Iconic Outdoor Chairs
Recent Sales
21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Chairs
Walnut
21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Chairs
Walnut
21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Chairs
Walnut, Wicker
21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Chairs
Walnut, Leather
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Chairs
Plastic
Vintage 1960s Mid-Century Modern Patio and Garden Furniture
Metal
Vintage 1960s Mid-Century Modern Patio and Garden Furniture
Polyester
Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Patio and Garden Furniture
Steel
Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Patio and Garden Furniture
Steel
Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Patio and Garden Furniture
Steel
Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Patio and Garden Furniture
Steel
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Armchairs
Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Patio and Garden Furniture
Steel
Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Patio and Garden Furniture
Steel
Early 2000s Swedish Modern Lounge Chairs
Wire
Vintage 1950s American Dining Room Chairs
Cord, Cotton
Vintage 1950s American Armchairs
Metal
Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Patio and Garden Furniture
Steel
Iconic Outdoor Chairs For Sale on 1stDibs
How Much are Iconic Outdoor 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.
- 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.
- Why is the ghost chair iconic?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022The Louis Ghost chair is iconic for its elegant clear Lucite design, created by Phillipe Starck in 2002. It makes it exceptionally versatile to incorporate into existing decor, as well as making it an eye-catching style statement. Shop a collection of ghost chairs from top sellers around the world on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertOctober 5, 2021The most comfortable outdoor chair is a matter of preference. But you can choose from a variety of options available such as adjustable reclining chairs, zero gravity chair, outdoor folding chair, etc. On 1stDibs, you can find a variety of chair options for outdoor seating.
- What is the best outdoor chair?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertNovember 2, 2021The best outdoor chair is ultimately a matter of preference. Outdoor chairs and other outdoor furniture have been made in a variety of materials over the years. Whether it’s wicker couches for your screened porch or wrought-iron armchairs for fireside drinks, find the antique and vintage patio and garden furniture you need on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022Yes, Panton chairs can be used outdoors. Crafted with molded plastic, the Panton chair can be stacked and can withstand the snow, rain and other weather elements. Designed by Verner Panton, this classic chair is widely loved by home decor enthusiasts and can be found through a variety of authorized retailers, including 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertMarch 3, 2023Some iconic chairs from the mid-century modern era include the Egg chair by Arne Jacobson, the La Chaise by Charles and Ray Eames and the Womb chair by Eero Saarinen. With their clean lines, organic shapes and simple details, these chairs reflect some of the key features of the style. Shop a variety of mid-century modern chairs on 1stDibs.
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