Rattan Shell Chair
Late 20th Century Philippine Chinoiserie Chairs
Faux Bamboo
Mid-20th Century Bohemian Side Chairs
Bamboo, Rattan
Vintage 1950s Swiss Organic Modern Dining Room Chairs
Metal
Antique 1890s American Victorian Patio and Garden Furniture
Wicker, Cane, Rattan, Reed, Wood
Mid-20th Century Swiss Mid-Century Modern Dining Room Chairs
Metal
Vintage 1950s Dutch Mid-Century Modern Armchairs
Steel
Late 20th Century Italian Chairs
Mid-20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs
Bamboo
Late 20th Century Philippine Chinese Chippendale Dining Room Chairs
Tortoise Shell, Rattan
Vintage 1970s Dutch Mid-Century Modern Chairs
Metal
Vintage 1970s Dutch Mid-Century Modern Chairs
Metal
Vintage 1970s American Modern Lounge Chairs
Rattan
Late 20th Century Philippine Chairs
Tortoise Shell, Upholstery, Rattan
Late 20th Century Philippine Slipper Chairs
Tortoise Shell, Rattan
Mid-20th Century Hong Kong Mid-Century Modern Chairs
Chrome
Vintage 1930s American Mid-Century Modern Club Chairs
20th Century Bohemian Dining Room Chairs
Bamboo
Vintage 1960s Dutch Mid-Century Modern Chairs
Chrome
20th Century Bohemian Desks
Wicker, Rattan
Rattan Shell Chair For Sale on 1stDibs
How Much is a Rattan Shell 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.
- What are Shell Chairs?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertMarch 31, 2023Shell chairs are iconic mid-century modern chairs designed by Hans J. Wegner and first released in 1963. In terms of both process and aesthetics, the Shell chair was ahead of its time when it was introduced. The expressive seat and back are made out of form-pressed oak or walnut laminates and topped with upholstered cushions for maximum comfort. Its design includes a tapered three-leg structure with two front legs made of one continuous piece and a separate hind leg that supports the backrest. This gives the chair a feeling of lightness without sacrificing stability. On 1stDibs, find a selection of Shell chairs.
- Is the Shell Chair comfortable?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertFebruary 13, 2023Whether the Shell chair is comfortable is largely a matter of personal opinion. However, creator Hans J. Wegner designed the curves of the backrest and the seat to complement the contours of the human body in order to provide ample support when the Shell chair made its debut in 1963. Chairs became Wegner’s specialty, and over the years he designed over 500 of them. More than 100 of his designs, such as the Wishbone chair and the Papa Bear chair, went into production. Shop a selection of Shell chairs and other vintage Hans Wegner seating on 1stDibs.
- Are rattan chairs worth it?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertSeptember 16, 2024Yes, many furniture lovers believe that rattan chairs are worth it. Not only is rattan a visually appealing choice of material for furniture making, but it is also a lightweight, durable material that resists damage due to UV, moisture and fluctuations in temperature. Rattan chairs in mid-century modern, Scandinavian modern and Art Deco styles are especially popular today. However, whether or not it’s worth investing in rattan chairs is totally subjective! At 1stDibs, we believe in buying what you love. Our shopping experience enables discovery and learning, whether you are a seasoned connoisseur or just beginning your collection. Find rattan chairs and other seating on 1stDibs.
- Can I refinish rattan chairs?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022Yes, you can usually refinish rattan chairs. First, you will need to strip away the old finish. Then, you can apply a new finish to the chair. The type of finish you should use depends on whether you will display your chair indoors or outdoors. You'll find a range of rattan chairs on 1stDibs.
- How do I renew a rattan chair?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022To renew a rattan chair, start by stripping away its old finish. Apply a conditioner approved for use on rattan, and then refinish as desired. Shop a variety of antique and vintage rattan chairs from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022Whether or not the Wegner shell chair is comfortable is largely a matter of personal preference. Wegner did design the dramatically curved seat and gently tapered back to properly support the contours of the human body. On 1stDibs, shop a range of Hans Wegner chairs.
- 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 13, 2024The history of the Wegner Shell Chair begins in 1963. Hans J. Wegner unveiled the chair at the Furniture Guild Exhibition in Copenhagen, Denmark. Often described as being "wing-like," the chair's radical fluid lines were considered a bit too futuristic at the time. Initially, mixed reviews from critics and the general public, as well as production difficulties, resulted in a very limited early run. Twelve new models were produced for a retrospective exhibition celebrating Wegner's 77th birthday in 1989, and the design began garnering renewed attention (a photograph of the chair was even selected to grace the cover of the exhibition catalog). In 1998, nearly a decade following the piece's reemergence at the retrospective event, Carl Hansen & Søn reintroduced the Shell chair 35 years after it was first released, and it has felt relevant ever since. On 1stDibs, shop an assortment of Hans Wegner Shell chairs.
- 1stDibs ExpertOctober 7, 2024The difference between rattan and wicker is that one is a material, and the other is a crafting technique. Wicker is a method of weaving together thin, slightly rigid elements together. Rattan is one material used to make wicker. It is a slightly flexible, wood-like substance that comes from one of hundreds of species of climbing vines from the Calamoideae subfamily. Artisans also produce wicker out of other materials, such as reeds, bamboo, willow and resin polymers. Explore a wide range of rattan and wicker furniture on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertAugust 26, 2024The difference between rattan and bamboo chairs is what they are made of. Rattan comes from a number of vine-like plants and resembles a reed. Derived from grass-like plants in the Bambusoideae subfamily, bamboo is a material more similar to wood. Due to the properties of the materials, rattan chairs tend to be lighter and more flexible than bamboo chairs. On 1stDibs, shop a large selection of rattan and bamboo chairs.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022Round rattan chairs are known as papasan chairs. Papasan chairs are characterized by their large bowl shape, which rests in a rattan frame, and is complete with a large cushion. Shop a collection of Papasan chairs from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.
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