Original Ball Chair
Vintage 1930s American Art Deco Lounge Chairs
Upholstery, Maple
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs
Maple, Leather
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Dining Room Chairs
Upholstery, Wood
Vintage 1960s Finnish Space Age Lounge Chairs
Fabric, Fiberglass, Foam
Late 20th Century Unknown Space Age Lounge Chairs
Fabric, Fiberglass, Foam
Vintage 1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs
Leather, Fiberglass
Early 20th Century American Chippendale Wingback Chairs
Leather, Wood
Vintage 1940s English Mid-Century Modern Bergere Chairs
Hardwood
Vintage 1960s German Space Age Lounge Chairs
Acrylic
Vintage 1980s Unknown Post-Modern Slipper Chairs
Brass
Antique 1780s American American Classical Chairs
Oak
1990s Unknown Chippendale Dining Room Chairs
Mahogany
20th Century Unknown Victorian Dining Room Chairs
Hardwood
Antique 1820s English Chippendale Dining Room Chairs
Leather, Mahogany
Antique 1880s English High Victorian Dining Room Chairs
Walnut
Antique 19th Century English Victorian Dining Room Chairs
Leather
Antique 1840s English Early Victorian Dining Room Chairs
Hardwood, Leather
Late 20th Century Unknown Chippendale Dining Room Chairs
Mahogany
Vintage 1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Slipper Chairs
Velvet, Wood
Early 20th Century English Art Deco Dining Room Chairs
Upholstery, Walnut
Antique Late 19th Century English Late Victorian Rocking Chairs
Oak
Antique 1780s English Georgian Wingback Chairs
Hardwood
20th Century English Victorian Wingback Chairs
Leather
Antique Early 1900s English Edwardian Bergere Chairs
Leather, Hardwood
20th Century English Mid-Century Modern Wingback Chairs
Upholstery, Wood
Antique 19th Century English Victorian Wingback Chairs
Upholstery
Antique 1840s English Early Victorian Wingback Chairs
Upholstery, Walnut
Antique 1860s English High Victorian Wingback Chairs
Oak
Antique 1840s English Early Victorian Wingback Chairs
Upholstery, Hardwood
Antique 1880s English Late Victorian Wingback Chairs
Leather
Antique Early 1900s English Kilim Wingback Chairs
Upholstery, Hardwood
Antique 1880s English High Victorian Club Chairs
Leather, Walnut
Antique 1880s English High Victorian Club Chairs
Upholstery, Walnut
21st Century and Contemporary English Modern Wingback Chairs
Upholstery, Hardwood
Antique 1880s English High Victorian Club Chairs
Leather
Antique Late 18th Century American American Colonial Chairs
Wood
Vintage 1970s Finnish Mid-Century Modern Chairs
Steel
Antique 19th Century French Chippendale Chairs
Beech
Antique Late 19th Century British Late Victorian Wingback Chairs
Leather, Hardwood
Antique 1890s Chippendale Chairs
Mahogany
Mid-20th Century American Sheraton Chairs
Straw, Wood
Vintage 1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Chairs
Metal, Bronze
2010s English Post-Modern Chairs
Steel
2010s English Post-Modern Chairs
Steel
2010s English Post-Modern Chairs
Steel
Antique Early 19th Century Austrian Biedermeier Chairs
Pine, Paint
2010s German Post-Modern Chairs
Wood, Lacquer, Paint
Vintage 1930s Dutch Art Deco Chairs
Fabric, Wood
Antique 1890s Syrian Islamic Chairs
Bone, Shell, Ebony, Walnut
Antique Early 19th Century William IV Chairs
Oak
Vintage 1920s French Art Deco Chairs
Fabric, Wood, Giltwood
Antique Early 19th Century English Regency Chairs
Pine
Antique Early 18th Century Swedish Chairs
Upholstery, Wood
Vintage 1970s Italian Modern Chairs
Chrome
Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs
Fabric, Maple
2010s Portuguese Modern Chairs
Metal, Brass
2010s Portuguese Modern Chairs
Metal
2010s Portuguese Modern Chairs
Metal
Antique 1880s English George II Chairs
Walnut
Antique Early 18th Century Portuguese Baroque Chairs
Walnut
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Original Ball Chair For Sale on 1stDibs
How Much is a Original Ball Chair?
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 ExpertFebruary 13, 2024The significance of the Ball chair is that it became an instant commercial success, and its groundbreaking form shook up the modern design world. After its debut at the 1966 International Furniture Fair in Cologne, buyers from 30 countries placed orders for their homes. Celebrities like Sammy Davis Jr. and Grace Kelly were among the early purchasers, as were royal figures like the Shah of Iran. Today, Eero Aarnio Originals makes the Ball chair, and it's featured in movies, magazines and museums all over the planet, even as it appears to have arrived from another solar system. On 1stDibs, find a selection of Eero Aarnio Ball chairs.
- What is the Ball Chair made of?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022The iconic Ball Chair is made of fiberglass, creating that rounded shape. The interior of a Ball Chair is upholstered in fine fabrics. Originally designed by Finnish furniture designer Eero Aarnio in 1963, this rounded chair is considered a classic display of industrial design. Shop a collection of Ball Chairs from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022The slipper chair originated in 18th century Europe. It was used in women’s bedrooms as seating for when maids would assist them in putting on their slippers. Today, a slipper chair refers to a low-slung chair. Browse a selection of modern and antique slipper chairs on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022The original Barcelona chair designed by Ludwig Mies van der Rohe featured ivory upholstery made of pigskin leather. Modern incarnations come in a wide range of upholstery colors and are available from Knoll Furniture. You'll find a variety of Barcelona chairs 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022In 1949, Hans Wegner made the original Wishbone chair, a bentwood piece with a curved rail and Y-back. Today, Carl Hansen & Søn manufactures the chair based on Wegner's original design. You can find a variety of Hans Wegner chairs on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022The original Eames chair and matching ottoman were designed by Charles and Ray Aemes for the Herman Miller furniture company in 1956. The Eames chair is considered the epitome of modern interior design and is widely coveted by home decor enthusiasts. Browse a range of authenticated Eames chairs on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertMarch 3, 2023The original Eames chair was made out of molded plywood and leather. Charles and Ray Eames designed the iconic mid-century modern chair for Herman Miller in 1958. On 1stDibs, find a variety of Eames chairs.
- 1stDibs ExpertSeptember 23, 2024To identify an original Wishbone chair, first look at the backrest. Originals feature bentwood frames, so the backrest will be a single piece of wood. Most later reproductions are composed of two or three pieces of wood and will display noticeable seams. Next, look at the seat. Authentic originals will have perfect 90-degree angles at all four corners and many lines in the center with a tight weave. Imperfect corners, a few central lines and loose weaving are all signs of a reproduction. Finally, measure the distance between the bottom of the Y on the backrest and the seat. On originals, the distance is 10 millimeters. Any variations will usually indicate that a chair is a reproduction. When in doubt, consult a certified appraiser or knowledgeable antique dealer. Shop a variety of Hans J. Wegner Wishbone chairs on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertOctober 14, 2024One way to spot an original Wassily chair is to look at the tubular steel frame. There will be no weld in the corners. The frame of an authentic Wassily chair is a single continuous piece of chromed tubular steel, with no cap on the end. Each original Wassily chair should feel lightweight but robust. It's a well-made chair and will feel like one. The material used for the seat and backrest, which was initially durable canvas — Knoll's Wassily chairs are available with leather slings — should feel equally substantial even if it's a vintage model. Lastly, the price of a real Wassily chair will also reflect the fact that this is a collectible design.
Inspired by bicycle handlebars, the Wassily lounge chair is one of Marcel Breuer's (1902–81) greatest achievements. Even though the tubular metal chair looked like an artifact from the future when the Hungarian-American designer and architect conceived it in 1925, Breuer could not have foreseen the significant impact that this would have on modern design.
Find original Wassily chairs for sale on 1stDibs. - 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 1, 2024Whether or not Eero Aarnio Ball chairs are comfortable or not is largely a matter of personal opinion. When the chair debuted in 1966, the New York Times reporter who saw it at the International Furniture Fair in Cologne suggested that the seating on display was "designed more for laughs than for comfort." However, the distinctive chair brought Aarnio instant commercial success. Today, many people still find the inviting foam-filled fabric seat inside its molded-fiberglass orb to be as comfortable to sit on as it is pleasing to the eye. Shop an assortment of vintage Eero Aarnio Ball chairs on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022There are a number of ways that you can tell an original Marcel Breuer chair. One trick is to examine the frame. If you see end caps, you're likely looking at a replica. Authentic Breuer chairs featured polished, welded ends. Some chairs also feature stickers that identify the model name located under their seats. On 1stDibs, find a collection of expertly vetted Marcel Breuer chairs.
- 1stDibs ExpertOctober 21, 2020
The design has changed over the years, but most antique carver chairs were made of wood. Antique carver chairs were wide chairs made in 17th century New England — with backs that featured several supporting spindles — although there were no spindles between the armrests and the seat. Antique carver chairs were typically topped with decorative ornaments.
- 1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022Which chair is best for a George Nakashima Origins for Widdicomb desk is largely a matter of preference. George Nakashima chairs with Shaker-inspired spindle backs like the Mira and Conoid tend to complement the lines of the desks in the collection. However, you can mix and match styles to create an eclectic look. On 1stDibs, shop a collection of George Nakashima desks and chairs.
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