What are Shell Chairs?

Shell chairs are iconic mid-century modern chairs designed by Hans J. Wegner and first released in 1963. In terms of both process and aesthetics, the Shell chair was ahead of its time when it was introduced. The expressive seat and back are made out of form-pressed oak or walnut laminates and topped with upholstered cushions for maximum comfort. Its design includes a tapered three-leg structure with two front legs made of one continuous piece and a separate hind leg that supports the backrest. This gives the chair a feeling of lightness without sacrificing stability. On 1stDibs, find a selection of Shell chairs.

Is the Shell Chair comfortable?

Whether the Shell chair is comfortable is largely a matter of personal opinion. However, creator Hans J. Wegner designed the curves of the backrest and the seat to complement the contours of the human body in order to provide ample support when the Shell chair made its debut in 1963. Chairs became Wegner’s specialty, and over the years he designed over 500 of them. More than 100 of his designs, such as the Wishbone chair and the Papa Bear chair, went into production. Shop a selection of Shell chairs and other vintage Hans Wegner seating on 1stDibs.

What is the history of the Wegner Shell chair?

The history of the Wegner Shell Chair begins in 1963. Hans J. Wegner unveiled the chair at the Furniture Guild Exhibition in Copenhagen, Denmark. Often described as being "wing-like," the chair's radical fluid lines were considered a bit too futuristic at the time. Initially, mixed reviews from critics and the general public, as well as production difficulties, resulted in a very limited early run. Twelve new models were produced for a retrospective exhibition celebrating Wegner's 77th birthday in 1989, and the design began garnering renewed attention (a photograph of the chair was even selected to grace the cover of the exhibition catalog). In 1998, nearly a decade following the piece's reemergence at the retrospective event, Carl Hansen & Søn reintroduced the Shell chair 35 years after it was first released, and it has felt relevant ever since. On 1stDibs, shop an assortment of Hans Wegner Shell chairs.

Is the Wegner shell chair comfortable?

Whether or not the Wegner shell chair is comfortable is largely a matter of personal preference. Wegner did design the dramatically curved seat and gently tapered back to properly support the contours of the human body. On 1stDibs, shop a range of Hans Wegner chairs.

Deco Shell Chair

Mobili Art Deco Fine Furniture

Joseph Hoffman Chairs

Sylvie Chair

Category

Vintage 1940s Italian Art Deco Lounge Chairs

Materials

Leather

Shell Chairs

H 29.53 in W 31.5 in D 38.59 in

Sylvie Chair in Black Pen Shell by R & Y Augousti

By R & Y Augousti

Located in New York, NY

The Sylvie chair is an iconic design by R & Y Augousti. One of their very first designs, this

Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Art Deco Chairs

Materials

Brass

Sylvie Chair in Black Pen Shell by R & Y Augousti

H 70.87 in W 21.66 in D 23.63 in

Sylvie Chair in Black Pen Shell by R & Y Augousti

By R & Y Augousti

Located in New York, NY

The Sylvie chair is an iconic design by R & Y Augousti. One of their very first designs, this

Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Art Deco Chairs

Materials

Brass

Sylvie Chair in Black Pen Shell by R & Y Augousti

H 70.87 in W 21.66 in D 23.63 in

Sylvie Chair in Black Pen Shell by R & Y Augousti

By R & Y Augousti

Located in New York, NY

The Sylvie chair is an iconic design by R & Y Augousti. One of their very first designs, this

Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Art Deco Chairs

Materials

Brass

Sylvie Chair in Black Pen Shell by R & Y Augousti

H 70.87 in W 21.66 in D 23.63 in

Comfortable Art Deco Style Shell Chair with Fabric Upholstery and Lacquered Wood

Located in Ulm, DE

Invite your visitors to take a seat in this comfortable armchair. This chair lends a special

Category

2010s German Art Deco Chairs

Materials

Upholstery, Wood

Comfortable Art Deco Style Shell Chair with Fabric Upholstery and Lacquered Wood

H 35.83 in W 20.87 in D 24.02 in

Vintage Hollywood Regency Art Deco Fan / Shell - Back Chairs - Grosfeld House

Located in Chicago, IL

Glamour Pair of Vintage Asymmetrical Fan back chairs. Style of Dorothy Draper / Gilbert Rohde

Category

Mid-20th Century American Hollywood Regency Lounge Chairs

Materials

Upholstery

Vintage Hollywood Regency Art Deco Fan / Shell - Back Chairs - Grosfeld House

H 34 in W 27.5 in D 28.5 in

Vintage Hollywood Regency Art Deco Fan Shell - Back Chairs - Grosfeld House

Located in Chicago, IL

Glamour Pair of Vintage Asymmetrical Fan back chairs. Original upholstery looks pretty nice. May

Category

Mid-20th Century American Hollywood Regency Lounge Chairs

Materials

Upholstery

Vintage Hollywood Regency Art Deco Fan Shell - Back Chairs - Grosfeld House

H 34.5 in W 29 in D 28.5 in

Vintage Wrought Iron Seating Antique Teal Shell Arm Chair

By Leinfelder

Located in Cumberland, RI

Available now and ready to ship is a vintage wrought iron seating antique teal shell arm chair

Category

Late 20th Century Art Deco Club Chairs

Materials

Wrought Iron

Vintage Wrought Iron Seating Antique Teal Shell Arm Chair

H 35 in W 26 in D 26 in

Pair of René Prou Chairs, 1930s, Art Deco

By René Prou

Located in London, Park Royal

An original, pair of René Prou chairs, circa 1930s. Finished in the original Art Deco, dusky pink

Category

Vintage 1930s British Art Deco Chairs

Materials

Wood, Lacquer

Pair of René Prou Chairs, 1930s, Art Deco

H 31.89 in W 18.51 in D 20.87 in

Eden Chair in Black Pen Shell and Upholstered in Calf-Hair by R&Y Augousti

By R & Y Augousti

Located in New York, NY

The Eden chair in black pen shell and upholstered in black calf-hair adds the perfect balance

Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Art Deco Chairs

Materials

Shagreen Stingray

Eden Chair in Black Pen Shell and Upholstered in Calf-Hair by R&Y Augousti

H 42.13 in W 15.75 in D 20.48 in

Art Deco Low Side Chairs in Mustard Velours Fabric

Located in Waalwijk, NL

Side chairs, velours, wood, France, 1930s Elegant set of Art Deco chairs. The seating of the

Category

Vintage 1930s French Art Deco Chairs

Materials

Fabric, Wood

Art Deco Low Side Chairs in Mustard Velours Fabric

H 34.65 in W 23.63 in D 27.56 in

Small Art Deco style club chair

Located in TILBURG, NL

Very decorative, Art Deco style little club chair. Walnut veneer and original green velvet

Category

Early 20th Century European Art Deco Club Chairs

Materials

Velvet, Walnut

Small Art Deco style club chair

H 24.81 in W 25.12 in D 24.34 in

Shagreen Chair by R & Y Augousti

By R & Y Augousti

Located in New York, NY

The Sylvie chair is an iconic design by R & Y Augousti. One of their very first designs, this

Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Art Deco Chairs

Materials

Shagreen Stingray

Shagreen Chair by R & Y Augousti

H 70.87 in W 21.66 in D 23.63 in

Sylvie Chair in Shagreen by R & Y Augousti

By R & Y Augousti

Located in New York, NY

The Sylvie chair is an iconic design by R & Y Augousti. One of their very first designs, this

Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Art Deco Chairs

Materials

Shagreen Stingray

Sylvie Chair in Shagreen by R & Y Augousti

H 70.87 in W 21.66 in D 23.63 in

Sylvie Chair in Cream Shagreen by R & Y Augousti

By R & Y Augousti

Located in New York, NY

The Sylvie chair is an iconic design by R & Y Augousti. One of their very first designs, this

Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Art Deco Chairs

Materials

Shagreen Stingray

Sylvie Chair in Cream Shagreen by R & Y Augousti

H 70.87 in W 21.66 in D 23.63 in

Sylvie Chair in Cream Shagreen by R & Y Augousti

By R & Y Augousti

Located in New York, NY

The Sylvie chair is an iconic design by R & Y Augousti. One of their very first designs, this

Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Art Deco Chairs

Materials

Shagreen Stingray

Sylvie Chair in Cream Shagreen by R & Y Augousti

H 70.87 in W 21.66 in D 23.63 in

Sylvie Chair in Mink Shagreen by R & Y Augousti

By R & Y Augousti

Located in New York, NY

The Sylvie chair is an iconic design by R & Y Augousti. One of their very first designs, this

Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Art Deco Chairs

Materials

Shagreen Stingray

Sylvie Chair in Mink Shagreen by R & Y Augousti

H 70.87 in W 21.66 in D 23.63 in

Shagreen Dining Chair with Bronze-Patina Brass Details by Kifu Paris

By Kifu Augousti

Located in New York, NY

Inspired by the original Dandy bench by Kifu Paris (see images at end of slide), the Dandy II Chair

Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Art Deco Chairs

Materials

Brass

Shagreen Dining Chair with Bronze-Patina Brass Details by Kifu Paris

H 31.5 in W 19.34 in D 15.75 in

Shagreen Dining Chair with Bronze-Patina Brass Details by Kifu Paris

By Kifu Augousti

Located in New York, NY

Inspired by the original Dandy bench by Kifu Paris (see images at end of slide), the Dandy II Chair

Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Art Deco Chairs

Materials

Brass

Shagreen Dining Chair with Bronze-Patina Brass Details by Kifu Paris

H 31.5 in W 19.34 in D 15.75 in

Shagreen Chair with Palmwood and Bronze-Patina Brass Details by Kifu Paris

By Kifu Augousti

Located in New York, NY

Inspired by the original Dandy Bench by Kifu Paris (see images at end of slide), the Dandy II Chair

Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Art Deco Chairs

Materials

Brass

Shagreen Chair with Palmwood and Bronze-Patina Brass Details by Kifu Paris

H 31.5 in W 19.34 in D 15.75 in

Shagreen Chair with Palmwood and Bronze-Patina Brass Details by Kifu Paris

By Kifu Augousti

Located in New York, NY

Inspired by the original Dandy bench by Kifu Paris (see images at end of slide), the Dandy II chair

Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Art Deco Chairs

Materials

Brass

Shagreen Chair with Palmwood and Bronze-Patina Brass Details by Kifu Paris

H 31.5 in W 19.34 in D 15.75 in

Thor Chair in Cream Shagreen and Bronze-Patina Brass Details by Kifu, Paris

By Kifu Augousti

Located in New York, NY

The Thor chair is an elegant and geometric chair inlaid in cream shagreen and bronze-patina brass

Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Art Deco Chairs

Materials

Brass

Thor Chair in Cream Shagreen and Bronze-Patina Brass Details by Kifu, Paris

H 35.44 in W 19.69 in D 24.41 in

Eden Chair in Cream Shagreen and Upholstered in Calf-Hair by R&Y Augousti

By R & Y Augousti

Located in New York, NY

The Eden Chair in cream shagreen and upholstered in cream calf-hair adds the perfect balance

Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Art Deco Chairs

Materials

Shagreen Stingray

Eden Chair in Cream Shagreen and Upholstered in Calf-Hair by R&Y Augousti

H 42.13 in W 15.75 in D 20.48 in

Berga Mobler Lounge Chairs in Beige Teddy

By Berga Mobler

Located in Waalwijk, NL

armchairs are very comfortable and strong singular items. The whole shell is slightly tilted backwards. The

Category

Vintage 1940s Danish Art Deco Lounge Chairs

Materials

Fabric, Beech

Berga Mobler Lounge Chairs in Beige Teddy

H 32.29 in W 28.55 in D 33.27 in

Delicate Pair of Lounge Chairs in Floral Upholstery

Located in Waalwijk, NL

Pair of lounge chairs, fabric, lacquered wood, Czech Republic, 1940s These easy chairs are

Category

Vintage 1940s Czech Art Deco Lounge Chairs

Materials

Fabric, Wood

Delicate Pair of Lounge Chairs in Floral Upholstery

H 40.16 in W 33.86 in D 33.08 in

Pair Art Deco Armchairs, Black Lacquer, Wood, Metal, Velvet, France, 1950/60s

Located in Regensburg, DE

A beautiful pair of small french Art Deco style armchairs in shell form stemming from the 1950/60s

Category

Vintage 1960s French Art Deco Club Chairs

Materials

Velvet, Hardwood, Lacquer

Pair Art Deco Armchairs, Black Lacquer, Wood, Metal, Velvet, France, 1950/60s

H 33.47 in W 23.82 in D 24.41 in

Pair of Milo Baughman Postmodern Club Chairs

By Milo Baughman

Located in Dallas, TX

fashionable lounge chairs can blend seamlessly against a multitude of design backdrops from Art Deco to

Category

Vintage 1970s American Lounge Chairs

Materials

Upholstery

Pair of Milo Baughman Postmodern Club Chairs

H 31 in W 34 in D 30 in

Kuraselli Lounge Chair by Yrjö Kukkapuro for Haimi

By Haimi, Yrjö Kukkapuro

Located in Dubai, DU

This 'Karuselli' swivel lounge chair by Yrjo¨ Kukkapuro, originally designed in 1964, features a

Category

Vintage 1960s Finnish Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs

Materials

Steel

Kuraselli Lounge Chair by Yrjö Kukkapuro for Haimi

H 31.5 in W 29.53 in D 29.53 in

Upholstered Lounge Chairs in Oil Green Velvet, Europe ca 1950s

Located in Utrecht, NL

defining feature of these lounge chairs is their shell-like design, which create a sense of cosy intimacy

Category

Vintage 1950s European Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs

Materials

Velvet, Wood

Upholstered Lounge Chairs in Oil Green Velvet, Europe ca 1950s

H 26.58 in W 31.3 in D 33.08 in

Tessellated "Sylvie" Chair by Rie and Yiouri Augousti, France 1989

By R & Y Augousti

Located in Buffalo, NY

The Sylvie chair is an iconic design by R & Y Augousti. One of their very first designs, this

Category

Vintage 1980s French Post-Modern Side Chairs

Materials

Sapele Wood

Tessellated "Sylvie" Chair by Rie and Yiouri Augousti, France 1989

H 71 in W 23.5 in D 22 in

Pair of Hollywood Regency Fireside Chairs Attributed to Grosfeld House

Located in Dallas, TX

Elegant pair of mirror image asymmetrical Art Deco shell back parlor chairs in a wine colored

Category

Vintage 1950s American Hollywood Regency Lounge Chairs

Materials

Gold Leaf

Pair of Hollywood Regency Fireside Chairs Attributed to Grosfeld House

H 33.25 in W 30.5 in D 22.5 in

Art Deco Cantilevered Steel Clam Shell Patio Lounge Chair

Located in Van Nuys, CA

Art Deco steel metal clamshell back green patio bouncer lounge chair featuring a distressed green

Category

Vintage 1930s American Patio and Garden Furniture

Materials

Steel

Art Deco Cantilevered Steel Clam Shell Patio Lounge Chair

H 33 in Dm 20.5 in

English Late Victorian Gilt Chinoiserie Bergere Suite

Located in Hastings, GB

detailing to the frame, arms and back of each piece. Adorned with a shaped top rail with two shell pediments

Category

Antique 1880s English Art Deco Bergere Chairs

Materials

Wood

English Late Victorian Gilt Chinoiserie Bergere Suite

H 32.29 in W 66.93 in D 33.47 in

3 piece art deco shell back salon suite

Located in Debenham, Suffolk

3 piece art deco shell back salon suite circa 1930. Good quality suite comprising of a sofa and 2

Category

Mid-20th Century Swedish Art Deco Loveseats

Materials

Fabric, Mahogany

3 piece art deco shell back salon suite

H 34.75 in W 40 in D 27 in

Shell Inlaid Sylvie Console and Chair by R&Y Augousti

By R & Y Augousti

Located in New York, NY

This listing is for the Sylvie Console and Sylvie Chair by R&Y Augousti in Black Pen Shell The

Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Art Deco Console Tables

Materials

Shell

Shell Inlaid Sylvie Console and Chair by R&Y Augousti

H 82.13 in W 70.87 in D 14.57 in

Shell Dining Table Set with Two Sculptural Chairs by R&Y Augousti

By R & Y Augousti

Located in New York, NY

. The top is inlaid in black pen shell. Available in other finishes and other variations This piece

Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Art Deco Dining Room Tables

Materials

Brass

Shell Dining Table Set with Two Sculptural Chairs by R&Y Augousti

H 29.53 in W 118.11 in D 43.31 in

Set of Sculptural Chairs and Dining Table in Shell and Brass by Kifu Paris

By Kifu Augousti

Located in New York, NY

The Chital dining table is a stunning piece, a statement in any space. The black pen shell inlaid

Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Art Deco Dining Room Tables

Materials

Brass

Set of Sculptural Chairs and Dining Table in Shell and Brass by Kifu Paris

H 29.53 in W 42.09 in D 120.01 in

Shell Inlaid Dining Table by Kifu Paris with a Pair of R&Y Augousti Chairs

By Kifu Augousti

Located in New York, NY

pen shell inlaid top sits on a pair of geometric and sculptural bronze-patina brass bases. This piece

Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Art Deco Dining Room Tables

Materials

Brass

Shell Inlaid Dining Table by Kifu Paris with a Pair of R&Y Augousti Chairs

H 29.53 in W 118.11 in D 43.31 in

Shell Inlaid Sylvie Console by R&Y Augousti

By R & Y Augousti

Located in New York, NY

Chair by R&Y Augousti; one of their very first designs, paired together create a majestic and stunning

Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Art Deco Console Tables

Materials

Shell

Shell Inlaid Sylvie Console by R&Y Augousti

H 82.13 in W 70.87 in D 14.57 in

Shell Inlaid Sylvie Console by R&Y Augousti

By R & Y Augousti

Located in New York, NY

Chair by R&Y Augousti; one of their very first designs, paired together create a majestic and stunning

Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Art Deco Console Tables

Materials

Shell

Shell Inlaid Sylvie Console by R&Y Augousti

H 82.13 in W 70.87 in D 14.57 in

1920s Artdeco walnut shell armchairs

By Harry & Lou Epstein Furniture Co

Located in Haywards Heath, GB

Wonderful 1920s shell back swivel chairs. Hand carved walnut frame, with an inlay of pearls in

Category

Vintage 1920s Italian Art Deco Armchairs

Materials

Silk, Walnut

1920s Artdeco walnut shell armchairs

H 38.19 in W 26.78 in D 22.45 in

Art Deco Pair Of French Chairs Model "Bridge"

Located in Prato, Tuscany

traditional furniture in Lorraine, based on the skills of carpenters, carvers, and cabinetmakers. Chair shells

Category

Mid-20th Century French Art Deco Armchairs

Materials

Velvet, Oak

Art Deco Pair Of French Chairs Model "Bridge"

H 32.68 in W 23.23 in D 18.9 in

Three-Piece European Art Deco Suite, Matching Sofa and Club Chairs

By Donald Deskey, Kem Weber

Located in Buffalo, NY

Stunning three-piece European Art Deco suite, matching sofa and two club Chairs. Classic streamline

Category

Vintage 1930s Belgian Art Deco Living Room Sets

Materials

Fabric, Faux Leather

Three-Piece European Art Deco Suite, Matching Sofa and Club Chairs

H 31 in W 32 in D 32 in

3 piece mid 20th century shell back living room suite

Located in Debenham, Suffolk

interior that hotel look and very much in the art deco taste. Concave seats with shell back back rests

Category

Mid-20th Century Swedish Art Deco Living Room Sets

Materials

Fabric, Beech

3 piece mid 20th century shell back living room suite

H 29.5 in W 60.5 in D 37 in

Mid-20th century elm shell back armchair

Located in Debenham, Suffolk

Mid-20th century deco inspired shell back armchair, circa 1940. A fine example of Swedish design

Category

Mid-20th Century Swedish Mid-Century Modern Armchairs

Materials

Fabric, Elm

Mid-20th century elm shell back armchair

H 44 in W 30.75 in D 36 in

3 in 1 Bar Unit in Mink Shagreen & Shell and Bronze-Patina Brass by R&Y Augousti

By R & Y Augousti

Located in New York, NY

shelving and drawers inlaid in a mixture of shagreen, pen shell and gemelina wood veneer. Additional a

Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Art Deco Cabinets

Materials

Brass

3 in 1 Bar Unit in Mink Shagreen & Shell and Bronze-Patina Brass by R&Y Augousti

H 35.44 in W 31.5 in D 31.5 in

French Club Chairs in Brown Upholstery

Located in Waalwijk, NL

Pair of club chairs, brown fabric, beech, brass, France, 1940s. These classically sculpted

Category

Vintage 1940s French Art Deco Armchairs

Materials

Brass

French Club Chairs in Brown Upholstery

H 28.55 in W 26.78 in D 25.6 in

French Club Chairs in Brown Upholstery

Located in Waalwijk, NL

Club chairs, brown fabric, beech, brass, France, 1940s. These classically sculpted armchairs

Category

Vintage 1940s French Art Deco Armchairs

Materials

Brass

French Club Chairs in Brown Upholstery

H 28.55 in W 26.78 in D 25.6 in

French Club Chairs in Red Upholstery

Located in Waalwijk, NL

Club chairs, red fabric, beech, brass, France, 1940s. These classically sculpted armchairs feature

Category

Vintage 1940s French Art Deco Armchairs

Materials

Brass

French Club Chairs in Red Upholstery

H 28.55 in W 26.78 in D 25.6 in

Swedish Art Deco Shellback Armchair White Italian Leather Fluted Decoration

Located in LONDON, GB

Original Swedish Art Deco shellback armchair clubchair 1920s-1940s previously reupholstered in top

Category

Early 20th Century Swedish Art Deco Armchairs

Materials

Birch, Leather

Swedish Art Deco Shellback Armchair White Italian Leather Fluted Decoration

H 41.34 in W 37.41 in D 37.41 in

Pair French Modern Neoclassical Bronze Lounge Chairs, Style Armand Albert Rateau

By Armand Albert Rateau

Located in New York, NY

Rare pair of French Modern neoclassical style Curile form armchairs or club chairs in solid bronze

Category

Late 20th Century French Art Deco Armchairs

Materials

Bronze

Pair French Modern Neoclassical Bronze Lounge Chairs, Style Armand Albert Rateau

H 40 in W 30.5 in D 24 in

Cocktail Chairs with Dark Glazed Cherry Wood Legs, Europe, 1950s

Located in Utrecht, NL

hotel lobbies of the Art Deco period. These chairs have a soft design edge that is immediately

Category

Vintage 1950s European Mid-Century Modern Armchairs

Materials

Fabric, Cherry

Cocktail Chairs with Dark Glazed Cherry Wood Legs, Europe, 1950s

H 32.29 in W 30.52 in D 29.34 in

Special Listing Devin

By R & Y Augousti

Located in New York, NY

Saturn game table top to be done in brown pen shell as well as the chess squares. Rest of the parts

Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Art Deco Game Tables

Materials

Brass

Special Listing Devin

H 29.53 in W 42.76 in D 39.77 in

Murano, 1940, Italian. Attributed to Archimide Seguso, Barovier

By Barovier Seguso & Ferro

Located in Ciudad Autónoma Buenos Aires, C

Murano with gold Attributed to Seguso - Barovier We have specialized in the sale of Art Deco and

Category

Vintage 1940s Italian Art Deco Centerpieces

Materials

Gold

Murano, 1940, Italian. Attributed to Archimide Seguso, Barovier

H 1.97 in W 5.52 in D 4.34 in

Murano, 1940 . Attributed to Seguso - Barovier, Italian

By Barovier Seguso & Ferro

Located in Ciudad Autónoma Buenos Aires, C

Murano Attributed to Seguso - Barovier We have specialized in the sale of Art Deco and Art

Category

Vintage 1940s Italian Art Deco Centerpieces

Materials

Murano Glass

Murano, 1940 . Attributed to Seguso - Barovier, Italian

H 3.94 in W 11.03 in D 8.67 in

Ducks Murano, 1940, Italian, Attributed to Seguso, Barovier

By Barovier Seguso & Ferro

Located in Ciudad Autónoma Buenos Aires, C

Murano with gold We have specialized in the sale of Art Deco and Art Nouveau and Vintage styles

Category

Vintage 1940s Italian Art Deco Centerpieces

Materials

Gold

Ducks Murano, 1940, Italian, Attributed to Seguso, Barovier

H 4.73 in W 5.91 in D 3.94 in

Murano and gold, Italian, Attributed to, Seguso Barovier, 1930

By Barovier Seguso & Ferro

Located in Ciudad Autónoma Buenos Aires, C

Murano We have specialized in the sale of Art Deco and Art Nouveau and Vintage styles since 1982

Category

Vintage 1930s Italian Art Deco Ashtrays

Materials

Gold

Murano and gold, Italian, Attributed to, Seguso Barovier, 1930

H 2.17 in Dm 5.12 in

Murano, Italian, Attributed to, Seguso, 1930

By Barovier Seguso & Ferro

Located in Ciudad Autónoma Buenos Aires, C

Murano We have specialized in the sale of Art Deco and Art Nouveau and Vintage styles since 1982

Category

Vintage 1930s Italian Art Deco Ashtrays

Materials

Murano Glass

Murano, Italian, Attributed to, Seguso, 1930

H 2.76 in W 9.06 in D 7.88 in

Victorian George Washington Marble and Cast Iron Garden Table 19th Century

Located in Oklahoma City, OK

George Washington on each side atop a large star. The legs of the base are cast with shell-like Art Deco

Category

Antique 19th Century North American Victorian Patio and Garden Furniture

Materials

Marble, Iron

Victorian George Washington Marble and Cast Iron Garden Table 19th Century

H 14 in W 25 in D 17 in

Osvaldo Borsani for Tecno Armchair in Velvet Upholstery

By Osvaldo Borsani, Tecno

Located in Waalwijk, NL

designed the "Poltrona P32" in 1956 for Tecno. The refined formed seating shell with high backrest and

Category

Vintage 1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Armchairs

Materials

Fabric

Osvaldo Borsani for Tecno Armchair in Velvet Upholstery

H 32.68 in W 26.58 in D 33.86 in

Seating Under $2,000

Antique and Vintage Seating

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Deco Shell Chair For Sale on 1stDibs

With a vast inventory of beautiful furniture at 1stDibs, we’ve got just the deco shell chair you’re looking for. Each deco shell chair for sale was constructed with extraordinary care, often using fabric, wood and upholstery. There are 22 variations of the antique or vintage deco shell chair you’re looking for, while we also have 6 modern editions of this piece to choose from as well. There are many kinds of the deco shell chair you’re looking for, from those produced as long ago as the 20th Century to those made as recently as the 21st Century. When you’re browsing for the right deco shell chair, those designed in Art Deco, Hollywood Regency and Modern styles are of considerable interest. Many designers have produced at least one well-made deco shell chair over the years, but those crafted by R & Y Augousti, Donghia and Hill Manufacturing Co. are often thought to be among the most beautiful.

How Much is a Deco Shell Chair?

A deco shell chair can differ in price owing to various characteristics — the average selling price 1stDibs is $2,992, while the lowest priced sells for $480 and the highest can go for as much as $48,090.

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 Deco Shell Chair

What are Shell Chairs?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertMarch 31, 2023
Shell chairs are iconic mid-century modern chairs designed by Hans J. Wegner and first released in 1963. In terms of both process and aesthetics, the Shell chair was ahead of its time when it was introduced. The expressive seat and back are made out of form-pressed oak or walnut laminates and topped with upholstered cushions for maximum comfort. Its design includes a tapered three-leg structure with two front legs made of one continuous piece and a separate hind leg that supports the backrest. This gives the chair a feeling of lightness without sacrificing stability. On 1stDibs, find a selection of Shell chairs.
Is the Shell Chair comfortable?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertFebruary 13, 2023
Whether the Shell chair is comfortable is largely a matter of personal opinion. However, creator Hans J. Wegner designed the curves of the backrest and the seat to complement the contours of the human body in order to provide ample support when the Shell chair made its debut in 1963. Chairs became Wegner’s specialty, and over the years he designed over 500 of them. More than 100 of his designs, such as the Wishbone chair and the Papa Bear chair, went into production. Shop a selection of Shell chairs and other vintage Hans Wegner seating on 1stDibs.
What is the history of the Wegner Shell chair?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertFebruary 13, 2024
The history of the Wegner Shell Chair begins in 1963. Hans J. Wegner unveiled the chair at the Furniture Guild Exhibition in Copenhagen, Denmark. Often described as being "wing-like," the chair's radical fluid lines were considered a bit too futuristic at the time. Initially, mixed reviews from critics and the general public, as well as production difficulties, resulted in a very limited early run. Twelve new models were produced for a retrospective exhibition celebrating Wegner's 77th birthday in 1989, and the design began garnering renewed attention (a photograph of the chair was even selected to grace the cover of the exhibition catalog). In 1998, nearly a decade following the piece's reemergence at the retrospective event, Carl Hansen & Søn reintroduced the Shell chair 35 years after it was first released, and it has felt relevant ever since. On 1stDibs, shop an assortment of Hans Wegner Shell chairs.
Is the Wegner shell chair comfortable?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022
Whether or not the Wegner shell chair is comfortable is largely a matter of personal preference. Wegner did design the dramatically curved seat and gently tapered back to properly support the contours of the human body. On 1stDibs, shop a range of Hans Wegner chairs.

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