European High Back Chairs
Vintage 1940s European Mid-Century Modern Side Chairs
Faux Leather, Oak
Mid-20th Century European Neoclassical Side Chairs
Upholstery, Wood
Vintage 1980s European Post-Modern Chairs
Metal
Mid-20th Century European Mid-Century Modern Corner Chairs
Brass
2010s European Modern Lounge Chairs
Wood, Velvet
Vintage 1950s European Mid-Century Modern Chairs
Velvet
Vintage 1970s European Mid-Century Modern Chairs
Bamboo
2010s European Dining Room Chairs
Wood
Vintage 1950s European Mid-Century Modern Chairs
Metal
Mid-20th Century European Mid-Century Modern Dining Room Chairs
Mahogany
Mid-20th Century European Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs
Metal
2010s European Modern Swivel Chairs
Metal
Mid-20th Century European Mid-Century Modern Loveseats
Mahogany
Vintage 1980s European Post-Modern Chairs
Wood
Antique Late 18th Century European Chippendale Chairs
Mahogany
Mid-20th Century European Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs
Leather, Oak
Antique Early 18th Century European Baroque Revival Wingback Chairs
Wood
Antique 19th Century European Renaissance Revival Armchairs
Fabric, Walnut
Vintage 1950s European Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs
Wool, Teak
Vintage 1960s European Side Chairs
Wood
Late 20th Century European Post-Modern Chairs
Pine
Antique Late 19th Century English Windsor Chairs
Yew
Vintage 1960s European Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs
Fabric, Teak
Mid-20th Century European Scandinavian Modern Lounge Chairs
Upholstery, Wood
2010s European Other Chairs
Steel
Vintage 1950s European Mid-Century Modern Side Chairs
Wood
Vintage 1950s European Arts and Crafts Side Chairs
Wood
Vintage 1950s European Mid-Century Modern Dining Room Chairs
Wood
Antique 19th Century Side Chairs
Cane, Wood
20th Century European Art Deco Office Chairs and Desk Chairs
Chrome
Vintage 1960s European Mid-Century Modern Armchairs
Fabric
Antique 19th Century Armchairs
Wood, Fabric
Early 20th Century Macedonian Victorian Windsor Chairs
Walnut
Vintage 1960s European Mid-Century Modern Dining Room Chairs
Walnut
Antique Early 1900s European Chairs
Wood
Mid-20th Century European Scandinavian Modern Lounge Chairs
Beech
20th Century French Lounge Chairs
Brass
Antique 19th Century European Chairs
Oak
20th Century European Chairs
Oak
Antique 19th Century European Chairs
Mid-20th Century European Mid-Century Modern Office Chairs and Desk Chairs
Leather, Wood
Mid-20th Century European Bohemian Armchairs
Rattan
Antique Late 19th Century European Victorian Chairs
Mother-of-Pearl, Cane, Wood
Vintage 1960s European Mid-Century Modern Dining Room Chairs
Fabric, Wenge
European High Back Chairs For Sale on 1stDibs
How Much are European High Back Chairs?
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.
- 1stDibs ExpertOctober 12, 2021A high back office chair has a tall backrest to provide support to both your back and neck. It helps minimize the risk of chronic neck and back problems. These chairs also come with wheels attached for ease of mobility. Shop a range of antique and vintage high back office chairs on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertJune 15, 2023High-backed old-fashioned chairs are often called wingback chairs. They may not offer structural support, but the wings on antique and vintage wingback chairs certainly do have a purpose or did, when the design was 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 explains why the wingback is so 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 and have seen waves of revivals. On 1stDibs, find a variety of antique, vintage and modern wingback chairs from some of the world's top sellers on 1stDibs.
Read More
20 Inviting Dining Rooms Perfectly Arranged for Entertaining
Top interior designers show — and tell — us how to create delectable spaces for hosting dinner parties.
Nobody Puts This Sunny Sofa in a Corner
With its plush cushions, cane details and dazzlingly colorful back, it’s inviting from every angle.
The 21 Most Popular Mid-Century Modern Chairs
You know the designs, now get the stories about how they came to be.
Fred Rigby’s Modular Seating Can Be Configured in So Many Handy Ways
The plush Cove Slipper 2.5 Seater sofa is just one of many convenient combinations from the London-based maker.
This Chubby-Chic Quilted Stool Stands on Its Own Two Feet
Sam Klemick's cool stool is edgy, cozy and environmentally sustainable all at once.
Is Lionel Jadot the Willy Wonka of Upcycled Belgian Design?
From his massive collaborative workshop in a former paper factory, the designer concocts funky furniture from disused materials, as well as luxe hotel interiors like the new Mix Brussels.
Rock Your Cares Away on This Sunny Hand-Crocheted Swing
The boho-chic Enchanted Forest Swing, handmade by marginalized women from Turkey and Syria, is uplifting in every way.
Learn Why Designer Maarten Baas Set This Charles Rennie Mackintosh Chair on Fire
What happens when you do something to a piece of furniture that you shouldn’t? It becomes an entirely new object.