What was the first reclining chair?

In 1928, a patent was issued to two American cousins, Edward Knabush and Edwin Shoemaker, which trademarked the design of a reclining wooden bench. This patent would later go on to become La-Z-Boy. Shop a collection of reclining furniture from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.

When was the first chair invented?

Although the very first chair to be invented is up for speculation, one of the earliest was created during the Early Dynastic Period of Egypt around 3100 B.C. Early chairs produced by the ancient Egyptians usually featured wood construction and upholstery made of leather or cloth. Interestingly, they were much lower than today's chairs, with seat heights of around 10 inches versus the average modern dining chair seat height of 18 to 23 inches. On 1stDibs, find a wide variety of antique, vintage and contemporary chairs.

Who made the first iron chairs in Britain?

In Britain, John Wilkinson made the first mass-produced iron chairs during the 1770s. However, handcrafted iron chairs appeared much earlier. In the mid-thirteenth century, King Edward I commissioned three iron chairs for St. Paul’s Cathedral. The artisan who made these pieces is unknown. On 1stDibs, find a range of iron chairs.

What did the first ever chair look like?

While we don't know for sure what the first ever chair looked like, early examples of chairs dating back to ancient Egypt can give us some idea of its form. Archaeologists have uncovered chairs from around 3100 B.C. They tend to have boxy shapes and upholstery made of cloth or leather. Compared to modern chairs, seat heights were much lower, at around 10 inches above the floor. Find a large collection of chairs on 1stDibs.

First Chair Memphis

Square Piano

Soho Sofa

Circular Back Dining Chair

Category

Vintage 1980s Corner Chairs

Materials

Metal

Michele de Lucchi, ‘First Chair’, Memphis Milano, Italy, 1985

$1,910

H 35.44 in W 23.23 in D 19.69 in

First Chair by Michele de Lucchi for Memphis

By Memphis Group, Michele de Lucchi

Located in Vienna, AT

Iconic "First Chair" designed by Michelle de Lucchi for Memphis Milano 1983 in good condition, some

Category

Vintage 1980s Italian Post-Modern Chairs

Materials

Metal

First Chair by Michele de Lucchi for Memphis

$1,200

H 35.43 in W 27 in D 18.11 in

First Chair by Michele De Lucchi for Memphis Milano, 1983

By Memphis Milano, Michele de Lucchi

Located in San Juan Capistrano, CA

Designed in 1983 by Michele de Lucchi, the ‘First Chair’ is a landmark piece in the Memphis Milano

Category

Vintage 1980s Italian Post-Modern Chairs

Materials

Steel

First Chair by Michele De Lucchi for Memphis Milano, 1983

$1,250

H 35 in W 23 in D 19 in

First Wood and Metal Chair, by Michele De Lucchi for Memphis Milano Collection

By Memphis Milano, Michele de Lucchi, Memphis Group

Located in La Morra, Cuneo

The First chair in enameled wood and metal, was originally designed in 1983 by Michele De Lucchi

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Chairs

Materials

Metal

First Wood and Metal Chair, by Michele De Lucchi for Memphis Milano Collection

$2,400 / item

H 35.44 in W 23.23 in D 19.69 in

Two Chairs Mod. "First" by Michele de Lucchi for Memphis Milano, Ready to Ship

By Michele de Lucchi, Memphis Group

Located in Madrid, ES

Set of two chairs mod. "First Chair" designed by Michele de Lucchi for Memphis Milano, with

Category

Vintage 1980s Italian Side Chairs

Materials

Metal

Two Chairs Mod. "First" by Michele de Lucchi for Memphis Milano, Ready to Ship

$3,513 / set

H 35.44 in Dm 18.12 in

"First" Wood and Metal Chair, by Michele De Lucchi for Memphis Milano Collection

By Michele de Lucchi

Located in Beirut, LB

Striking and bold, this chair designed by Michele De Lucchi in 1983 for Memphis will be a superb

Category

Late 20th Century Italian Post-Modern Side Chairs

Materials

Metal

"First" Wood and Metal Chair, by Michele De Lucchi for Memphis Milano Collection

$2,262

H 35.44 in W 26.97 in D 18.12 in

Recent Sales

Memphis Milano – First Chair – Michele De Lucchi – 1983

By Michele de Lucchi, Memphis Milano

Located in NIEUWKUIJK, NB

Striking and bold, this chair designed by Michele De Lucchi in 1983 for Memphis will be a superb

Category

Vintage 1980s Chairs

Materials

Aluminum

Memphis Milano – First Chair – Michele De Lucchi – 1983

H 35.44 in W 23.23 in D 19.69 in

Memphis Milano, First Chair, Set of 4, Michele De Lucchi, 1983

By Michele de Lucchi, Memphis Milano

Located in NIEUWKUIJK, NB

Striking and bold, this chair designed by Michele De Lucchi in 1983 for Memphis will be a superb

Category

Vintage 1980s Italian Chairs

Materials

Wood

Memphis Milano, First Chair, Set of 4, Michele De Lucchi, 1983

H 35.44 in W 23.23 in D 19.69 in

FIRST Chair by Michele De Lucchi for Memphis Milano

By Michele de Lucchi

Located in Brooklyn, NY

lightness. The restrained use of decorative elements gives “First” an almost classic air among the Memphis

Category

Vintage 1980s Italian Post-Modern Chairs

Materials

Metal

FIRST Chair by Michele De Lucchi for Memphis Milano

H 35 in W 24 in D 20 in

Michele De Lucchi, First Chair, Memphis Movement, Signed

By Michele de Lucchi, Memphis Group

Located in Los Angeles, CA

The First chair is an amazing Memphis group , created for the well known designer, Michele De

Category

Late 20th Century Italian Post-Modern Chairs

Materials

Metal

Michele De Lucchi, First Chair, Memphis Movement, Signed

H 36 in Dm 18 in

Michele De Lucchi ‘First’ Chair, Memphis Milano, Italy 1983

By Michele de Lucchi

Located in London, GB

, product design and art. Michele de Lucchi found worldwide recognition with the ‘First’ chair for

Category

Vintage 1980s Italian Modern Chairs

Materials

Metal

Michele De Lucchi ‘First’ Chair, Memphis Milano, Italy 1983

H 35.44 in W 23.23 in D 19.69 in

1980s 'First Chairs' by Memphis Milano Designer Michele De Lucchi

By Michele de Lucchi, Memphis Group

Located in Dallas, TX

Pair of futuristic chairs designed in 1984 by Memphis designer Michele De Lucchi. Signed to

Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Chairs

1980s 'First Chairs' by Memphis Milano Designer Michele De Lucchi

H 35.75 in W 25.75 in D 18.5 in

"First Chair" Designed by Michele de Lucchi for Memphis Milano, Italy 1983

By Memphis Group, Michele de Lucchi

Located in Madrid, ES

Chair "First Chair" designed by Michele de Lucchi for Memphis Milano , with structure in metal

Category

Vintage 1980s Italian Side Chairs

Materials

Metal

"First Chair" Designed by Michele de Lucchi for Memphis Milano, Italy 1983

H 35.44 in Dm 18.12 in

Michele De Lucchi First Chair for Memphis, Milano

By Michele de Lucchi

Located in Los Angeles, CA

First chair by Michele De Lucchi for Memphis, Milano, 1983.

Category

Vintage 1980s Italian Modern Side Chairs

Materials

Steel

Michele De Lucchi First Chair for Memphis, Milano

H 35.5 in W 23.5 in D 18 in

First Chair by Michele De Lucchi for Memphis Milano, Set of Two

By Michele de Lucchi

Located in Uppsala, SE

Memphis Milano and was in fact the first chair that was produced by the now legendary design collective

Category

Vintage 1980s Post-Modern Chairs

First Chair by Michele De Lucchi for Memphis Milano, Set of Two

H 35.44 in W 25.6 in D 18.12 in

Michele de Lucchi "First Chair"

By Michele de Lucchi

Located in East Hampton, NY

Michele de Lucchi first chair for Memphis Milano 1982.

Category

Vintage 1980s Italian Chairs

Michele de Lucchi "First Chair"

H 36 in W 26 in L 36 in

Michele De Lucchi Italian Postmodern Memphis 'First Chair'

By Michele de Lucchi

Located in Astoria, NY

Michele de Lucchi Italian Postmodern Memphis 'First Chair' in enameled steel, lacquered wood back

Category

Vintage 1980s Italian Post-Modern Armchairs

Materials

Steel

Michele De Lucchi Italian Postmodern Memphis 'First Chair'

H 35.5 in W 26 in D 17 in

First Chair by Michele De Lucchi for Memphis Milano

Located in Centreville, VA

Michele de Lucchi was one of the cofounders of the Milano Design Group Memphis, which emerged at

Category

Late 20th Century Armchairs

Materials

Steel

First Chair by Michele De Lucchi for Memphis Milano

H 35.43 in W 23.22 in D 19.68 in

Michele de Lucchi Attributed Chair, Italy, circa 1980

By Michele de Lucchi

Located in London, GB

worldwide recognition with his instantly recognizable ‘First’ chair for Memphis and has since created a wide

Category

Vintage 1980s Italian Post-Modern Chairs

Materials

Metal

Michele de Lucchi Attributed Chair, Italy, circa 1980

H 32.29 in W 21.66 in D 19.69 in

Michele De Lucchi Attributed Chairs, Italy, circa 1980

By Michele de Lucchi

Located in London, GB

. He found worldwide recognition with his instantly recognisable ‘First’ chair for Memphis and has

Category

20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Dining Room Chairs

Materials

Metal

Michele De Lucchi Attributed Chairs, Italy, circa 1980

H 21.66 in W 19.69 in D 32.29 in

Four "First Chair" Michele de Lucchi for Memphis

By Michele de Lucchi, Memphis Group

Located in Denton, TX

Four "First Chair" Michele de Lucchi for Memphis.

Category

20th Century Italian Modern Chairs

Materials

Metal

Four "First Chair" Michele de Lucchi for Memphis

H 35.75 in W 25.75 in D 18.5 in

'First Chair' by Michele De Lucchi for Memphis Milano

By Michele de Lucchi, Memphis Group

Located in New York, NY

Important Italian post-modern chair, the "First Chair" by Michele De Lucchi for the

Category

Vintage 1980s Italian Post-Modern Side Chairs

'First Chair' by Michele De Lucchi for Memphis Milano

H 36 in W 26 in D 19 in

First Chair by Michele De Lucchi for Memphis, Marked

By Michele de Lucchi, Memphis Group

Located in Dronten, NL

First chair by Michele De Lucchi for Memphis Milano, 1983. Marked with stamp underneath the seat.

Category

Vintage 1980s Italian Post-Modern Side Chairs

Materials

Steel

First Chair by Michele De Lucchi for Memphis, Marked

H 35.44 in W 23.63 in D 17.72 in

Set of Four 'First' Chairs by Michele de Lucchi for Memphis 1980's Milan, Italy

By Memphis Milano, Michele de Lucchi

Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL

Set of Four 'First' chairs by Michele de Lucchi for Memphis 1980's Milan, Italy Hard-to-find set

Category

Vintage 1980s Italian Post-Modern Chairs

Materials

Metal

Set of Four 'First' Chairs by Michele de Lucchi for Memphis 1980's Milan, Italy

H 35.5 in W 27 in D 18 in

Mythical Michele De Lucchi "The First Chair"

By Memphis Milano, Michele de Lucchi

Located in Gardena, CA

, published by Memphis Milano, the First Chair is both a historical piece of contemporary design and a

Category

Vintage 1980s Italian Post-Modern Chairs

Materials

Metal, Enamel

Mythical Michele De Lucchi "The First Chair"

H 35 in W 27 in D 18 in

Michele de Lucchi's First Chair for Memphis Milano, 1982

By Michele de Lucchi

Located in Troy, MI

Iconic First Chair designed by Michele de Lucchi for Memphis Milano in 1982. Founded by Ettore

Category

Vintage 1980s Italian Mid-Century Modern Side Chairs

Materials

Metal

Michele de Lucchi's First Chair for Memphis Milano, 1982

H 35.5 in W 25.5 in D 18 in

Set of Six Italian Memphis Dining Chairs by Michele De Lucchi

By Memphis Group, Michele de Lucchi

Located in Palm Springs, CA

A spectacular set of six Italian Memphis “First Chair” designed by renowned Italian designer

Category

Vintage 1980s Italian Post-Modern Dining Room Chairs

Materials

Steel

Set of Six Italian Memphis Dining Chairs by Michele De Lucchi

H 35.75 in W 25.5 in D 16 in

First Chair by Michele de Lucchi for Memphis

By Memphis Group, Michele de Lucchi

Located in Denton, MD

identification tag on bottom of seat. The First Chair is the most popular product of all the designs included

Category

Vintage 1980s Italian Post-Modern Chairs

Materials

Metal

First Chair by Michele de Lucchi for Memphis

H 35 in W 23 in L 35 in

First Chair by Michele de Lucchi for Memphis, Milano

By Michele de Lucchi, Memphis Milano

Located in Brooklyn, NY

, the first chair captures everything exciting and inspirational in postmodern design. A metal tube

Category

Late 20th Century Post-Modern Side Chairs

Materials

Metal

First Chair by Michele de Lucchi for Memphis, Milano

H 35 in W 18 in D 26 in

MEMPHIS M. DE LUCHI "FIRST" CHAIRS

Located in Miami, FL

METAL AND WOOD LACQUERED FINISH. PRICED INDIVIDUALLY.

Category

Late 20th Century Italian Chairs

Materials

Metal

MEMPHIS M. DE LUCHI "FIRST" CHAIRS

H 18 in W 18 in

A "First" Memphis Chair designed by Michele De Lucchi

Located in Macclesfield, Cheshire

A "First" Memphis Chair designed by Michele De Lucchi Circa 1983. Metal and lacquered wood

Category

Late 20th Century Italian Chairs

Materials

Metal

A "First" Memphis Chair designed by Michele De Lucchi

H 35.04 in W 25.2 in D 18.12 in

Michele de Lucchi's "First Chair" for Memphis Milano 1982

By Michele de Lucchi

Located in Brooklyn, NY

Michele de Lucchi's "First Chair" designed for Memphis Milano in 1982.

Category

Vintage 1980s Italian Post-Modern Side Chairs

Michele de Lucchi's "First Chair" for Memphis Milano 1982

H 36 in Dm 25 in

A set of eight “First” Memphis Chairs, designed by Michele De Lucchi.

By Michele de Lucchi

Located in Macclesfield, Cheshire

A set of eight “First” Memphis Chairs, designed by Michele De Lucchi. Italy circa 1983. Metal

Category

Late 20th Century Italian Chairs

Materials

Metal

A set of eight “First” Memphis Chairs, designed by Michele De Lucchi.

H 35.04 in W 25.2 in D 18.12 in

Set of Three Michele de Lucchi First Chairs

By Memphis Group, Michele de Lucchi

Located in Brooklyn, NY

First Chairs by Michele de Lucchi for Memphis Milano having tubular steel frames with painted wood

Category

Vintage 1980s Italian Post-Modern Dining Room Chairs

Set of Three Michele de Lucchi First Chairs

H 37.75 in W 25.75 in D 18.5 in

First Chair by Michele De Lucchi

By Memphis Group, Michele de Lucchi

Located in Hudson, NY

Armchair with tubular steel frames, lacquered seat and back. Original production. Made by Memphis.

Category

Late 20th Century Italian Memphis Group Armchairs

First Chair by Michele De Lucchi

H 35.5 in W 23.5 in D 20 in

Flamingo Side Table by Michele De Lucchi for Memphis

By Memphis Group, Michele de Lucchi

Located in Denton, MD

couch or it's extra special next to one of De Lucchi's First chairs for Memphis.

Category

Vintage 1980s Italian Post-Modern Side Tables

Materials

Laminate, Wood

Flamingo Side Table by Michele De Lucchi for Memphis

H 37 in W 13.5 in D 18 in

Memphis Milano, First Chair, Michele de Lucchi, 1983

By Memphis Milano, Michele de Lucchi

Located in NIEUWKUIJK, NB

Striking and bold, this chair designed by Michele De Lucchi in 1983 for Memphis will be a superb

Category

Vintage 1980s Italian Chairs

Materials

Metal

Memphis Milano, First Chair, Michele de Lucchi, 1983

H 35.44 in W 23.23 in D 19.69 in

Pair of First Chairs by Michele de Lucchi for Memphis

By Michele de Lucchi, Memphis Group

Located in Denton, MD

tag on bottom of seat. The first chair is the most popular product of all the designs included in the

Category

Vintage 1980s Italian Post-Modern Chairs

Materials

Metal

Pair of First Chairs by Michele de Lucchi for Memphis

H 35 in W 23 in D 19.5 in

First Chair by Michele De Lucchi for Memphis Milano, Set of Four

By Michele de Lucchi

Located in Denton, MD

Sottsass Associati Aldo Cibic, which was furnished with Memphis First Chairs, patterns, wallpaper and rugs

Category

Late 20th Century Italian Post-Modern Chairs

Materials

Metal

First Chair by Michele De Lucchi for Memphis Milano, Set of Four

H 35 in W 19.5 in D 23 in

Kristall Table by Michele De Lucchi for Memphis

By Michele de Lucchi, Memphis Group

Located in Denton, MD

chairs for Memphis.

Category

Vintage 1980s Italian Post-Modern Side Tables

Materials

Steel

Kristall Table by Michele De Lucchi for Memphis

H 24 in W 24 in D 22 in

Kristall Table by Michele De Lucchi for Memphis

By Michele de Lucchi, Memphis Group

Located in Denton, MD

chairs for Memphis.

Category

Vintage 1980s Italian Post-Modern Side Tables

Materials

Steel

Kristall Table by Michele De Lucchi for Memphis

H 24 in W 24 in D 22 in

Kristall Table by Michele De Lucchi for Memphis

By Michele de Lucchi

Located in Denton, MD

chairs for Memphis.

Category

Vintage 1980s Italian Memphis Group Tables

Materials

Steel

Kristall Table by Michele De Lucchi for Memphis

H 24 in W 24 in D 22 in

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Seating Under $2,000

Antique and Vintage Seating

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First Chair Memphis For Sale on 1stDibs

At 1stDibs, there are several options of first chair memphis available for sale. Frequently made of metal, wood and plastic, all first chair memphis available were constructed with great care. First chair memphis have been made for many years, and versions that date back to the 20th Century alongside those produced as recently as the 21st Century. There are many kinds of first chair memphis to choose from, but at 1stDibs, Modern and Mid-Century Modern first chair memphis are of considerable interest.

How Much are First Chair Memphis?

The average selling price for at 1stDibs is $1,550, while they’re typically $1,150 on the low end and $3,950 highest priced.

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 First Chair Memphis

What was the first reclining chair?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
In 1928, a patent was issued to two American cousins, Edward Knabush and Edwin Shoemaker, which trademarked the design of a reclining wooden bench. This patent would later go on to become La-Z-Boy. Shop a collection of reclining furniture from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.
When was the first chair invented?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertFebruary 21, 2024
Although the very first chair to be invented is up for speculation, one of the earliest was created during the Early Dynastic Period of Egypt around 3100 B.C. Early chairs produced by the ancient Egyptians usually featured wood construction and upholstery made of leather or cloth. Interestingly, they were much lower than today's chairs, with seat heights of around 10 inches versus the average modern dining chair seat height of 18 to 23 inches. On 1stDibs, find a wide variety of antique, vintage and contemporary chairs.
Who made the first iron chairs in Britain?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertMay 5, 2023
In Britain, John Wilkinson made the first mass-produced iron chairs during the 1770s. However, handcrafted iron chairs appeared much earlier. In the mid-thirteenth century, King Edward I commissioned three iron chairs for St. Paul’s Cathedral. The artisan who made these pieces is unknown. On 1stDibs, find a range of iron chairs.
What did the first ever chair look like?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertFebruary 1, 2024
While we don't know for sure what the first ever chair looked like, early examples of chairs dating back to ancient Egypt can give us some idea of its form. Archaeologists have uncovered chairs from around 3100 B.C. They tend to have boxy shapes and upholstery made of cloth or leather. Compared to modern chairs, seat heights were much lower, at around 10 inches above the floor. Find a large collection of chairs on 1stDibs.

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