Morris Rocking Chair
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Antique 1830s British Victorian Rocking Chairs
Velvet, Ash
Early 20th Century American Arts and Crafts Rocking Chairs
Leather, Cotton, Upholstery, Oak
1970s Naturalistic Still-life Paintings
Acrylic
Early 20th Century American Arts and Crafts Rocking Chairs
Leather, Oak, Upholstery, Cotton
Antique 19th Century English Victorian Rocking Chairs
Elm
Antique 19th Century American Rocking Chairs
Oak
20th Century French Chairs
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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.
- How old is a Morris chair?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022The Morris chair was first created in the 1860s. William Morris designed the Morris chair, and it is known to be one of the earliest styles of reclining chairs. Coveted for their versatile design, Morris chairs continue to be a favorite seating option for the home. Shop a collection of Morris chairs on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertAugust 20, 2024To identify a Morris chair, start with the back. An adjustable backrest that allows users to gently recline while seated is the defining characteristic of a Morris chair. Next, examine the sides. Morris chairs usually have exposed wooden arms supported by either turned or smooth rails. In some cases, a maker's mark may also be a good indication that your piece is of the Morris style. Stickley Furniture is famous for developing the Morris chair. However, other makers continue to produce examples to this day. If you're still uncertain about the style of your chair, consult a knowledgeable expert, such as an appraiser or antique dealer. Explore a variety of Morris chairs on 1stDibs.
- What is a Morris-style chair?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022A Morris-style chair is a type of furniture used for seating. The name comes from Morris & Company, the original manufacturer of the chair. It features a boxy reclining backrest, a matching upholstered seat cushion and wide wooden arms. Shop a selection of Morris-style chairs on 1stDibs.
- What is a Morris chair worth?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertOctober 5, 2021A Morris chair's worth depends on age, condition and history, as with any antique furniture. From about 1895 to 1914, Morris's chair designs were more ornate, boasting curved legs and feet. These early examples are worth more due to their style and rarity. Find a wide range of Morris chairs on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertAugust 26, 2024The difference between a Morris chair and a Stickley chair comes down to origins and characteristics. A Morris chair gets its name from William Morris, one of the founders of the British company Morris, Marshall, Faulkner & Co. During the late 1860s, the company began producing the Morris chair, which has a reclining seat back and an intricately carved wood frame. This design spread to the U.S., where it was seen by Gustav Stickley. Drawing inspiration from it, Stickley produced the Stickley chair in 1904. Like the Morris chair, the piece has a reclining back but a simpler slatted frame that aligns with the American Arts and Crafts design style. Due to its origins, some people call the Stickley chair the Stickley Morris chair or the Mission Morris chair. Explore a collection of Stickley chairs and Morris chairs on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022To tell if a Morris chair is a Stickley, look for the furniture designer's mark. Often, Gustav Stickley marked his pieces with a compass logo, his signature and the phrase "Als ik kan." The phrase roughly means "to the best of my ability." On 1stDibs, shop a collection of expertly vetted Stickley chairs.
- 1stDibs ExpertOctober 12, 2021How much a Morris chair is worth usually depends on when it was manufactured. They can be worth anywhere between $500 to $700. Morris chairs were first manufactured in England and were the first reclining chairs to be produced. Find a collection of antique and vintage Morris chairs on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2024What a rocking chair symbolizes is largely a matter of individual interpretation. Some people associate rocking chairs with comfort or relaxation. Because people often sit in the chairs to gently rock babies to sleep, the furniture may also represent parenthood or motherhood. On 1stDibs, explore a diverse assortment of rocking chairs.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022A platform rocking chair is a rocking chair constructed to have the rockers on a fixed platform rather than the floor. You’ll find a collection of vintage and contemporary platform rocking chairs from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.
- How old is the rocking chair?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertFebruary 27, 2024The rocking chair is more than 275 years old. Early models date back to around 1725 and were made by outfitting Windsor chairs with skates. By 1787, rocking chairs were common enough for the word to be added to the English dictionary. On 1stDibs, shop a diverse assortment of rocking chairs.
- What is a Boston rocking chair?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022A Boston rocking chair is a wooden rocking chair with a decorative top panel and a seat and arms that curve down towards the front. Find an assortment of rocking chairs from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertAugust 16, 2019
A rocking chair helps soothe infants, children, and adults alike. The rocking and swaying movement helps create a meditative and lethargic state.
- What is a Windsor rocking chair?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertOctober 26, 2021A Windsor rocking chair is built for comfort and is usually manufactured in such a way that the seat’s spindles, along with the chair-back and legs, are pushed into holes that have been drilled. This sets this type of chair apart, as the standard construction of a chair sees that the back legs are continuous. The Windsor chair originated in the early 1700s in the English town of Windsor. As mentioned, their bentwood back frames are assembled with slender wooden spindles that are plugged into drill holes in the sculpted seat, which was usually made of elm and slightly sunken or dish-shaped for the sitter’s comfort. Shop a collection of antique and vintage Windsor rocking chairs from some of the world’s top dealers on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022To identify a Thonet rocking chair, look for the company name. You will normally find it stamped directly onto the underside of the seat, arms or legs. You can find a collection of expertly vetted Thonet rocking chairs on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertAugust 16, 2019
A wooden rocking chair can be cleaned using a sponge, soap, and water. After, you should proceed to pat the rocking chair down with a cloth.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022To identify a Windsor rocking chair, enlist the help of a licensed furniture appraiser. Many convincing distressed reproductions exist due to their popularity and value. An experienced professional can accurately determine if yours is an authentic antique or a replica. Find a range of expertly vetted Windsor rocking chairs on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertOctober 24, 2024To tell if your rocking chair is an antique, search the back, rockers and the underside of the seat for a label, stamp or other marking. If you locate one, conduct online research using trusted resources to learn about the maker. By finding out when the manufacturer produced chairs similar to yours, you may be able to determine if your chair is at least 100 years old, making it an antique. If you cannot find a maker's mark, consider contacting a certified appraiser or antique dealer and asking them to date your piece for you. Explore a range of antique rocking chairs on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertOctober 24, 2024To tell the age of an old rocking chair, search under the seat, the legs and the bottom of the rockers for a maker's marking. By researching the maker and learning about how the characteristics of its pieces evolved over the years, you can often get a rough idea of how old your rocking chair is. If you are unable to find a mark, your piece could be a newer handcrafted item or an antique, in which case it would be helpful to have a certified appraiser or knowledgeable antique dealer evaluate your piece. An expert can also assist you if you run into any difficulty dating your piece. Explore a variety of rocking chairs on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertOctober 12, 2021The cost of a wooden rocking chair varies depending on the type of wood used, its finish and craftsmanship. Also, the period that the rocking chair belongs to will define the price of the chair. An antique rocking chair might cost between $500 and $1,500 while a contemporary rocking chair may cost somewhere between $150 and $400. Find a variety of antique, vintage, and contemporary wooden rocking chairs on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertAugust 8, 2024No, Benjamin Franklin did not invent the rocking chair. This common misconception is linked to an erroneous statement made in the book The Rocking Chair: An American Institution, published in 1921. In actuality, rocking chairs were created by English farmers early in the 18th century. Early American examples date back to around 1830. On 1stDibs, find a wide variety of rocking chairs.
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