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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.
- What are wingback chairs called?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertMay 5, 2023Wingback chairs are sometimes called fireside chairs, easy chairs or grandfather chairs. However, many people simply call them wingback chairs or wing chairs. The name comes from the two curved wings mounted on the sides of the backrest. On 1stDibs, find a variety of wingback chairs.
- Is a wingback chair comfortable?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertMay 5, 2023Whether a wingback chair is comfortable is largely a matter of personal opinion. However, many wingback chairs feature plush cushioning, and the tall backs can provide ample back support. A wingback’s protruding arms were initially designed to protect a sitter from drafts or intense heat from a fireplace. This may be obsolete in the 21st century, but the chairs have maintained their popularity over the years and have seen waves of revivals, from mid-century modern spin offs to playful contemporary adaptations (like the Bear chair by Pierre Yovanovitch, wherein the place of wings are furry ears — a cheeky send-up of Hans Wegner’s iconic mid-century Papa Bear chair). On 1stDibs, shop a range of wingback chairs.
- 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 13, 2023Wingback chairs emerged during the 17th-century era. The wings on classic wingback chairs certainly do have a purpose, or did, when they were first conceived in England in the 1600s. Back then, the armchair protrusions were meant to protect the sitter from drafts and from the strong heat radiating from the large fireplaces that were popular at the time. This explanation is why the wingback is strongly associated with cozying up by the fireplace. Although the functional aspect of a wingback may be obsolete in the 21st century, the chairs have maintained their popularity over the years. Shop a selection of wingback chairs on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022The purpose of a wingback chair is to provide seating. Usually, these upholstered chairs go in seating areas and allow people to rest comfortably while carrying on conversations, reading and performing other activities. On 1stDibs, shop a range of antique and vintage wingback chairs.
- 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 13, 2023There is no hard and fast rule about where a wingback chair should be placed. Historically, people used the large chairs in front of block drafts, and you can continue this tradition in your home. Alternatively, you can place one wherever it fits the layout of your room. To show off the distinctive shape of the chair, it is a good idea to position it somewhere that allows it to be viewed from the sides and back as well as the front. On 1stDibs, shop a selection of wingback chairs.
- 1stDibs ExpertJune 15, 2023To 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.
- Is an Eames chair worth it?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertFebruary 22, 2021The Eames lounge chair, designed by Charles and Ray Eames, is one of the most famous and popular lounge chairs in the world due to comfort and support. An Eames lounge chair and ottoman can be very expensive owing to the universally recognized brand names behind the chair (Herman Miller, the Eameses), the use of quality specialized materials in manufacturing and because these beloved furnishings are renowned for their durability (think of it as an investment). The seat has inspired many knock-offs, but authentic versions are currently manufactured by both Herman Miller and Vitra, and vintage Eames lounge chairs can be found on 1stDibs.
- Why is the Eames chair iconic?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022The Eames chair is iconic due to its sleek and handsome design, making it the first lounge chair of its time to depart from more traditional, bulky styles. It is also exceptionally comfortable. This mid-century chair was designed by Charles and Ray Eames for the furniture company Herman Miller. On 1stDibs, find a collection of Eames chairs from top sellers worldwide.
- 1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022The Eames chair is popular for a number of reasons. Many people appreciate the bold, clean lines of the piece. In addition, some find its gently reclined back and ergonomic cushioning comfortable. In addition, the chair is a famous mid-century modern design that is easy to recognize. Shop a variety of Eames chairs on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 26, 2024Eames chairs are so expensive for a couple of reasons. First, Eames chairs feature fine materials, such as leather and wool, which are costly to source. Each chair is also made by hand, which makes manufacturing Eames chairs costlier than producing furniture that is made by machine. In addition, demand for the chairs is often greater than supply, driving up prices. Find a selection of Eames chairs on 1stDibs.
- Who designed the Eames chair?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2024Charles and Ray Eames designed the Eames chair. A married couple, they were the embodiment of the inventiveness, energy and optimism at the heart of mid-century modern American design and have been recognized as among the most influential designers of the 20th century. They produced a line of DCW chairs together in the 1940s and went on to unveil their now iconic lounge chair in 1956. On 1stDibs, shop a collection of Eames lounge chairs.
- Is an Eames chair comfortable?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertApril 16, 2024Whether an Eames chair is comfortable is largely a matter of personal opinion. However, part of the reason why the iconic chair designed by Ray and Charles Eames has remained popular decade after decade since its introduction in 1956 is because many people find it comfortable. The chair's shape and the angle of its backrest have an ergonomic design intended to complement the contours of the human body and deliver optimal support. Explore a collection of Eames lounge chairs on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertMay 5, 2023When it debuted in 1956, the Eames chair cost $310. Adjusted for inflation, that sum equates to around $3,100 today. The mid-century modern chair designed by Charles and Ray Eames features a plywood base and leather upholstery. The couple dipped a toe in making virtually every type of furniture, including coffee tables, dining tables, desks and even their clever Eames storage units, given the moniker “working art” upon their 1949 debut at the Detroit Institute of Arts. A fitting label, indeed, for all of the couple’s furnishings, even if they’re best remembered for their chair designs. On 1stDibs, shop a selection of vintage Eames chairs.
- 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 13, 2023Whether Eames chairs hold their value depends on a variety of factors, including how well the pieces are cared for and how demand and supply change over time. Because it can be difficult to predict how the value of items will fluctuate, choose chairs that appeal to you and will work in your space. The Eames lounge chair was a fresh, subversive new take on a classic club chair and a culmination of experimentation by its inventive creators Ray and Charles Eames. On 1stDibs, shop a selection of Eames chairs and other mid-century modern seating from some of the world’s top dealers.
- 1stDibs ExpertMarch 3, 2023To restore an Eames fiberglass chair, wash it gently with a soft bristle brush and dish soap in warm water. Use a clean damp cloth to wipe off the soap, and then dry with another cloth. You can use a safe wax for fiberglass to enhance the shine. Shop a collection of Eames chairs on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022Yes, the Eames lounge chair is ergonomic. The Eames lounge chair and ottoman are created with molded plywood and leather designed to curve to the human form. The Eames lounge chair is a highly coveted furniture item by both home décor enthusiasts and vintage collectors alike. Shop a selection of Eames lounge chairs on reputable sites, such as 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 13, 2023To identify an Eames fiberglass chair, flip it over and check the underside of the seat for a label. What information appears on the label varies, but most will say "The Herman Miller Furniture Company" and "Charles Eames." You may also see "Zenith Plastics," a reference to the company that manufactured the fiberglass. Some chairs made during the 1960s may have the Herman Miller name in raised letters directly on the seat. Newer chairs may display a "Vitra" label instead of "Herman Miller." A certified appraiser or experienced antiques dealer can help with the identification process. Find a selection of Eames fiberglass chairs on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022The original Eames chair and matching ottoman were designed by Charles and Ray Aemes for the Herman Miller furniture company in 1956. The Eames chair is considered the epitome of modern interior design and is widely coveted by home decor enthusiasts. Browse a range of authenticated Eames chairs on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2024Yes, Charles Eames chairs are comfortable. The Eameses — Charles and Ray — were fascinated by ergonomics and designed chairs with comfort in mind. The legendary mid-century modernist designer-couple famously called their Eames lounge chair and ottoman “a special refuge from the strains of modern living” and described their design as having the “warm receptive look of a well-used first baseman’s mitt.”
While the couple’s DCW chairs, introduced in the 1940s, prioritized ease of production and affordability of materials, the Eames lounger, which debuted in 1956, was Charles and Ray’s interpretation of luxury furniture. And to the Eameses, luxury meant, above all, comfort.
Find vintage Charles and Ray Eames furniture on 1stDibs. - Is my vintage Eames chair real?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022To know if your vintage Eames chair is real, check for a reclining mechanism. On original chairs, the back had a permanent reclined position, so no mechanism is necessary. Also, a vintage piece is around 32 inches high, while later reproductions are normally bigger. On 1stDibs, shop a selection of expertly vetted Eames chairs.
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