Shell Back Armchair
Mid-20th Century Swedish Mid-Century Modern Armchairs
Fabric, Elm
Mid-20th Century Swedish Art Deco Armchairs
Fabric, Beech
Vintage 1980s Spanish Rococo Armchairs
Wood
20th Century Italian Hollywood Regency Dining Room Chairs
Brass
Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Armchairs
Aluminum, Steel
Vintage 1920s Italian Art Deco Armchairs
Silk, Walnut
Antique Late 19th Century Jacobean Armchairs
Cane, Wood
2010s Italian Armchairs
Shell, Velvet, Wood, Hardwood
2010s Italian Armchairs
Shell, Velvet, Wood, Hardwood
2010s Dutch Armchairs
Fabric
Mid-20th Century European Mid-Century Modern Armchairs
Fabric, Wood
Vintage 1960s French Mid-Century Modern Armchairs
Metal
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Armchairs
Upholstery
20th Century Gustavian Armchairs
Wood
2010s Italian Modern Armchairs
Fabric
Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Armchairs
Leather, Walnut
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Armchairs
Aluminum
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Armchairs
Aluminum
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Armchairs
Upholstery
Antique 19th Century French Louis XV Armchairs
Giltwood
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Armchairs
Upholstery
21st Century and Contemporary Turkish Scandinavian Modern Armchairs
Leather, Fabric, Wood, Ash, Oak, Walnut, Paint
2010s Italian Armchairs
Brass, Metal
2010s Italian Space Age Armchairs
Leather, Fiberglass
2010s Italian Space Age Armchairs
Leather, Fiberglass
Antique 1760s Swedish Rococo Armchairs
Birch
20th Century Armchairs
Fabric
Antique 1850s Italian Armchairs
Wood
Antique 18th Century Swedish Rococo Armchairs
Wood
Antique 1870s French Armchairs
Fabric, Velvet, Walnut
Antique Late 17th Century British Baroque Armchairs
Walnut
Antique Mid-19th Century British Victorian Armchairs
Mahogany
Vintage 1960s Danish Scandinavian Modern Armchairs
Faux Leather, Oak
2010s Italian Modern Armchairs
Leather
2010s Italian Armchairs
Textile
2010s Italian Armchairs
Wood
2010s Italian Armchairs
Other
Mid-20th Century Armchairs
Fabric
Antique Mid-18th Century Italian Louis XV Armchairs
Velvet, Wood
Antique 19th Century Italian Armchairs
Pine
2010s Swiss Modern Armchairs
Steel
2010s European Armchairs
Textile
Antique 18th Century English George II Armchairs
Mahogany
Early 20th Century Edwardian Armchairs
Mahogany, Satinwood
Mid-20th Century European Mid-Century Modern Armchairs
Leather, Wood
2010s Portuguese Armchairs
Velvet, Wood, Walnut
2010s Italian Armchairs
Textile
Antique Mid-18th Century English George III Armchairs
Gold Leaf
Early 20th Century Louis XV Armchairs
Cane
Antique 1730s French Louis XIV Armchairs
Other
Antique Early 1900s Armchairs
Giltwood
21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Modern Armchairs
Leather
2010s Italian Armchairs
Other, Steel
21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Modern Armchairs
Leather
Antique 18th Century and Earlier Italian Armchairs
Wood
2010s Italian Modern Armchairs
Metal
Early 20th Century French Armchairs
Beech, Upholstery
2010s Italian Armchairs
Leather, Wood
Antique 1890s French Louis XV Armchairs
Giltwood
21st Century and Contemporary Brazilian Modern Armchairs
Fabric, Textile, Wood
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Shell Back Armchair For Sale on 1stDibs
How Much is a Shell Back Armchair?
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.
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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?
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The boho-chic Enchanted Forest Swing, handmade by marginalized women from Turkey and Syria, is uplifting in every way.
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After years of diligent restoration, E-1027, the designer-cum-architect’s marriage of romance and modernism, is finally complete.