Antique 1880 Arts & Crafts Metamorphic Library Steps Original Carpet Upholstery
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
We are delighted to offer for sale this lovely antique Arts & Crafts Victorian metamorphic library steps chair in oak with period upholstered Carpet steps A very charming and hi...
Oak
Brown Arts and Crafts Ladder Back Wooden Dining Chair with Natural Woven Seat
Located in Oklahoma City, OK
A tall wood arts and crafts style ladder back dining chair. With a square natural fiber woven seat, and a tall racked back, this chair will be a fabulous addition to a dining room, o...
Wood, Straw
Limbert Antique Mission Oak Arts & Crafts Ladder Back Dining Chairs, Pair
By Charles Limbert
Located in South Bend, IN
A beautiful pair of antique Mission or Arts & Crafts ladder back dining chairs By Charles P.
Leather, Oak
Limbert Antique Mission Oak Arts & Crafts Ladder Back Dining Chairs, Pair
By Charles Limbert
Located in South Bend, IN
A beautiful pair of Mission or Arts & Crafts period side chairs or dining chairs By Charles P. Limbert Co. USA, Circa 1910 Solid quarter sawn oak frames, with studded leather upho...
Leather, Oak
Antique Arts & Crafts Mission Oak Ladder Back Hip Rail Rocker Rocking Chair
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Antique Arts & Crafts Mission Oak Ladder Back Hip Rail Rocker Rocking Chair.
Cane, Oak
Gustav Stickley Antique Mission Oak Arts & Crafts Ladder Back Dining Chairs
By Gustav Stickley
Located in South Bend, IN
An exceptional set of six of Mission or Arts & Crafts dining chairs By Gustav Stickley USA, Early 20th Century Solid quarter sawn oak, with rush seats. Measures: 17"W x 18"D x 36...
Rush, Oak
Roycroft Antique Mission Oak Arts & Crafts Ladder Back Desk Chair or Side Chair
By Roycroft
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous antique Mission or Arts & Crafts period desk chair, side chair, or dining chair By Roycroft USA, Early 20th Century Oak, with upholstered seat. Measures: 16.75"W x...
Upholstery, Oak
Limbert Antique Mission Oak Arts & Crafts Ladder Back Dining Chairs, Set of Four
By Charles Limbert
Located in South Bend, IN
A beautiful set of four antique Mission or Arts & Crafts ladder back dining chairs By Charles P.
Leather, Oak
Limbert Antique Mission Oak Arts & Crafts Ladder Back Dining Chairs, Set of Four
By Charles Limbert
Located in South Bend, IN
A beautiful set of four antique Mission or Arts & Crafts ladder back dining chairs By Charles P.
Leather, Oak
L. & J. G. Stickley Antique Mission Oak Arts & Crafts Ladder Back Dining Chairs
By L. & J.G. Stickley Inc.
Located in South Bend, IN
An exceptional set of four antique Mission or Arts & Crafts period ladder back dining chairs By L. & J.G.
Upholstery, Oak
L. & J. G. Stickley Antique Mission Oak Arts & Crafts Ladder Back Dining Chairs
By L. & J.G. Stickley Inc.
Located in South Bend, IN
An exceptional set of five antique Mission or Arts & Crafts period ladder back dining chairs By L. & J.G.
Upholstery, Oak
Arts & Crafts Wood Ladder Back Chairs with Woven Rush Seats, Set of 2 - 1920s
Located in Oklahoma City, OK
A fabulous set of Arts and Crafts rush seat, ladder back wooden chairs.
Rush, Wood
L. & J. G. Stickley Antique Mission Oak Arts & Crafts Ladder Back Armchair
By L. & J.G. Stickley Inc.
Located in South Bend, IN
An exceptional antique Mission or Arts & Crafts period club chair or armchair By L. & J.G. Stickley USA, Circa 1900 Solid quarter sawn oak frame, with upholstered seat. Measures:...
Upholstery, Oak
Modernist Ladder Back Chairs Attributed to Joseph Urban
By Josef Urban
Located in Sagaponack, NY
These expressive ladder back chairs are crafted of oak and are in excellent original condition.
Upholstery, Oak
Rustic ladder-back chair with straw seat France early 20th century
By Charlotte Perriand
Located in Berlin, DE
French rustic ladder-back chair, early 20th century. Hand-crafted in solid wood with a woven straw seat, this vernacular form exemplifies the rural traditions that later informed mod...
Oak, Cane
$12,000 / item
David N. Ebner, Twisted Stick Ladder Back Chair
By David N. Ebner
Located in Bellport, NY
One of a kind tall twisted stick ladder back chair by renowned artist and craftsman David N. Ebner. Please see the newly published book "David Ebner: Studio Furniture" by Nancy Sc...
Wood
Liberty & Co. An English Aesthetic Movement walnut ladder back rush seat chair
By Liberty & Co.
Located in London, GB
Liberty and Co. London. An elegant English Aesthetic Movement walnut ladder back side chair. The last three images are from: A Pictorial Dictionary of British 19th Century Furnit...
Rush, Walnut
Edward Gardiner. Set of Nine English Ladder Back Dining Chairs
By Edward Gardiner
Located in London, GB
Clissett had been making traditional ladder-back chairs from as early as 1838. Those skills were passed down to him, thus making him a famous master craftsman of his own generation, ...
Oak
Set of four oak and leather ladder back dining chairs by Gordon Russell
By Gordon Russell
Located in Petworth, GB
Rare set of four Arts and Crafts Cotswold School ladder back dining chairs by Gordon Russell.
Oak
Stickley Brothers Mission Oak Arts & Crafts Side Chairs, Newly Refinished
By Stickley Brothers
Located in South Bend, IN
An exceptional pair of antique Mission or Arts & Crafts period solid quarter sawn oak ladder back side chairs or dining chairs By Stickley Brothers USA, Circa 1910 Measures: 18.5"...
Oak
Arts & Craft Mission Tiger Oak & Leather Rocking Chair by Stickley
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Built from tiger oak, the chair features a simple yet robust ladder-back design with exquisite joinery and a newly upholstered Italian leather seat for modern comfort.
Leather, Oak
A pair of Arts and crafts ladder back chairs early 1900’s England
By William Morris (English)
Located in London, GB
Pair of Arts and Crafts Ladderback Chairs with Rush Seats English 19th Century Design This pair of English Arts and Crafts ladderback chairs, dating from the late 19th century, bea...
Rush, Wood
Liberty and Co, A pair of Arts and Crafts side chairs with finely rushed seats
By Liberty & Co.
Located in London, GB
Liberty and Co, a pair of Arts & Crafts ladder back side chairs with the original finely laid rushed seats and stylish simple upright details to the fronts, uniting the front stretch...
Beech
Gustav Stickley Antique Mission Oak Arts & Crafts Rocking Chair, Circa 1910
By Gustav Stickley
Located in South Bend, IN
An exceptional antique Mission or Arts & Crafts period ladder back rocking chair By Gustav Stickley (signed with red decal) USA, Circa 1910 Gorgeous quarter sawn oak, with leather...
Leather, Oak
Gustav Stickley Antique Mission Oak Arts & Crafts Dining Chairs, Pair
By Gustav Stickley
Located in South Bend, IN
An exceptional pair of antique Mission or Arts & Crafts period ladder back side chairs or dining chairs By Gustav Stickley USA, Early 20th Century Solid quarter sawn oak frames, w...
Leather, Oak
Gustav Stickley Antique Mission Oak Arts & Crafts Dining Chairs, Pair
By Gustav Stickley
Located in South Bend, IN
An exceptional pair of antique Mission or Arts & Crafts period ladder back side chairs or dining chairs By Gustav Stickley USA, Early 20th Century Solid quarter sawn oak frames, w...
Leather, Oak
Pair English Arts & Crafts Oak Chairs Gimson & Barnsley Cotswold School C.1905
Located in London, GB
Pair of English Arts & Crafts Oak Ladder-Back Chairs, Cotswold School C.1905 A pair of oak side chairs in the vernacular Cotswold tradition, each with a tall four-rail ladder back r...
Oak
L. & J. G. Stickley Antique Mission Oak Arts & Crafts Side Chairs Pair
By L. & J.G. Stickley Inc.
Located in South Bend, IN
An exceptional pair of antique Mission or Arts & Crafts period ladder back dining chairs By L. & J.G.
Leather, Oak
Antique Wood Ladder Back Rush Seat Child's Accent Chair Painted Orange
Located in Oklahoma City, OK
A children's American Arts and Crafts ladder back chair with a rush seat.
Rush, Wood
L. & J. G. Stickley Antique Mission Oak Arts & Crafts Desk Chair, Circa 1910
By L. & J.G. Stickley Inc.
Located in South Bend, IN
An exceptional antique Mission or Arts & Crafts period ladder back desk chair, side chair, or dining chair By L. & J.
Oak
Gustav Stickley Antique Mission Oak Arts & Crafts Dining Chairs, Set of Four
By Gustav Stickley
Located in South Bend, IN
An exceptional set of four antique Mission or Arts & Crafts period ladder back dining chairs By Gustav Stickley USA, Early 20th Century Solid quarter sawn oak frames, with brass s...
Brass
Heals, Set of Four English Arts & Crafts Oak Arched Top Ladderback Dining Chairs
By Heal's
Located in London, GB
A set of four English Arts and Crafts oak arched top ladder back dining chairs in the Cotswold style.
Oak
L. & J. G. Stickley Mission Oak Arts & Crafts Dining Chairs Set of Four
By L. & J.G. Stickley Inc.
Located in South Bend, IN
An exceptional set of four antique Mission or Arts & Crafts period ladder back dining chairs By L.
Leather, Oak
L. & J. G. Stickley Mission Oak Arts & Crafts Dining Chairs Set of Eight
By L. & J.G. Stickley Inc.
Located in South Bend, IN
An exceptional set of eight antique Mission or Arts & Crafts period ladder back dining chairs By L. & J.G.
Leather, Oak
Ernest Gimson. A pair of yew wood ladder back and bobbin turned armchairs
By Ernest Gimson
Located in London, GB
Ernest Gimson, designer. A good quality pair of Cotswold School yew wood ladder back and bobbin-turned armchairs with rush seats.
Oak
L. & J. G. Stickley Antique Mission Oak Arts & Crafts Dining Chairs Set of Six
By L. & J.G. Stickley Inc.
Located in South Bend, IN
An exceptional set of six antique Mission or Arts & Crafts period ladder back dining chairs By L. & J.G.
Leather, Oak
L. & J. G. Stickley Antique Mission Oak Arts & Crafts Side Chairs, Pair
By L. & J.G. Stickley Inc.
Located in South Bend, IN
An exceptional pair of antique Mission or Arts & Crafts period ladder back side chairs or dining chairs By L.
Leather, Oak
Sculptural Ladder-Back Chairs, Europe first half of the 20th century
Located in Utrecht, NL
The ladder-back chair was one of the most popular chairs of its time.
Fabric, Wood
1960's Horgen Glarus Beech Ladder Back Dining Chairs - Various Quantities Availa
Located in Hook, Hampshire
1960’s Horgen Glarus Beech Ladder Back Dining Chairs – Various Quantities Available 1960’s Horgen Glarus Beech Ladder Back Dining Chairs – Various Quantities Available.
Beech
Philip Clissett A fine set of four early Arts & Crafts ash ladder back armchairs
By Phillip Clissett
Located in London, GB
A fine set of four early Arts and Crafts ash ladder back armchairs with pegged joints.
Ash
Heals attr, A walnut desk chair or armchair with a rounded top and ladder back.
By Heal's
Located in London, GB
Heals attributed. A Walnut desk chair or armchair with a rounded top and ladder back, sculptured curvaceous arms, the four legs united by an 'H' stretcher.
Walnut
Danish Art Nouveau Lounge Chair in Oak and Papercord, 1930s.
Located in Asaa, DK
Its ladder-back design is accented with softly carved crest rails, while the warm oak patina highlights the natural grain of the wood.
Papercord, Oak
Arts and Crafts Armchair in Elm Possibly for Liberty & Co
By Liberty & Co., William Birch
Located in London, London
The rush seat, possibly original or an early replacement, is well-preserved, showing only minor wear in keeping with age. A chair that captures the transition between vernacular tra...
Rush, Elm
L & JG Stickley Mission Oak Arts & Crafts Lounge Arm Chair Spring Seat Cushion
By L. & J.G. Stickley Inc.
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Antique L & JG Stickley Mission Oak Arts & Crafts Lounge Arm Chair Spring Seat Cushion.
Oak
Liberty & Co. Style of CFA Voysey. A Pair of Oak Rush Seat Ladderback Armchairs
By Charles Voysey, Liberty & Co.
Located in London, GB
Liberty & Co, in the style of C F A Voysey. A pair of oak rush seat ladderback armchairs with circular caps to the tops and wavy ladders to the back, the arms with subtle outward sha...
Rush, Oak
Arts & Crafts Rare Pair of Edwin Lutyens Armchairs
By Edwin Lutyens
Located in Petworth, GB
Arts & Crafts rare pair of ladder back oak armchairs With rush seats By Sir Edwin Landseer Lutyens Circa 1902 Height 98cm Width 61cm Depth 50cm "Sir Edwin Lutyens was a designer an...
Rush, Oak
2 Rural Dutch Ladder Back Oak Rush Seat Armchairs
Located in Boven Leeuwen, NL
Lovely minimalist armchairs from the 1930s made of solid oak with a wicker woven seat. Fit perfectly with the style of designers such as Charlotte Perriand and Charles Dudouyt. Comf...
Rush, Oak
An English Cotswold School Oak Ladder Back Rush Seat Armchair
By Edward Gardiner
Located in London, GB
An English Cotswold School early oak ladder back rush seat armchair These ladder back chairs are steeped in history, their design has evolved from a long line of English chair maker...
Rush, Oak
$1,662Sale Price|30% Off
L. & J.G. Stickley Mission Oak Ladder-Back Armchair, c. 1910, Signed
By L. & J.G. Stickley Inc.
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Stickley dates to the early 20th century, circa 1910. The chair features a bold rectilinear form with classic ladder-back slats, wide paddle arms, and sturdy box stretcher constructi...
Wood
French Work, Pair of High-Back Oak Chairs with Rush Seats, circa 1940–1950
Located in NEUILLY-SUR-SEINE, FR
The architectural silhouette, with its tall ladder back, turned and ringed uprights, carved panel, and rush seat resting on sturdy ringed legs, places these chairs squarely within th...
Rush, Oak
Cotswold School Oak 'Wishbone' Refectory Table Designed By Ernest Gimson
By Ernest Gimson
Located in Petworth, GB
Gimson had also, through the Art Workers' Guild, become interested in a more hands on approach to traditional crafts, and in 1890 spent time with Philip Clissett in Bosbury, Hereford...
Oak
Pair of Post-War Armchairs, Solid Oak, Design by Guillerme et Chambron, 1950s
By Guillerme et Chambron
Located in leucate, FR
The rich grain and warm tone of the oak highlight the exceptional craftsmanship typical of Guillerme and Chambron’s work. Design: The chairs feature ladder-back designs, which enh...
Oak
1910 Arts & Crafts Ladder Back Chair
Located in Pasadena, CA
Arts & Crafts period oak side chair with new leather upholstery.
1910 Arts and Crafts Mission Oak Ladder-Back Chair
Located in Pasadena, CA
Classic arts and crafts side chair with ladder back. Beautiful quarter sawn oak.
Arts & Crafts Ladder Back Chair, 1910
Located in Pasadena, CA
Arts & Crafts period side chair with new riveted leather upholstery, circa 1910.
Set of 6 Elm Arts and Crafts Dining Chairs
Located in London, GB
Early 20th century French elm dining chairs with an arts and crafts feel. The chairs have a tall ladder style back with iron studs.
Elm
One of Two Arts & Crafts Side Chairs
Located in Pasadena, CA
Craftsman era ladder back oak side chair, circa 1910. Priced and sold individually.
Unavailable
H 43 in W 27.5 in D 23.5 in
Gustav Stickley Eight Oak American Arts & Crafts Dining Chairs, Design 965
By Gustav Stickley
Located in London, GB
Gustav Stickley a rare set of eight oak American Arts & Crafts ladder-back dining chairs, design no. 965, six sides, two arms, with drop-in seats newly re-upholstered in 100% linen, ...
Unavailable
H 39.38 in W 22.84 in D 31.5 in
Arts and Crafts mahogany armchair with adjustable back, England circa 1870
Located in Macclesfield, Cheshire
A Mahogany Arts and Crafts Armchair with adjustable back, known as the William Morris Chair Original metal mounts and brass castors.
Mahogany
Unavailable
H 38.39 in W 22.05 in D 17.72 in
Early-20th Century Ladder Back Chair by Beard Watson Limited, Sydney, Australia
Located in Ettalong Beach, NSW
Beautifully delicate ladder back chair by Beard Watson Limited, Sydney retailer and manufacturer of high-class, quality furniture, circa 1910s.
Upholstery, Wood
Arts & Crafts Metamorphic Kitchen Chair and Library Steps
Located in Godshill, Isle of Wight
Arts & Crafts metamorphic kitchen chair and library steps A very useful piece, this handy little chair can be flipped over and turned into a small 4 step ladder, originally this ...
Sold
H 32.5 in W 16.5 in D 16 in
Arts & Crafts Mahogany Metamorphic Library Chair, English, Late 19th Century
Located in Spencertown, NY
The side chair with turned back rails and legs converting to library steps.
Mahogany
Sold
H 35.44 in W 17.52 in D 16.34 in
Antique Victorian Arts & Crafts Metamorphic Library Steps for Large Bookcases
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
We are delighted to offer this lovely antique Arts & Crafts Victorian metamorphic library steps chair in oak A very charming and highly collectable piece, designed as an at home ...
Oak
Sold
H 36 in W 17 in D 21 in
Six Antique Arts & Crafts Gustav Stickley Ladder Back Chairs Cat #208, c1910
By Gustav Stickley
Located in Big Flats, NY
An antique set of six Arts and Crafts dining chairs by Gustav Stickley (Catalog #208) offer quarter sawn oak ladder backs over upholstered seats and raised on square and straight leg...
Oak
Sold
H 35.25 in W 17.75 in D 19 in
Stickley Mission Oak Arts & Crafts Ladder Back Side Chair or Dining
By Stickley Brothers
Located in South Bend, IN
An exceptional Mission or Arts & Crafts ladder back side chair, desk chair, or dining chair By Stickley USA, Circa Late 20th Century Quarter sawn oak frame, with leather upholster...
Leather, Oak
Sold
H 34.25 in W 16.25 in D 17.5 in
Arts & Crafts Gustav Stickley Mission Oak Ladder Back Side Chair, circa 1910
By Gustav Stickley
Located in Big Flats, NY
An antique Arts & Crafts Mission side chair by Gustav Stickley offers oak construction with ladder back surmounting rush seat raised on square and straight legs, circa 1910.
Rush, Oak
Sold
H 48.75 in W 21 in
Ernest Gimson, Ten Arts & Crafts Cotswold School Oak Ladder Back Dining Chairs
By Ernest Gimson
Located in London, GB
After a design by Ernest Gimson. A set of ten high back Arts & Crafts Cotswold School oak ladder back dining chairs consisting of two armchairs and eight side chairs with through ten...
Oak
Eight Arts & Crafts Ladderback Chairs
By Ernest Gimson
Located in London, GB
A fine set of eight Arts & Crafts oak ladder back chairs in the manner of Gimson.
Oak
Pair of Green Stained Ash Ladder Back Chairs by Philip Clissett
Located in London, GB
Clissett had been making traditional ladder back chairs from as early as 1838, those skills passed down to him becoming a famous master craftsman of his own generation due to his for...
Ash, Beech
Set of Four Dining Chairs, English, Oak, Arts & Crafts Revival
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
Of stout stock and quality craftsmanship Oak displaying dark, rich tones in a wax polished finish Grain interest throughout Kitchen chairs made in the Arts & Crafts revival mann...
Oak
Arts & Crafts Era Ladderback Rush Dining Chairs 5
Located in Las Vegas, NV
Finely crafted and aged set of 5 early 1900s dining chairs with tall ladder backs and rush seating. These are not restored and retain their original aged patina. No repairs or iss...
Rush, Wood
Sold
H 46 in W 19 in D 18 in
C R Ashbee Made By The Guild of Handicraft A Ladder Back Armchair and Side Chair
By Charles Robert Ashbee
Located in London, GB
Charles Robert Ashbee (1863-1942) made by the guild of handicraft. A stained beech high back ladder back armchair and a single matching side chair.
Rush, Beech
Gustav Stickley Oak Ladder Back Desk / Dining Chair, c.1916
By Gustav Stickley
Located in San Juan Capistrano, CA
Gustav Stickley Oak Ladder Back Desk / Dining Chair, c.1916.
Oak
Sold
H 36.25 in W 17.75 in D 18.5 in
Antique Arts & Crafts Joseph McHugh Mission Oak Rush Seat Desk Chair, circa 1920
By Gustav Stickley
Located in Big Flats, NY
An antique Arts & Crafts mission oak desk chair by Joseph McHugh offers ladder back and rush seat and raised on straight and square legs terminating in slightly tapered feet, circa 1...
Rush, Oak
Sold
H 36 in W 17 in D 16.63 in
Signed Gustav Stickley Mission Oak Arts & Crafts Desk Chair or Side Chair
By Gustav Stickley
Located in South Bend, IN
A rare and exceptional antique Mission or Arts & Crafts ladder back desk chair or side chair By Gustav Stickley USA, Early 20th Century Solid quarter sawn oak, with woven upholste...
Oak
Sold
H 40.25 in W 25.25 in D 18 in
A Cotswold School Arts and Crafts Ash Armchair Attributed to Edward Gardiner
By Edward Gardiner
Located in London, GB
Clissett had been making traditional ladder back chairs from as early as 1838, those skills passed down to him becoming a famous master craftsman of his own generation because of his...
Rush, Ash
Early 19th Century South West Ladder High Back Rocking Chair
By Shaker Style
Located in Moreno Valley, CA
Early 19th century South West ladder high back rocker chair Great country accent, ladder high back rocking chair.
Maple
Sold
H 37.25 in W 18.5 in D 19 in
Stickley Brothers Mission Oak Arts & Crafts Dining Chairs, Newly Refinished
By Stickley Brothers
Located in South Bend, IN
An exceptional set of four antique Mission or Arts & Crafts period solid quarter sawn oak ladder back dining chairs By Stickley Brothers USA, Circa 1910 Measures: 18.5"W x 19"D x ...
Oak
Sold
H 37.25 in W 18.5 in D 19 in
Stickley Brothers Mission Oak Arts & Crafts Dining Chairs, Newly Refinished
By Stickley Brothers
Located in South Bend, IN
An exceptional set of six antique Mission or Arts & Crafts period solid quarter sawn oak ladder back dining chairs By Stickley Brothers USA, Circa 1910 Measures: 18.5"W x 19"D x 3...
Oak
Gustav Stickley Antique Mission Oak Arts & Crafts Dining Chairs, Pair
By Gustav Stickley
Located in South Bend, IN
A rare and exceptional pair of Mission or Arts & Crafts period ladder back side chairs or dining chairs By Gustav Stickley USA, Early 20th Century Solid quarter sawn oak frames, w...
Rush, Oak
Emerging in reaction to industrialization and mass production, the Arts and Crafts movement celebrated handcrafted design as a part of daily life. The history of Arts and Crafts furniture has roots in 1860s England with an emphasis on natural motifs and simple flourishes like mosaics and carvings. This work is characterized by plain construction that showcases the hand of the artisan.
The earliest American Arts and Crafts furniture dates back to the start of the 20th century. Designers working in this style in the United States initially looked to ideas put forth by The Craftsman, a magazine published by Wisconsin native Gustav Stickley, a furniture maker and founder of the Craftsman style. Stickley’s furniture was practical and largely free of ornament. His Craftsman style drew on French Art Nouveau as well as the work he encountered on his travels in England. There, the leading designers of the Arts and Crafts movement included William Morris, who revived historical techniques such as embroidery and printed fabrics in his furnishings, and Charles Voysey, whose minimal approach was in contrast to the ornamentation favored in the Victorian era.
American Arts and Crafts work would come to involve a range of influences unified by an elevation of traditional craftsmanship. The furniture was often built from sturdy woods like oak and mahogany while featuring details such as inlaid metal, tooled leather and ceramic tiles. The style in the United States was led by Stickley, whose clean-lined chairs and benches showcased the grain of the wood, and furniture maker Charles Rohlfs, who was informed by international influences like East Asian and French Art Nouveau design.
Hubs in America included several utopian communities such as Rose Valley in Pennsylvania and the Byrdcliffe Arts and Crafts Colony in New York, where craftspeople made furniture that prioritized function over any decoration. Their work would influence designers and architects including Frank Lloyd Wright, who built some of the most elegant and iconic structures in the United States and likewise embraced a thoughtful use of materials in his furniture.
Find antique Arts and Crafts chairs, tables, cabinets and other authentic period furniture on 1stDibs.
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.