Question 1

What is the difference between a lounge chair and a chair?

Accepted Answer

The difference between a lounge chair and a chair is specificity. A chair is the general term for furniture typically designed to seat one person at a time, and there are many different kinds of chairs, including dining, accent and office chairs. Lounge chairs are another example of a specific type of chair. They are chairs with a footrest that allows you to elevate your feet while sitting. On 1stDibs, explore a large collection of chairs.

Question 2

How can you tell if a chair is an Eames chair?

Accepted Answer

To tell if a chair is an Eames chair, take a look under the seat or cushion. Authentic Eames lounge chairs are manufactured by Herman Miller and Vitra. If your Eames chair is a Herman Miller original, look for the legendary manufacturer’s specific logomarks on the product (these logomarks can be found on the company’s official website). There is also the manufacturing label, which is usually found under the seat or cushion (unless a former owner removed it). All of the classic Herman Miller designs are paired with a certificate of authenticity. Some designs may also have a medallion attached to certify their authenticity. You can then check trusted online resources to determine if the information on the label is correct for the style of chair (and more info on its construction is available on the official Eames website). You won’t see screws outside of the wood shells on an authentic Eames lounge chair, and prior to the 1970s, original vintage Eames lounge chairs were made with no more than five layers of plywood (during the 1970s, the chairs were made with seven layers). Find a variety of authentic Eames chairs on 1stDibs.

Question 3

What is the difference between an accent chair and a dining chair?

Accepted Answer

The difference between an accent chair and a dining chair comes down to function and design. An accent chair usually goes in a seating area, and makers craft them with comfort in mind. As a result, most accent chairs feature cushioning and upholstery and are characterized by generous proportions. The purpose of a dining chair is to provide a place to sit while enjoying a meal. Usually, dining chairs are lighter and smaller than accent chairs for easy maneuvering. While they may have padded seats and backrests, dining chairs generally aren't as abundantly cushioned as accent chairs. Explore a large selection of chairs on 1stDibs.

Question 4

Why is a club chair called a club chair?

Accepted Answer

A club chair is called a club chair because the accent chairs became popular in the interior décor of gentleman's clubs in France. The original name for the club chair is “fauteuil confortable," which translates to "comfortable chair." You'll find a collection of club chairs on 1stDibs.

Question 5

What is the difference between an Adirondack chair and a Muskoka chair?

Accepted Answer

The difference between an Adirondack chair and a Muskoka chair can be easily explained in that garden armchairs are called Adirondack in the USA and Muskoka in Canada. While they both have short legs, bent reclining seats, wide armrests and high backs, the Adirondack chair is 2 inches higher from the floor and 2 inches wider. The Adirondack chair uses a flat yoke at the back while Muskoka might use curved yokes. Shop for an Adirondack chair or Muskoka chair on 1stDibs.

Question 6

What is the difference between a side chair and a Parsons chair?

Accepted Answer

The difference between a side chair and a Parsons chair is style. A side chair is a very commonly used dining chair. The form of a side chair may vary, but the constant is the lack of armrests to keep hands free for eating and to save space at the table. A Parsons chair is a type of side chair that features upholstery on the seat and back. Shop a selection of dining chairs on 1stDibs.

Question 7

What is the difference between a club chair and an armchair?

Accepted Answer

There is no difference between a club chair and an armchair; a club chair is a type of armchair. An armchair is any chair with arms, while a club chair is a wide, comfortable type of armchair that is typically clad in leather and features thick upholstery. All club chairs are armchairs, but not all armchairs are club chairs. On 1stDibs, shop a collection of club chairs.

Question 8

What is the difference between a task chair and an executive chair?

Accepted Answer

The difference between a task chair and an executive chair is that most task chairs will have adjustable seat height as well as swivel and tilt functions. Task chairs are lightweight and mobile but are not intended for long periods of continuous use. Executive chairs are meant to be more comfortable and are usually designed with high backrests. An executive chair is intended for long periods of use compared to a task chair, which in some cases may be armless and isn’t going to provide the premium comfort that can be expected from an executive chair. Task chairs are also typically less expensive than executive chairs. Find a variety of antique, modern and contemporary task chairs and executive chairs on 1stDibs.

Question 9

What is the difference between a lounge chair and an accent chair?

Accepted Answer

The difference between a lounge chair and an accent chair pertains to purpose. Typically, a lounge chair is wider and deeper than an accent chair and tends to have a thicker cushion. These stylistic differences owe to the fact that lounge chairs are meant to provide luxurious, comfortable seating for long periods of time, while accent chairs are more often intended to add visual appeal to a living room. On 1stDibs, shop a collection of living room chairs.

Question 10

What is the difference between an occasional chair and an accent chair?

Accepted Answer

The difference between an occasional chair and an accent chair comes down to usage. An occasional chair is a decorative chair that is placed in a room for its look rather than to function as an everyday seating solution. As a result, occasional chairs may be used infrequently. An accent chair is any decorative chair placed in a seating area. They can be used only occasionally or on a daily basis. Explore a wide variety of chairs on 1stDibs.

Question 11

What is a Selig chair?

Accepted Answer

A Selig chair is a chair imported by or produced by Selig, an American furniture company. Selig created Danish-inspired chairs, sofas and other furnishings for the home that were cutting-edge, contemporary and airy. The brand was also among the first to introduce Scandinavian and European modern styles to Americans in the 1950s and 60s. The company imported and manufactured furniture known for its extraordinary design and style using high-quality, enduring and seductive materials. On 1stDibs, shop an assortment of Selig chairs.

Question 12

What are timeless chairs?

Accepted Answer

Timeless chairs are generally furnishings that are considered iconic designs and remain in demand year after year. These are objects that have been produced in multiples and have earned landmark status in design history. Examples of timeless chairs include the Eames lounge chair by Charles and Ray Eames, the Wishbone chair by Hans J. Wegner, the Egg chair by Arne Jacobsen and the Womb chair by Eero Saarinen. Find a variety of antique, vintage and contemporary chairs on 1stDibs.

Question 13

What is an angel chair?

Accepted Answer

An angel chair can refer to one of two kinds of chairs. The first is a piece created by Fratelli Boffi, featuring a gold leaf-finished wood frame that has a curvy shape similar to angel wings. Another angel chair is a design by Brazilian artist Alê Jordão. Made from repurposed Volkswagen Beetle car parts painted silver, the chair features a dramatically curved back resembling angel wings. Explore a large selection of chairs on 1stDibs.

Question 14

What does a swivel chair do?

Accepted Answer

A swivel chair spins on its base. While seated, a user can turn the seat to face a different direction without repositioning the base of the chair. Swivel chairs are popular office furniture because they make it possible to reach for items in a workspace without having to get up from a seated position. In seating areas, swivel chairs allow people to focus on different areas of a room, such as a television screen or other people seated close by. Some dining chairs and bar stools also swivel to make it simpler for diners to sit down at and stand up from the table. Shop a large collection of swivel chairs on 1stDibs.

Question 15

What is a cocktail chair?

Accepted Answer

A cocktail chair is a type of seating used in living rooms, parlors and similar spaces. Often designed with comfort in mind, cocktail chairs typically feature cushioned upholstery. While providing inviting places to sit, the chairs also add to the overall look of a seating area. You may sometimes see cocktail chairs referred to as accent chairs. Shop a large collection of cocktail chairs on 1stDibs.

Question 16

What is the definition of a chair?

Accepted Answer

The definition of a chair is a seat typically designed for one person. Most chairs feature four legs or a pedestal base and have defined seats and backrests for supporting the body in a seated position. There are a few main categories of chairs, including dining chairs, office or desk chairs and accent chairs. On 1stDibs, shop a wide variety of antique, vintage and contemporary chairs.

Question 17

What is a Parsons chair?

Accepted Answer

A Parsons chair is a type of dining chair. It features four wooden legs with a slight taper. In some cases, the front legs may be turned. The chairs also tend to have high rectangular backs and lightly padded seats, both clad in upholstery. The name Parsons chair refers to the Parsons School of Design in Paris, France, where students first developed the now iconic chair during the 1930s. Shop an assortment of Parsons chairs on 1stDibs.

Question 18

What is a dining chair?

Accepted Answer

A dining chair is a chair used to provide seating while dining at a table. There are two main types: side chairs and armchairs. As the name suggests, armchairs feature integrated arms, and they typically go along the short ends of rectangular tables. Free of arms, side chairs are usually arranged along the sides of rectangular tables. On 1stDibs, shop a large selection of dining chairs.

Question 19

What is a Cromwell chair?

Accepted Answer

A Cromwell chair was a style of chair popular during the Puritan period. The chair features a leather back and seat and is finished with studded brass-headed nails. You’ll find a variety of antique and vintage furniture on 1stDibs.

Question 20

What is a carver chair?

Accepted Answer

A carver chair is a dining chair with arms. It is sometimes called an elbow chair. Vintage carver chairs were often made in pairs as a part of a set of dining chairs. Reproductions of antique carver chairs are also very popular.

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