cane Seat Rare Pair of Chairs, Circa 1980's
Postmodern Italian Lacquer Wood & Cane Seat Rare Pair of Chairs, Circa 1980's

Postmodern Italian Lacquer Wood & Cane Seat Rare Pair of Chairs, Circa 1980's

Located in San Diego, CA

A very cool and unique pair of chairs in white lacquer wood finish with cane seat, solid and sturdy

Category

20th Century Italian Post-Modern Chairs

Materials

Cane, Wood, Lacquer

Leather Lounge Chair circa 1980s
Leather Lounge Chair circa 1980s

Leather Lounge Chair circa 1980s

Located in West Hartford, CT

Leather lounge chair. One of two leather chairs we are selling separately exclusively on 1stDibs

Category

Vintage 1980s American Lounge Chairs

Materials

Metal

Pair of 1980's Club Chairs by Carson.
Pair of 1980's Club Chairs by Carson.

Pair of 1980's Club Chairs by Carson.

Located in North Miami, FL

Pair of club chairs circa 1980's by Carson.

Category

Late 20th Century American Modern Club Chairs

Materials

Metal

Vintage Molinari Leather Club Chair, circa 1980s
Vintage Molinari Leather Club Chair, circa 1980s

Vintage Molinari Leather Club Chair, circa 1980s

By Molinari

Located in Austin, TX

Vintage leather club chair by Molinari (signed), Italian furniture maker. Original leather, fully

Category

Late 20th Century Italian Club Chairs

Materials

Leather, Wood

Moroso Italian Modern Reclining Chair, circa 1980s
Moroso Italian Modern Reclining Chair, circa 1980s

Moroso Italian Modern Reclining Chair, circa 1980s

By Moroso, Massimo Iosa Ghini

Located in Austin, TX

, this nickel and black leather chair are in beautiful condition. The flared armrests offer comfort and

Category

Vintage 1980s Italian Modern Lounge Chairs

Materials

Nickel

Pair of Velvet Swivel Chairs, circa 1980s
Pair of Velvet Swivel Chairs, circa 1980s

Pair of Velvet Swivel Chairs, circa 1980s

Located in Norwalk, CT

Covered in a lovely mohair velvet with gathered detail on back, two barrel-back chairs with castors

Category

Vintage 1980s Modern Swivel Chairs

Set of 6 Post-Modern Pierre Cardin Dining Chairs, Circa 1980s
Set of 6 Post-Modern Pierre Cardin Dining Chairs, Circa 1980s

Set of 6 Post-Modern Pierre Cardin Dining Chairs, Circa 1980s

By Pierre Cardin

Located in Atlanta, GA

. Circa 1980s. Each chair measures 18" deep x 19" wide x 42" tall with a seat depth of 17.5".

Category

Vintage 1980s Post-Modern Chairs

Materials

Upholstery, Wood, Lacquer

Elysee Ganging Chair sections by Steelcase circa 1980s-set of 2
Elysee Ganging Chair sections by Steelcase circa 1980s-set of 2

Elysee Ganging Chair sections by Steelcase circa 1980s-set of 2

By Steelcase

Located in Medina, OH

Set of 2 Steelcase Modular Ganging Elysee Chairs in original plum performance fabric. The chairs

Category

Vintage 1980s American Post-Modern Chairs

Materials

Steel

Chin Hua Century Dining Chairs, Circa 1980s
Chin Hua Century Dining Chairs, Circa 1980s

Chin Hua Century Dining Chairs, Circa 1980s

By Century Furniture, Raymond Sabota

Located in Chattanooga, TN

This lovely set of six Chin Hua dining chairs by Raymond K. Sobota for Century Furniture add a

Category

Vintage 1980s American Chinoiserie Dining Room Chairs

Materials

Wood

Vintage Mario Bellini for Cassina Cab 415 Leather Chair, Circa 1980s
Vintage Mario Bellini for Cassina Cab 415 Leather Chair, Circa 1980s

Vintage Mario Bellini for Cassina Cab 415 Leather Chair, Circa 1980s

By Cassina, Mario Bellini

Located in San Antonio, TX

Beautiful vintage Mario Bellini for Cassina Cab 415 leather chair in black. Designed similar to the

Category

Vintage 1980s Italian Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs

Materials

Metal

Set of Four Leather Club Chairs Designed by Karl Springer, circa 1980s
Set of Four Leather Club Chairs Designed by Karl Springer, circa 1980s

Set of Four Leather Club Chairs Designed by Karl Springer, circa 1980s

Located in Palm Springs, CA

Set of four gorgeous leather swivel club chairs with chrome bases designed by Karl Springer in the

Category

Late 20th Century American Club Chairs

Materials

Chrome

Solid Teak Danish Modern Lounge Chair, Silvery Gray Upholstery, circa 1980s
Solid Teak Danish Modern Lounge Chair, Silvery Gray Upholstery, circa 1980s

Solid Teak Danish Modern Lounge Chair, Silvery Gray Upholstery, circa 1980s

By Alvar Aalto

Located in Chattanooga, TN

Vintage solid teak armchair restored with new silvery gray woven upholstery. The sleek modern design is the perfect compliment to your contemporary or vintage decor. Matching sofa is...

Category

Vintage 1980s Singaporean Scandinavian Modern Lounge Chairs

Materials

Teak

Set of Ten Italian Chairs, circa 1980s
Set of Ten Italian Chairs, circa 1980s

Set of Ten Italian Chairs, circa 1980s

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Set of ten Italian chairs made in walnut wood and polished brass detail. Made in Italy, circa 1980s

Category

Vintage 1980s Italian Dining Room Chairs

Materials

Wood

Modern Solid Lucite Acrylic Folding Dining Chair Set, circa 1980s
Modern Solid Lucite Acrylic Folding Dining Chair Set, circa 1980s

Modern Solid Lucite Acrylic Folding Dining Chair Set, circa 1980s

By Philippe Starck, Charles Hollis Jones

Located in Chattanooga, TN

Pair of mysterious Lucite acrylic folding chairs in exceptional condition. We've never seen

Category

Vintage 1980s American Mid-Century Modern Dining Room Chairs

Materials

Acrylic, Lucite

Guido Falescyhini for Pace Lounge Chair and Ottoman, circa 1980s
Guido Falescyhini for Pace Lounge Chair and Ottoman, circa 1980s

Guido Falescyhini for Pace Lounge Chair and Ottoman, circa 1980s

By Pace Collection

Located in Norwalk, CT

comfortable and super stylish lounge chair and matching ottoman. Newly upholstered in very low nap off-white

Category

Vintage 1980s Modern Lounge Chairs

Benny Linden Solid Teak Dining Chairs Set of Six, circa 1980s
Benny Linden Solid Teak Dining Chairs Set of Six, circa 1980s

Benny Linden Solid Teak Dining Chairs Set of Six, circa 1980s

By Benny A. Linden

Located in Chattanooga, TN

Set of six pre-owned Danish Modern style Benny Linden teak dining chairs with new grey upholstery

Category

Vintage 1980s Thai Scandinavian Modern Dining Room Chairs

Materials

Teak

Organic Modern Dining Chairs - Birch + Rush - Italy circa 1980s - Set of Six
Organic Modern Dining Chairs - Birch + Rush - Italy circa 1980s - Set of Six

Organic Modern Dining Chairs - Birch + Rush - Italy circa 1980s - Set of Six

By Hank Loewenstein

Located in Decatur, GA

Vintage organic / post modern dining chairs, Italy circa 1980s. Set of six (6). Solid birch frames

Category

Vintage 1980s Italian Organic Modern Dining Room Chairs

Materials

Rush, Birch, Oak

Montis Lounge Chair by Gijs Papavoine, Netherlands, 1980s
Montis Lounge Chair by Gijs Papavoine, Netherlands, 1980s

Montis Lounge Chair by Gijs Papavoine, Netherlands, 1980s

By Montis

Located in San Antonio, TX

Dutch design, large leather Montis lounge chair designed by Gijs Papavoine, circa 1980s

Category

Vintage 1980s Dutch Post-Modern Lounge Chairs

Materials

Leather

Contemporary Modern Sedia Ashwood Zig Zag Accent Side Chair, 1980s
Contemporary Modern Sedia Ashwood Zig Zag Accent Side Chair, 1980s

Contemporary Modern Sedia Ashwood Zig Zag Accent Side Chair, 1980s

Located in Keego Harbor, MI

For your consideration is a splendid, Sedia, ashwood, zig zag shaped accent side chair, circa 1980s

Category

Vintage 1980s Mid-Century Modern Side Chairs

Materials

Wood

Set of 9 Philippe Starck Costes Chairs Aleph, circa 1980s Post-Modern
Set of 9 Philippe Starck Costes Chairs Aleph, circa 1980s Post-Modern

Set of 9 Philippe Starck Costes Chairs Aleph, circa 1980s Post-Modern

By Aleph Ubik, Philippe Starck

Located in Boven Leeuwen, NL

in Paris these chairs were produced by Aleph Ubik an French company in the 1980s. We bought this

Category

Vintage 1980s French Post-Modern Dining Room Chairs

Materials

Metal

Set of Eight Vignelli for Knoll Stacking "Handkerchief" Chairs, Circa 1980s
Set of Eight Vignelli for Knoll Stacking "Handkerchief" Chairs, Circa 1980s

Set of Eight Vignelli for Knoll Stacking "Handkerchief" Chairs, Circa 1980s

By Knoll, Massimo Vignelli, Massimo and Lella Vignelli

Located in Peabody, MA

A set of eight early production (1985) handkerchief chairs designed by Massimo and Lella Vignelli

Category

Vintage 1980s American Post-Modern Dining Room Chairs

Materials

Steel

  • 1
Get Updated with New Arrivals
Save "Circa 1980s Chairs", and we’ll notify you when there are new listings in this category.

Circa 1980s Chairs For Sale on 1stDibs

An assortment of circa 1980s chairs is available at 1stDibs. Each of these unique circa 1980s chairs was constructed with extraordinary care, often using animal skin, metal and leather. Circa 1980s chairs have long been popular, with older editions for sale from the 18th Century and newer versions made as recently as the 20th Century. Circa 1980s chairs bearing Mid-Century Modern or Modern hallmarks are very popular at 1stDibs. Circa 1980s chairs have been a part of the life’s work for many furniture makers, but those produced by Knoll, Marcel Breuer and Cassina are consistently popular.

How Much are Circa 1980s Chairs?

Prices for circa 1980s chairs can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — at 1stDibs, circa 1980s chairs begin at $497 and can go as high as $90,000, while the average can fetch as much as $3,567.

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 Circa 1980s Chairs
  • 1stDibs ExpertApril 12, 2024
    Bold, head-turning looks were in fashion during the 1980s. It was the decade of bright electric neon colors as well as suits, jackets, tops and dresses with shoulder pads. The aerobics and fitness craze of the ’80s spilled over into fashion, with people sporting leg warmers, headbands and leggings as everyday apparel. Punk culture also influenced style, with leather jackets, fishnet stockings and chunky metal jewelry being favored by some. Denim looks of the time were often baggy and flaunted acid washes. On 1stDibs, shop a variety of vintage apparel and accessories from the 1980s.
  • 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2024
    Yes, plaid was popular in the 1980s. Interestingly, it was a signature feature of two very different styles that trended during the decade. Plaid appeared on pleated skirts and blazers, common among the preppy set. In addition, many in the punk subculture sported plaid pants and dresses. Find a wide variety of 1980s apparel and accessories on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
    Yes, although Versace remains one of the top fashion houses of today, the 1980s are considered the heyday of Versace. Campaigns included top supermodels of the time, including Kate Moss and Claudia Schiffer, and were shot by the top photographers Richard Avedon and Bruce Weber. Shop iconic vintage and contemporary Versace apparel and accessories from some of the world’s top boutiques on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertJune 15, 2023
    One of the most popular types of dresses during the 1980s was a tight-fitting sheath with oversized shoulder pads. Peplum accents were also common as were large puffy sleeves. On 1stDibs, find a collection of 1980s vintage dresses on 1stDibs.