What are Shell Chairs?

Shell 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?

Whether 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.

What is the back of a chair called?

The back of a chair is called a chair back. In some cases, you may see people use modifiers to describe the styles of chair backs. For example, a chair with two crisscrossing cross rails is an X-back or cross back, while a chair with a series of horizontal cross rails positioned parallel to one another is a ladder back. Explore a wide range of chairs on 1stDibs.

What is a yoke back chair?

Yoke back chairs are those that feature a curved top rail and a single central splat. The style of chair originated in China during the 10th century and was a common feature in Chinese homes by the 12th century. On 1stDibs, shop a range of yoke back chairs.

What is a splat back chair?

A splat back chair is a chair with a vertical central element on its back. Splat back chairs have more of a formal feel to them compared to other types of chairs and seating. Splat back Windsor chairs are popular on 1stDibs.

What is a lyre back chair?

A lyre back chair is a type of furniture used for seating that originated during the early 18th century. It features a square back embellished with wood shaped like a lyre, an ancient stringed musical instrument. On 1stDibs, find a variety of lyre back chairs.

What is a Windsor back chair?

A Windsor back chair is a solid wooden chair with an arched spindle back. Most designs have curved arms positioned on angled stands and carved legs connected by a cross stretcher. The chair gets its name from the English city of Windsor, where the chairs were first made in the 18th century. On 1stDibs, shop a collection of Windsor back chairs.

What is a bow back chair?

A bow back chair refers to a silhouette of a chair with a curved back and is usually made with high-quality wood. Bow back chairs were popular during the colonial period and are representative of American-Amish heritage. Browse a range of vintage bow back chairs on 1stDibs.

What is a channel back chair?

A channel back chair is a chair that features deep channels in the upholstery along the back. These can create a seashell-like effect. This kind of back may also be called a fluted back. On 1stDibs, find a collection of vintage and new channel back chairs.

What is a low back chair?

A low-back chair is designed to provide lumbar support to the lower back and mid-back. These chairs have a small backrest that reaches till the middle of one's back. Shop a collection of antique, vintage and contemporary low back chairs from some of the world’s top dealers on 1stDibs.

What is a balloon back chair?

A balloon back chair is a specific type of seat that became popular during the Victorian era. It features a curved back that tapers as it travels down to the seat. Many balloon back chairs are armless, and nearly all examples feature upholstered seats. You'll find a range of balloon back chairs on 1stDibs.

What is a sling back chair?

A sling chair is usually made up of a framework connected by ropes or fabric hanging between the poles or frame. This design results in a structure quite similar to a sling stretcher.

What is a spoon back chair?

A spoon back chair is an accent chair that features a deep curved back that forms arms along the sides of the furniture by sloping downward. Most spoon back chairs have wooden backs and upholstered seats. Find a variety of spoon back chairs on 1stDibs.

What is a comb back chair?

A comb back chair is a style of chair featuring a back resembling a comb. Comb back chairs are also known as Windsor chairs and are typically crafted with a cage-like backing. Shop a selection of comb back chairs on 1stDibs.

Is the Wegner shell chair comfortable?

Whether 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.

What is the history of the Wegner Shell chair?

The 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.

How do I reupholster a barrel back chair?

Reupholster a barrel back chair by first removing the old upholstery from the chair. Use the old pieces of material as a guide to help you cut the new upholstery into properly sized pieces. Reupholster the chair by using a furniture stapler to re-secure the new upholstery in the same manner that the old upholstery was attached. Shop a range of vintage and contemporary barrel back chairs on 1stDibs.

When were cane back chairs popular?

While cane back chairs have been made around the globe for thousands of years, it was in the 1970s that this style took the world by storm and became a must for many households. It’s the organic, natural look of a cane back chair that made it so desirable and that makes it a modern furniture element as well, with its tropical vibe and vacation attitude. Shop a collection of cane back chairs from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.

When were balloon back chairs made?

Balloon back chairs were made mostly in the Victorian era, as they were highly popular at this time in the 19th century. It is generally regarded as a classic antique dining room chair. Browse an array of authentic antique balloon back chairs on 1stDibs.

What is a high back office chair?

A high back office chair has a tall backrest to provide support to both your back and neck. It helps minimize the risk of chronic neck and back problems. These chairs also come with wheels attached for ease of mobility. Shop a range of antique and vintage high back office chairs on 1stDibs.

Shell Back Chair

Hungary Chairs Mid Century

Brown Jordan Grotto Chairs

Venetian Grotto Furniture

Italian Grotto

Art Deco Steel Metal Clam Shell Back Green Patio Bouncer Lounge Chairs, a Pair

Sold|~~$550 / set~~

Art Deco Steel Metal Clam Shell Back Green Patio Bouncer Lounge Chairs, a Pair

Located in Philadelphia, PA

Antique Art Deco steel metal clam shell back green patio bouncer lounge chairs - a pair. Item

Category

Early 20th Century North American Art Deco Lounge Chairs

Materials

Steel

Set of Four French Neoclassical Style Shell Fan Back Dining Room Chairs

Sold|~~$1,500 / set~~

Set of Four French Neoclassical Style Shell Fan Back Dining Room Chairs

Located in Philadelphia, PA

Set of four French neoclassical style shell fan back dining room chairs. Items feature gold painted

Category

Late 20th Century Neoclassical Dining Room Chairs

Materials

Fabric, Mahogany

Vintage Art Deco Shell Back Grey Leather Lacquered Frame Swivel Chair 1 of 2

Sold|~~$2,275~~

Vintage Art Deco Shell Back Grey Leather Lacquered Frame Swivel Chair 1 of 2

Located in West Sussex, Pulborough

We are delighted to offer for sale this stunning vintage Art Deco shell back leather swivel chair

Category

20th Century British Swivel Chairs

Materials

Leather

Vintage Art Deco Shell Back Grey Leather Lacquered Frame Swivel Chair 1 of 2

Sold|~~$2,275~~

Vintage Art Deco Shell Back Grey Leather Lacquered Frame Swivel Chair 1 of 2

Located in West Sussex, Pulborough

We are delighted to offer this stunning vintage Art Deco shell back leather swivel chair. A very

Category

Late 20th Century British Swivel Chairs

Materials

Leather

Set of 4 Mid-Century Modern H Paul Browning Shell Back Dining Chairs

Sold|~~$1,595~~

Set of 4 Mid-Century Modern H Paul Browning Shell Back Dining Chairs

Located in Wilmington, DE

Set of 4 Mid-Century Modern H Paul Browning shell back walnut dining chairs Offered is a vintage

Category

Mid-20th Century American Scandinavian Modern Dining Room Chairs

Materials

Upholstery, Walnut

Set of 4 Mid-Century Modern H Paul Browning Shell Back Dining Chairs

Sold|~~$2,495~~

Set of 4 Mid-Century Modern H Paul Browning Shell Back Dining Chairs

By H. Paul Browning 1

Located in Wilmington, DE

Set of 4 Mid-Century Modern H Paul Browning shell back walnut dining chairs. Offered is a

Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Dining Room Chairs

Materials

Upholstery, Walnut

Set of Four French Neoclassical Style Mahogany Shell Fan Back Dining Room Chairs

Sold|~~$1,500 / set~~

Set of Four French Neoclassical Style Mahogany Shell Fan Back Dining Room Chairs

Located in Philadelphia, PA

Set of four French neoclassical style shell fan back dining room chairs. Item features gold painted

Category

Late 20th Century Neoclassical Dining Room Chairs

Materials

Fabric, Mahogany

Set of 4 Mid-Century Modern H Paul Browning Shell Back Dining Chairs

Sold|~~$1,595~~

Set of 4 Mid-Century Modern H Paul Browning Shell Back Dining Chairs

Located in Wilmington, DE

Set of 4 Mid-Century Modern H Paul Browning shell back walnut dining chairs Offered is a vintage

Category

Mid-20th Century American Scandinavian Modern Dining Room Chairs

Materials

Upholstery, Walnut

Upholstered High Back Shell Chair by Charles Eames for Herman Miller

Sold|~~$2,800~~

Upholstered High Back Shell Chair by Charles Eames for Herman Miller

By Charles and Ray Eames, Herman Miller

Located in Sagaponack, NY

A fully adjustable upholstered desk chair by Charles Eames having a molded fiberglass body resting

Category

Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Office Chairs and Desk Chairs

Materials

Aluminum, Steel

Pair of Venetian Grotto Style Walnut Shell Back Dining Armchairs

Sold|~~$4,000 / set~~

Pair of Venetian Grotto Style Walnut Shell Back Dining Armchairs

Located in Rio Vista, CA

Italian regency pair of walnut shell back armchairs or dining chairs made in the Venetian grotto

Category

20th Century Italian Hollywood Regency Dining Room Chairs

Materials

Brass

Ib Kofod-Larsen Shell Chair, Set of Four

Sold|~~$7,500~~

Ib Kofod-Larsen Shell Chair, Set of Four

By Ib Kofod-Larsen

Located in San Francisco, CA

A set of 4 Shell chairs, back in teak plywood with inlays, legs and frame in oak, made by

Category

Vintage 1950s Danish Mid-Century Modern Dining Room Chairs

Materials

Oak, Teak

Maitland Smith Painted Grotto Shell Armchairs or Dining Chairs in Pink and Green

Sold|~~$2,600 / set~~

Maitland Smith Painted Grotto Shell Armchairs or Dining Chairs in Pink and Green

By Maitland Smith

Located in Oklahoma City, OK

back. The chairs are painted in a creamy white craquelure with intricate sea motifs painted and

Category

20th Century Philippine Hollywood Regency Dining Room Chairs

Materials

Fabric, Wood, Paint

Set of 7 rustic chairs

Sold|~~$4,290 / set~~

Set of 7 rustic chairs

Located in BARCELONA, ES

hand-carved shell on the back of the chair adds a distinctive and artistic touch to the design. This

Category

Antique Early 19th Century Chairs

Materials

Rattan, Oak

Pair of French 40's Leather Bridge Chairs

Sold|~~$3,490~~

Pair of French 40's Leather Bridge Chairs

Located in BENSENVILLE, IL

An amazing pair of French 40's original leather, channeled shell back bridge chairs - a difficult

Category

Vintage 1940s French Chairs

Materials

Leather

Pair of Large English Regency Style Mahogany Hall Chairs

Sold|~~$2,344~~

Pair of Large English Regency Style Mahogany Hall Chairs

Located in Kent, Dover

A pair of large English Regency style mahogany hall chairs, with shell backs.

Category

Vintage 1930s Chairs

Flötotto set of 4 Pagholz chairs by Elmar Flötotto

Sold|~~$1,060 / set~~

Flötotto set of 4 Pagholz chairs by Elmar Flötotto

By Pagholz Flötotto, Elmar Flötotto

Located in Ludwigslust, DE

A set of 4 Flötotto chairs in the desired design with a high backrest and upholstered seat and back

Category

Vintage 1970s German Mid-Century Modern Chairs

Materials

Bentwood

Upholstered Swivel Chairs

Sold|~~$1,800 / set~~

Upholstered Swivel Chairs

Located in Astoria, NY

Upholstered shell-backed swivel chairs, custom-made in the manner of Springer and covered in a gold

Category

20th Century Modern Swivel Chairs

Materials

Chenille, Upholstery

Pair of Milo Baughman Swivel Chairs

Sold|~~$1,850~~

Pair of Milo Baughman Swivel Chairs

Located in Dallas, TX

Pair of Milo Baughman for Thayer Coggin swivel high-back barrel shell chairs.

Category

Late 20th Century American Slipper Chairs

Scandinavian 1930's Deco Club Chairs

Sold|~~$1,800~~

Scandinavian 1930's Deco Club Chairs

Located in Oakland, CA

Pair of 1930's club chairs with shell back and dramatically sloped arms. Red wool fabric with olive

Category

Vintage 1930s Swedish Art Deco Club Chairs

Materials

Wood, Fabric

Mid 20th century leather shell back lounge chair

Sold|~~$3,165~~

Mid 20th century leather shell back lounge chair

Located in Debenham, Suffolk

Mid 20th century leather shell back lounge chair circa 1950. Superb quality and very comfortable

Category

Mid-20th Century Swedish Art Deco Armchairs

Materials

Leather

Original Lounge Chair and Ottoman, Charles Eames Herman Miller Rosewood Armchair

Sold|~~$6,792~~

Original Lounge Chair and Ottoman, Charles Eames Herman Miller Rosewood Armchair

By Charles and Ray Eames, Herman Miller

Located in Telgte, DE

- original leather and professional recovered shells have brought back the chair's beauty.

Category

Vintage 1950s German Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs

Materials

Leather, Rosewood

Original Lounge Chair and Ottoman by Charles Eames Herman Miller, Rosewood

Sold|~~$6,554~~

Original Lounge Chair and Ottoman by Charles Eames Herman Miller, Rosewood

By Charles and Ray Eames, Herman Miller

Located in Telgte, DE

- original leather and professional recovered shells have brought back the chair's beauty. The seat's shock

Category

Vintage 1950s German Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs

Materials

Leather, Rosewood

Eames Chairs

Sold|~~$1,900~~

Eames Chairs

By Charles and Ray Eames

Located in Cincinnati, OH

A pair of Eames swiveling arm shell chairs,white backs and upholstered in a pumpkin colored

Category

Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Office Chairs and Desk Chairs

Materials

Aluminum, Steel

Pair of Mid-Century Modern Cocktail Chairs, Fully Refurbished, Yugoslavia, 1950s

Sold|~~$4,800 / set~~

Pair of Mid-Century Modern Cocktail Chairs, Fully Refurbished, Yugoslavia, 1950s

Located in Beograd, RS

In this listing you will find two Mid-Century Modern Shell Back Cocktail or Lounge Chairs. These

Category

Vintage 1950s Serbian Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs

Materials

Fabric, Wood

SET OF TWO SHELL BACK ARMCHAIRS AND TABLE

Sold|~~$4,600~~

SET OF TWO SHELL BACK ARMCHAIRS AND TABLE

Located in Los Angeles, CA

SET OF TWO HAND CARVED SHELL BACK ARM CHAIRS, NEWLY REUPHOLSTERED. WITH A SIDE TABLE LAMINATED WITH

Category

Vintage 1950s Italian Armchairs

Materials

Wood, Silk, Shell

Pair of Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs, Fully Refurbished, Yugoslavia, 1950s

Sold|~~$4,200 / set~~

Pair of Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs, Fully Refurbished, Yugoslavia, 1950s

Located in Beograd, RS

In this listing you will find two Mid-Century Modern Shell Back Cocktail or Lounge Chairs. These

Category

Vintage 1950s Serbian Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs

Materials

Fabric, Wood

Set of 6 Art Deco Dining Chairs

Sold|~~$4,950~~

Set of 6 Art Deco Dining Chairs

Located in Stamford, CT

6 side chairs, shell-form back, burgundy color distressed leather, rosewood back, raised on two

Category

Vintage 1930s American Art Deco Dining Room Chairs

Set Six Italian Walnut Grotto Arm Chairs

Sold|~~$7,200~~

Set Six Italian Walnut Grotto Arm Chairs

Located in Chicago, IL

elegant set of six arm chairs in the style of Andre Groult's famous shell back grotto chair. Made

Category

Late 20th Century Italian Dining Room Chairs

Materials

Velvet, Walnut, Upholstery

Brown Jordan Grotto Shell Back Dining Chairs Table Patio Sunbrella Fabric

Sold|~~$4,800 / set~~

Brown Jordan Grotto Shell Back Dining Chairs Table Patio Sunbrella Fabric

By Brown Jordan

Located in West Palm Beach, FL

Vintage Brown Jordan Grotto 5-piece patio set which includes 4 dining chairs, table base, and round

Category

Vintage 1970s American Hollywood Regency Patio and Garden Furniture

Materials

Metal

Office Chair Conference, Design by Eero Saarinen, Manufactured by Knoll Interna

Sold|~~$1,132~~

Office Chair Conference, Design by Eero Saarinen, Manufactured by Knoll Interna

By Eero Saarinen, Knoll

Located in Wolfurt, AT

. The seat shell and the back of the chair are fully upholstered. The Upholstery fabric is in original

Category

Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Office Chairs and Desk Chairs

Materials

Chrome

1960s Retro Modern Shell Back, Three-Piece Suite of Sofa and Chairs

Sold|~~$2,689~~

1960s Retro Modern Shell Back, Three-Piece Suite of Sofa and Chairs

Located in Debenham, Suffolk

Art deco inspired plush red upholstered 3 piece suite circa 1960. Very comfortable design, sleigh arms. Sofa measurements: height: 32" width: 76" depth: 34" seat height: 16" ...

Category

Mid-20th Century Swedish Scandinavian Modern Living Room Sets

Materials

Birch

Brown Jordan Five-Piece Grotto Shell Back Metal Dining Table Chairs Patio Set

Sold|~~$3,900~~

Brown Jordan Five-Piece Grotto Shell Back Metal Dining Table Chairs Patio Set

By Brown Jordan

Located in West Palm Beach, FL

interested you may purchase the other as well, email me for details. Shell back design, aluminum metal

Category

20th Century American Hollywood Regency Patio and Garden Furniture

Materials

Aluminum, Metal

Teak Occasional Lounge

Sold|~~$1,465~~

Teak Occasional Lounge

Located in Minneapolis, MN

Shell back Danish Modern lounge chair. This lovely little chair retains it's original upholstery

Category

Mid-20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Lounge Chairs

Materials

Teak

Stripped Gold-Tone Hollywood Regency Shell Back Lounge Armchair

Sold|~~$3,278~~

Stripped Gold-Tone Hollywood Regency Shell Back Lounge Armchair

Located in Van Nuys, CA

Hollywood Regency shell back lounge chair featuring a gold-painted frame with a cream-colored and

Category

Vintage 1960s American Hollywood Regency Armchairs

Materials

Wood

19th C. Antique Wicker Three Piece Shell Back Design Suite by Heywood Brothers

Sold|~~$6,320 / set~~

19th C. Antique Wicker Three Piece Shell Back Design Suite by Heywood Brothers

By Heywood Brothers & Co.

Located in Nashua, NH

design because of it's chair backs having a Clam shell appearance, The three pieces are hand woven in an

Category

Antique 1890s American Victorian Settees

Materials

Wicker, Reed, Wood, Cane

Mahogany Grotto Chair

Sold|~~$3,800~~

Mahogany Grotto Chair

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Venetian stained mahogany grotto chair. Shell carved back and seat with dolphin arms. Morticed

Category

Antique Late 19th Century Italian Armchairs

Materials

Mahogany

Pair of Antique Silver Leaf Grotto Chairs

Sold|~~$12,500 / set~~

Pair of Antique Silver Leaf Grotto Chairs

Located in Lambertville, NJ

A pair of Venetian carved wood silver leaf grotto chairs. Whimsically carved chairs with shell back

Category

Early 20th Century Italian Armchairs

Materials

Hardwood

Pair Asymmetrical Shellback Arm Chairs In Cinnamon Upholstery

Sold|~~$5,250~~

Pair Asymmetrical Shellback Arm Chairs In Cinnamon Upholstery

Located in Chicago, IL

Elegant pair of mirror image art deco shell back fireside chairs in heathered cinnamon-orange

Category

Vintage 1940s American Armchairs

Materials

Mahogany, Wool, Upholstery

Coquille Form Sofa and Pair of Chairs Attributed to Paolo Buffa

Sold|~~$8,995 / set~~

Coquille Form Sofa and Pair of Chairs Attributed to Paolo Buffa

By Paolo Buffa

Located in Troy, MI

Sofa and chairs trio found in Italy and attributed to Paolo Buffa, circa 1940s. Coquille (shell

Category

Early 20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Sofas

Materials

Brass

Fine Quality Leather Upholstered Desk Chair After a Design by Giles Grende

Sold|~~$4,068~~

Fine Quality Leather Upholstered Desk Chair After a Design by Giles Grende

By Giles Grendey

Located in Benington, Herts

similar walnut chair in his article ‘The Chair with a Shell Back’, which appeared in ‘The Antique

Category

Antique Mid-19th Century Irish Georgian Armchairs

Materials

Leather, Oak

Regence Beechwood Fauteuil

Sold|~~$1,250~~

Regence Beechwood Fauteuil

Located in Essex, MA

shaped arched back with central carved shell over a caned back and seat , shell carved chair rail

Category

Antique 18th Century and Earlier French Régence Armchairs

Pair of 1950s Italian Armchairs

Sold|~~$4,413~~

Pair of 1950s Italian Armchairs

Located in London, GB

A pair of shell backed tub chairs, expertly reupholstered in crushed blue velvet on conical wooden

Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Armchairs

Pair of Rose Tarlow Giltwood Regency Shell Back Chair

Sold|~~$11,800~~

Pair of Rose Tarlow Giltwood Regency Shell Back Chair

By Rose Tarlow

Located in Houston, TX

A pair of stylish Rose Tarlow Regency style shell back chairs finished in 22K gold.

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Regency Chairs

Materials

Wood

Set of Four Venetian Grotto Style Shell Back Chairs

Sold|~~$3,600~~

Set of Four Venetian Grotto Style Shell Back Chairs

Located in North Hollywood, CA

Set of four Venetian Grotto style shell back chairs in white wash finish.

Category

Vintage 1980s Spanish Hollywood Regency Dining Room Chairs

Materials

Wood

1940s Pair Carl-Johan Boman Attributed Shell Back Chairs for Re-Upholstery

Sold|~~$5,958~~

1940s Pair Carl-Johan Boman Attributed Shell Back Chairs for Re-Upholstery

By Boman OY, Carl-Johan Boman

Located in Silvolde, Gelderland

Beautiful designed shell-back chairs attributed to Carl-Johan Boman for Boman Oy Finland. Overall

Category

Vintage 1940s Finnish Hollywood Regency Lounge Chairs

Materials

Wool

Vintage Hollywood Regency Art Deco Fan Shell - Back Chairs - Grosfeld House

Sold|~~$3,950~~

Vintage Hollywood Regency Art Deco Fan Shell - Back Chairs - Grosfeld House

Located in Chicago, IL

Glamour Pair of Vintage Asymmetrical Fan back chairs. Original upholstery looks pretty nice. May

Category

Mid-20th Century American Hollywood Regency Lounge Chairs

Materials

Upholstery

Italian Shell Back Gold Leaf Side Chairs

Sold|~~$2,500~~

Italian Shell Back Gold Leaf Side Chairs

Located in New York, NY

Stunning pair of 1950s Venetian Grotto carved shell back chairs, in vintage original condition with

Category

20th Century Italian Hollywood Regency Chairs

Materials

Gold Leaf

Gilded Shell Grotto Chair

Sold|~~$1,425~~

Gilded Shell Grotto Chair

Located in Houston, TX

A 20th century gilded Italian shell back chair newly upholstered in a creamy Alpaca velvet. Two

Category

20th Century Italian Side Chairs

Materials

Velvet, Wood, Beech

Silver Gilded Shell Grotto Chair

Sold|~~$1,425~~

Silver Gilded Shell Grotto Chair

Located in Houston, TX

A 20th century silver gilded Italian shell back chair newly upholstered in a white creamy low pile

Category

20th Century Italian Side Chairs

Materials

Velvet, Wood, Beech

Venetian Grotto Style Gold Leaf Chair

Sold|~~$1,950~~

Venetian Grotto Style Gold Leaf Chair

Located in North Hollywood, CA

Venetian grotto style shell back chair in antique gold leaf.

Category

Vintage 1980s Spanish Hollywood Regency Side Chairs

Materials

Wood

Walnut Grotto Shell Side Chair Upholstered in Green Mohair

Sold|~~$1,450~~

Walnut Grotto Shell Side Chair Upholstered in Green Mohair

Located in Los Angeles, CA

A walnut grotto style chair (or Shell Back Chair) with emerald green mohair upholstery detailed

Category

20th Century Mid-Century Modern Side Chairs

Materials

Brass

Pair of Hollywood Regency Asymmetrical Slipper Chairs in Hot Pink Strie Velvet

Sold|~~$7,800~~

Pair of Hollywood Regency Asymmetrical Slipper Chairs in Hot Pink Strie Velvet

By Dorothy Draper

Located in Saint Louis, MO

Pair of Asymmetrical Shell back chairs in Hot Pink Strie Schumacher Velvet. Classic Hollywood

Category

Vintage 1940s American Hollywood Regency Chairs

Materials

Upholstery

Pair of Regency Period Shell Back Hall Chairs

Sold|~~$5,606~~

Pair of Regency Period Shell Back Hall Chairs

Located in Lincolnshire, GB

A super pair of Gillow design shell back hall chairs with a fabulous depth and detail to the

Category

Antique Early 19th Century Regency Chairs

Materials

Mahogany

Pair Of Regency Mahogany Shell Back Hall Chairs

Sold|~~$4,850~~

Pair Of Regency Mahogany Shell Back Hall Chairs

Located in Essex, MA

With scallop shell form carved backs with spiral shell carved splat and wood seat and circular

Category

Antique Early 19th Century English Regency Chairs

Materials

Mahogany

Pair of Regency Period Mahogany Shell Back Hall Chairs

Sold|~~$3,792~~

Pair of Regency Period Mahogany Shell Back Hall Chairs

Located in Lincolnshire, GB

A Regency pair of carved mahogany shell back hall chairs of superb color and patiation.

Category

Antique Early 19th Century Regency Chairs

Materials

Mahogany

Swedish Art Deco Club Chairs Shell Shaped Back

Sold|~~$3,456~~

Swedish Art Deco Club Chairs Shell Shaped Back

Located in Skanninge, SE

Sunny pair of Art Deco club chairs, with armrests and legs in stained birch. Shell shaped backs and

Category

Early 20th Century Swedish Art Deco Club Chairs

Materials

Birch

Mid-Century Modern Shell Back Swivel Lounge Chair

Sold|~~$1,700~~

Mid-Century Modern Shell Back Swivel Lounge Chair

By Adrian Pearsall

Located in Brooklyn, NY

fabric. Bentwood shell back wonderfully compliments the Mid-Century slipper design, while the spacious

Category

Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Swivel Chairs

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Shell Back Chair For Sale on 1stDibs

With a vast inventory of beautiful furniture at 1stDibs, we’ve got just the shell back chair you’re looking for. Frequently made of wood, fabric and metal, every shell back chair was constructed with great care. Find 82 options for an antique or vintage shell back chair now, or shop our selection of 1 modern versions for a more contemporary example of this long-cherished piece. There are many kinds of the shell back chair you’re looking for, from those produced as long ago as the 18th Century to those made as recently as the 21st Century. Each shell back chair bearing Hollywood Regency, Mid-Century Modern or Art Deco hallmarks is very popular. A well-made shell back chair has long been a part of the offerings for many furniture designers and manufacturers, but those produced by Brown Jordan, Charles and Ray Eames and H. Paul Browning are consistently popular.

How Much is a Shell Back Chair?

A shell back chair can differ in price owing to various characteristics — the average selling price 1stDibs is $3,637, while the lowest priced sells for $550 and the highest can go for as much as $25,000.

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.

Questions About Shell Back Chair

What are Shell Chairs?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertMarch 31, 2023
Shell 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 Answer
1stDibs ExpertFebruary 13, 2023
Whether 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.
What is the back of a chair called?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertMarch 15, 2024
The back of a chair is called a chair back. In some cases, you may see people use modifiers to describe the styles of chair backs. For example, a chair with two crisscrossing cross rails is an X-back or cross back, while a chair with a series of horizontal cross rails positioned parallel to one another is a ladder back. Explore a wide range of chairs on 1stDibs.
What is a yoke back chair?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
Yoke back chairs are those that feature a curved top rail and a single central splat. The style of chair originated in China during the 10th century and was a common feature in Chinese homes by the 12th century. On 1stDibs, shop a range of yoke back chairs.
What is a splat back chair?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertFebruary 22, 2021
A splat back chair is a chair with a vertical central element on its back. Splat back chairs have more of a formal feel to them compared to other types of chairs and seating. Splat back Windsor chairs are popular on 1stDibs.
What is a lyre back chair?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
A lyre back chair is a type of furniture used for seating that originated during the early 18th century. It features a square back embellished with wood shaped like a lyre, an ancient stringed musical instrument. On 1stDibs, find a variety of lyre back chairs.
What is a Windsor back chair?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022
A Windsor back chair is a solid wooden chair with an arched spindle back. Most designs have curved arms positioned on angled stands and carved legs connected by a cross stretcher. The chair gets its name from the English city of Windsor, where the chairs were first made in the 18th century. On 1stDibs, shop a collection of Windsor back chairs.
What is a bow back chair?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
A bow back chair refers to a silhouette of a chair with a curved back and is usually made with high-quality wood. Bow back chairs were popular during the colonial period and are representative of American-Amish heritage. Browse a range of vintage bow back chairs on 1stDibs.
What is a channel back chair?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
A channel back chair is a chair that features deep channels in the upholstery along the back. These can create a seashell-like effect. This kind of back may also be called a fluted back. On 1stDibs, find a collection of vintage and new channel back chairs.
What is a low back chair?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertNovember 2, 2021
A low-back chair is designed to provide lumbar support to the lower back and mid-back. These chairs have a small backrest that reaches till the middle of one's back. Shop a collection of antique, vintage and contemporary low back chairs from some of the world’s top dealers on 1stDibs.
What is a balloon back chair?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
A balloon back chair is a specific type of seat that became popular during the Victorian era. It features a curved back that tapers as it travels down to the seat. Many balloon back chairs are armless, and nearly all examples feature upholstered seats. You'll find a range of balloon back chairs on 1stDibs.
What is a sling back chair?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertFebruary 22, 2021
A sling chair is usually made up of a framework connected by ropes or fabric hanging between the poles or frame. This design results in a structure quite similar to a sling stretcher.
What is a spoon back chair?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
A spoon back chair is an accent chair that features a deep curved back that forms arms along the sides of the furniture by sloping downward. Most spoon back chairs have wooden backs and upholstered seats. Find a variety of spoon back chairs on 1stDibs.
What is a comb back chair?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
A comb back chair is a style of chair featuring a back resembling a comb. Comb back chairs are also known as Windsor chairs and are typically crafted with a cage-like backing. Shop a selection of comb back chairs on 1stDibs.
Is the Wegner shell chair comfortable?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022
Whether 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.
What is the history of the Wegner Shell chair?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertFebruary 13, 2024
The 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.
How do I reupholster a barrel back chair?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
Reupholster a barrel back chair by first removing the old upholstery from the chair. Use the old pieces of material as a guide to help you cut the new upholstery into properly sized pieces. Reupholster the chair by using a furniture stapler to re-secure the new upholstery in the same manner that the old upholstery was attached. Shop a range of vintage and contemporary barrel back chairs on 1stDibs.
When were cane back chairs popular?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
While cane back chairs have been made around the globe for thousands of years, it was in the 1970s that this style took the world by storm and became a must for many households. It’s the organic, natural look of a cane back chair that made it so desirable and that makes it a modern furniture element as well, with its tropical vibe and vacation attitude. Shop a collection of cane back chairs from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.
When were balloon back chairs made?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
Balloon back chairs were made mostly in the Victorian era, as they were highly popular at this time in the 19th century. It is generally regarded as a classic antique dining room chair. Browse an array of authentic antique balloon back chairs on 1stDibs.
What is a high back office chair?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertOctober 12, 2021
A high back office chair has a tall backrest to provide support to both your back and neck. It helps minimize the risk of chronic neck and back problems. These chairs also come with wheels attached for ease of mobility. Shop a range of antique and vintage high back office chairs on 1stDibs.

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