Question 1

What is a splat back chair?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 2

What are cross back chairs called?

Accepted Answer

Cross back chairs are sometimes called X-back chairs because of the crisscrossing design. However, cross back chair is a commonly used name in its own right. Since couples often rent these types of chairs for seating during wedding ceremonies, some people call cross back chairs wedding chairs. Shop an assortment of cross back chairs on 1stDibs.

Question 3

When were shield back chairs made?

Accepted Answer

Shield back chairs were first made during the 18th century. However, the timeless design of these dining chairs continues to appeal to many people, so many furniture makers continue to produce chairs with distinctive shield backs. Shop a variety of shield back chairs on 1stDibs.

Question 4

Who designed the shield back chair?

Accepted Answer

Vladimir Kagan designed the Shield Back chair, which debuted in 1955. It features an upholstered back and seat. Cabinetmaker George Hepplewhite is also known for creating an all-wood shield back chair sometime during the mid-18th century. On 1stDibs, shop a collection of shield back chairs.

Question 5

What is the back of a chair called?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 6

What is a yoke back chair?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 7

What is a lyre back chair?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 8

What is a Windsor back chair?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 9

What is a bow back chair?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 10

What is a channel back chair?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 11

What is a low back chair?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 12

What is a comb back chair?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 13

What is a balloon back chair?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 14

What is a sling back chair?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 15

What is a spoon back chair?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 16

How do I reupholster a barrel back chair?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 17

When were cane back chairs popular?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 18

When were balloon back chairs made?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 19

What is a high back office chair?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 20

What are rounded back chairs called?

Accepted Answer

Countless chair styles have incorporated rounded backs over the centuries, including the famous club chair. Some interior designers favor round-back chairs for their sleek curvatures. Shop a collection of rounded back chairs from some of the world’s top sellers Oon 1stDibs.

Question 21

How do you upholster a channel back chair?

Accepted Answer

To upholster a channel back chair, you will need to remove the seat and back of the chair, measure for new padding and upholstery and make specialized cuts and patterns for the channels. Upholstering channel back chairs is challenging, so if you’re not experienced in upholstering furniture, it’s best to take it to someone who is. Shop a selection of upholstered channel chairs from top sellers on 1stDibs.

Question 22

What era are ladder back chairs from?

Accepted Answer

Ladder back chairs have a timeless design that was popular in several eras. Early examples date back to the Middle Ages. The wooden chairs became very popular in colonial America and England during the 17th century. Shop a range of antique and vintage ladder back chairs on 1stDibs.

Question 23

What era are balloon back chairs?

Accepted Answer

Balloon back chairs are from the Victorian era, which lasted from the late 1830s to the turn of the 20th century. These chairs get their name from their rounded backrests and narrow waists, which make it seem like their tops have ballooned or grown in size. On 1stDibs, shop a range of balloon back chairs.

Question 24

What kind of chair is best for your back?

Accepted Answer

The best chairs to prevent lower back pain are the Steelcase lamp chair, the Humanscale Freedom chair, and the Herman Miller Aeron chair. If you're shopping for a chair that will help with lower back pain, there is a variety of chairs that will meet your needs on 1stDibs.

Shield Back Chairs

Antique 18th Century and Earlier English Dining Room Chairs

Vintage 1940s Austrian Neoclassical Revival Dining Room Chairs

Early 20th Century American Dining Room Chairs

Early 20th Century Swedish Gustavian Dining Room Chairs

Vintage 1960s Danish Mid-Century Modern Dining Room Chairs

Antique 1810s English Adam Style Dining Room Chairs

Vintage 1960s Danish Mid-Century Modern Dining Room Chairs

Early 20th Century American Armchairs

Vintage 1960s Danish Mid-Century Modern Dining Room Chairs

Antique 19th Century English Armchairs

Antique Early 19th Century American American Classical Paintings

Early 20th Century American Patio and Garden Furniture

Vintage 1940s French Art Deco Armchairs

Antique 1760s British Hepplewhite Serving Tables

Antique 1760s British Hepplewhite Desks

Antique 1790s American Hepplewhite Dining Room Chairs

Antique Late 19th Century Irish Victorian Chairs

Antique Late 19th Century American Historical Memorabilia

Antique Late 18th Century Irish George III Side Chairs

Antique Late 18th Century Great Britain (UK) Hepplewhite Side Chairs

Vintage 1960s English Hepplewhite Dining Room Chairs

Antique Late 19th Century American George III Side Chairs

Antique 1780s Great Britain (UK) Hepplewhite Side Chairs

20th Century Side Chairs

Vintage 1930s French Art Deco Swivel Chairs

Antique 18th Century and Earlier British George III Side Chairs

Antique 19th Century English Georgian Armchairs

Early 20th Century British Hepplewhite Dining Room Chairs

Vintage 1960s Danish Mid-Century Modern Dining Room Chairs

Shield Back Chairs For Sale on 1stDibs

How Much are Shield Back Chairs?

Finding the Right Seating for You

Read More

How Top Designers Are Using Mid-Century Chairs in Today’s Interiors

All the Furniture in This Organic Modern Soho Loft Can Be Yours

20 Inviting Dining Rooms Perfectly Arranged for Entertaining

Nobody Puts This Sunny Sofa in a Corner

The 21 Most Popular Mid-Century Modern Chairs

Fred Rigby’s Modular Seating Can Be Configured in So Many Handy Ways

This Chubby-Chic Quilted Stool Stands on Its Own Two Feet

Is Lionel Jadot the Willy Wonka of Upcycled Belgian Design?

More Ways To Browse