Old Folding Chairs
Vintage 1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Chairs
Bentwood
Vintage 1970s Italian Chairs
Beech
Vintage 1970s French Chairs
Metal
Mid-20th Century Chairs
Iron
20th Century Chairs
Mother-of-Pearl, Wood
Mid-20th Century Unknown Art Deco Chairs
Steel
Antique 1890s English Campaign Chairs
Maple
21st Century and Contemporary Indonesian Modern Lounge Chairs
Teak
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Chairs
Aluminum, Chrome
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Chairs
Aluminum, Chrome
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Chairs
Steel, Chrome
Vintage 1940s Danish Mid-Century Modern Chairs
Cane, Oak
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Chairs
Steel, Chrome
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Chairs
Steel, Chrome
Mid-20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Lounge Chairs
Metal, Chrome
Vintage 1950s German Mid-Century Modern Dining Room Chairs
Steel
Antique Early 19th Century Swedish Folk Art Chairs
Pine
Vintage 1980s French Mid-Century Modern Chairs
Wood
21st Century and Contemporary Brazilian Chairs
Aluminum, Stainless Steel
2010s Italian Mid-Century Modern Chairs
Wood
Vintage 1960s Danish Scandinavian Modern Chairs
Leather, Beech
2010s Italian Mid-Century Modern Chairs
Wood
21st Century and Contemporary Brazilian Chairs
Aluminum, Stainless Steel
21st Century and Contemporary Brazilian Chairs
Aluminum, Stainless Steel
21st Century and Contemporary Brazilian Chairs
Aluminum, Stainless Steel
21st Century and Contemporary Brazilian Chairs
Aluminum, Stainless Steel
21st Century and Contemporary Brazilian Chairs
Aluminum, Stainless Steel
21st Century and Contemporary Brazilian Chairs
Aluminum, Stainless Steel
21st Century and Contemporary Brazilian Chairs
Aluminum, Stainless Steel
21st Century and Contemporary Brazilian Chairs
Aluminum, Stainless Steel
21st Century and Contemporary Brazilian Chairs
Aluminum, Stainless Steel
21st Century and Contemporary Brazilian Chairs
Aluminum, Stainless Steel
21st Century and Contemporary Brazilian Chairs
Aluminum, Stainless Steel
21st Century and Contemporary Brazilian Chairs
Aluminum, Stainless Steel
21st Century and Contemporary Brazilian Chairs
Aluminum, Stainless Steel
21st Century and Contemporary Brazilian Chairs
Aluminum, Stainless Steel
21st Century and Contemporary Brazilian Chairs
Aluminum, Stainless Steel
2010s Italian Mid-Century Modern Chairs
Wood
21st Century and Contemporary Brazilian Chairs
Aluminum, Stainless Steel
21st Century and Contemporary Brazilian Chairs
Aluminum, Stainless Steel
21st Century and Contemporary Brazilian Chairs
Aluminum, Stainless Steel
21st Century and Contemporary Brazilian Chairs
Aluminum, Stainless Steel
21st Century and Contemporary Brazilian Chairs
Aluminum, Stainless Steel
21st Century and Contemporary Brazilian Chairs
Aluminum, Stainless Steel
21st Century and Contemporary Brazilian Chairs
Aluminum, Stainless Steel
21st Century and Contemporary Brazilian Chairs
Aluminum, Stainless Steel
Antique Early 1900s Austrian Art Nouveau Chairs
Wood
21st Century and Contemporary Brazilian Chairs
Aluminum, Stainless Steel
21st Century and Contemporary Brazilian Chairs
Aluminum, Stainless Steel
21st Century and Contemporary Brazilian Chairs
Aluminum, Stainless Steel
21st Century and Contemporary Brazilian Chairs
Aluminum, Stainless Steel
21st Century and Contemporary Brazilian Chairs
Aluminum, Stainless Steel
21st Century and Contemporary Brazilian Chairs
Aluminum, Stainless Steel
21st Century and Contemporary Brazilian Chairs
Stainless Steel, Aluminum
21st Century and Contemporary Brazilian Chairs
Aluminum, Stainless Steel
21st Century and Contemporary Brazilian Chairs
Aluminum, Stainless Steel
21st Century and Contemporary Brazilian Chairs
Aluminum, Stainless Steel
21st Century and Contemporary Brazilian Chairs
Aluminum, Stainless Steel
21st Century and Contemporary Brazilian Chairs
Stainless Steel, Aluminum
21st Century and Contemporary Brazilian Chairs
Aluminum, Stainless Steel
- 1
Old Folding Chairs For Sale on 1stDibs
How Much are Old Folding 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- How old are tub chairs?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022There is no official record of when tub chairs were first invented, but one of the first recorded ones was used by King Louis XV of France. It is estimated that tub chairs have been around for over 250 years. Browse a selection of comfortable tub chairs from top sellers on 1stDibs.
- 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.
- How old are peacock chairs?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertJune 30, 2023How old peacock chairs are, as well as their origin, has been debated for decades. Not to be confused with the Peacock chair created by Danish furniture maker Hans J. Wegner, the iconic wicker seating design is believed to have first appeared in the Philippines. The American silent film-era actress Norma Talmadge posed in a peacock chair for a promotional photograph, and the seats became a staple of photo shoots, earning acclaim during the mid-century years in the United States when they appeared in publicity materials for prominent musicians and other celebrities. The chair became popular again during the 1960s in Haight-Ashbury, and it was featured at the time in a famous photograph of political activist and Black Panther Party cofounder Huey P. Newton. On 1stDibs, shop a range of peacock chairs.
- 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 17, 2023To be vintage, a chair typically needs to be at least 20 years old, while a chair older than 100 years is an antique. On 1stDibs, find a variety of antique, vintage and modern dining chairs from some of the world's top sellers.
- 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.
- 1stDibs ExpertJune 15, 2023To tell how old a vintage chair is, first try and locate the manufacturer's label, tag or mark. Typically, identifying markings and tags appear under cushions or on the undersides of chairs. You may find that the date of manufacturing appears on the label or tag. If not, check trusted online resources to find out when the manufacturer was in business to make an estimate of the age. When in doubt, enlist the help of a certified appraiser or antiques dealer to help you date a particular chair. Find an assortment of antique, vintage and modern 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
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.
Riotous Shapes and Colors Have Made Uchronia’s Designs the Toast of Paris
Julien Sebban’s energetic design collective is radically reshaping the look of 21st-century European furniture and interiors.
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.
Eileen Gray’s Famed Cliffside Villa in the South of France Is Returned to Its Modernist Glory
After years of diligent restoration, E-1027, the designer-cum-architect’s marriage of romance and modernism, is finally complete.