Folding Chairs Yugoslavia
Mid-20th Century Macedonian Scandinavian Modern Lounge Chairs
Beech, Rope
Mid-20th Century Macedonian Mid-Century Modern Chairs
Beech, Cord
Vintage 1960s Macedonian Scandinavian Modern Swivel Chairs
Papercord, Birch
Vintage 1970s Slovenian Mid-Century Modern Chairs
Hardwood
Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs
Rope, Wood
Vintage 1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Side Chairs
Nylon, Beech
Vintage 1950s Slovenian Mid-Century Modern Armchairs
Plywood
Vintage 1950s Art Deco Armchairs
Plywood
Vintage 1950s Montenegrin Mid-Century Modern Magazine Racks and Stands
Rosewood
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2010s North American Modern Side Chairs
Hardwood
21st Century and Contemporary French Modern End Tables
Travertine, Wrought Iron
2010s American Mid-Century Modern Wall Lights and Sconces
Brass, Bronze, Enamel, Nickel
21st Century and Contemporary Swedish Scandinavian Modern Wall Lights an...
Metal
Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Office Chairs and Desk Chairs
Leather
21st Century and Contemporary Mexican Mid-Century Modern Floor Lamps
Textile, Wood
2010s European Industrial Side Chairs
Steel
Vintage 1970s Italian Tea Sets
Brass
21st Century and Contemporary Finnish Mid-Century Modern Floor Lamps
Brass
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Chairs
Maple
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Mid-Century Modern Dining Room Tables
Travertine
Vintage 1950s Mexican Mid-Century Modern Armchairs
Wood
Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Benches
Maple, Lacquer
Vintage 1970s British Books
Paper
2010s Mexican Mid-Century Modern Side Chairs
Rattan, Walnut
1990s American Mid-Century Modern Books
Paper
Recent Sales
Vintage 1960s Macedonian Mid-Century Modern Slipper Chairs
Vintage 1960s European Chairs
Rope, Teak
Vintage 1960s Macedonian Mid-Century Modern Chairs
Vintage 1950s Macedonian Mid-Century Modern Side Chairs
Wood, Rope
Vintage 1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Chairs
Wood
Vintage 1970s Macedonian Mid-Century Modern Club Chairs
Rope, Oak
Vintage 1970s Slovenian Mid-Century Modern Chairs
Hardwood
Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Chairs
Rush, Wood
Vintage 1960s Macedonian Mid-Century Modern Dining Room Chairs
Papercord, Teak
Vintage 1960s Slovenian Chairs
Iron
Vintage 1960s Unknown Mid-Century Modern Side Chairs
Rope, Wood
Vintage 1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs
Rope, Wood
Vintage 1950s Macedonian Armchairs
Late 20th Century Macedonian Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs
Rope, Oak
Vintage 1960s Macedonian Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs
Cord, Mahogany
Vintage 1970s Macedonian Mid-Century Modern Chairs
Papercord
Vintage 1960s Serbian Scandinavian Modern Chairs
Rope, Wood
Antique 1650s Macedonian Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs
Rope, Beech
Mid-20th Century European Scandinavian Modern Chairs
Papercord, Wood
Mid-20th Century Italian Scandinavian Modern Lounge Chairs
Twine, Wood
Vintage 1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs
Rope, Wood
Vintage 1960s Serbian Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs
Birch, Cord, Rope
Vintage 1940s Mexican Mid-Century Modern Children's Furniture
Seagrass, Wood
Vintage 1950s Macedonian Mid-Century Modern Rocking Chairs
Wood
Vintage 1960s Macedonian Lounge Chairs
Hardwood
Vintage 1960s Macedonian Lounge Chairs
Wood, Rope
Vintage 1960s Macedonian Mid-Century Modern Side Chairs
Walnut
Vintage 1960s Macedonian Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs
Brass
Vintage 1950s Slovenian Mid-Century Modern Armchairs
Synthetic, Bentwood
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.
- Do butterfly chairs fold up?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022Whether or not a butterfly chair will fold will depend on the make and model. The butterfly chair was originally designed with metal hairpin legs without hinges or joints. Collector versions of the butterfly chair will not be foldable, however, foldable designs are a popular silhouette for recreational seating.
- Who invented the folding chair?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertFebruary 13, 2023Nathaniel Alexander invented the folding chair in 1911. During the 1950s, demand for the chairs skyrocketed with furniture makers like the Fredric Arnold Company in Brooklyn, New York, producing thousands every day. Find a variety of folding chairs on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertAugust 17, 2021The most comfortable folding chair is really a matter of preference. When shopping for folding chairs, you’ll want to think about how you’ll use them, how often you’ll be using them and if you have a preference with respect to materials. Shop antique, vintage and new folding chairs on 1stDibs.
- Who designed the folding chair?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertApril 22, 2024Opinions vary on who designed the folding chair. Chairs designed to fold have existed since the ancient world, with examples found in the tomb of Tutankhamun. Some people argue that the original designer of the modern-day folding chair was John Cram, who patented an idea for a folding chair in 1855. However, others believe that Philip E.G. Harrison should get the credit because his 1931 design more closely resembles the modern-day folding chair. Nathaniel Alexander also contributed to the development of the folding chair with his 1911 chair that included a book rest, as did Frederic Arnold, who created the first folding aluminum chair in 1947. Shop a selection of folding chairs on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 16, 2024Chairs that fold up are usually called folding chairs. However, people may refer to them as collapsible chairs as well. Other names for folding chairs designed for outdoor use include deck chairs, beach chairs, lawn chairs, camping chairs and patio chairs. Shop a collection of folding chairs on 1stDibs.
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