The Iconic Chair
21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Chairs
Steel
2010s Italian Chairs
Steel
Vintage 1950s Dining Room Chairs
Cane, Teak
21st Century and Contemporary American Mid-Century Modern Chairs
Steel
21st Century and Contemporary American Industrial Side Chairs
Steel
Vintage 1980s Italian Post-Modern Dining Room Chairs
Wood, Lacquer
21st Century and Contemporary Thai Post-Modern Dining Room Chairs
Iron
Late 20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs
Velvet
20th Century Italian Post-Modern Dining Room Chairs
Fabric, Beech
Vintage 1980s Danish Scandinavian Modern Lounge Chairs
Steel
21st Century and Contemporary German Modern Side Chairs
Wood
20th Century Italian Post-Modern Dining Room Chairs
Leather, Wood
21st Century and Contemporary Hungarian Scandinavian Modern Chairs
Beech, Plywood
Vintage 1960s Danish Scandinavian Modern Office Chairs and Desk Chairs
Steel
2010s Italian Chairs
Steel
2010s Italian Chairs
Wood
Vintage 1950s Danish Scandinavian Modern Lounge Chairs
Steel
2010s American Modern Chairs
Upholstery
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Chairs
Steel
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Chairs
Steel
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Chairs
Steel
21st Century and Contemporary Modern Slipper Chairs
Fabric, Walnut
21st Century and Contemporary Club Chairs
Fabric, Hardwood
21st Century and Contemporary American Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs
Fabric, Hardwood, Walnut
21st Century and Contemporary American Lounge Chairs
Fabric, Hardwood, Walnut
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Chairs
Steel
21st Century and Contemporary American Swivel Chairs
Metal
21st Century and Contemporary American Lounge Chairs
Metal
21st Century and Contemporary American Lounge Chairs
Chenille, Mahogany
21st Century and Contemporary American Club Chairs
Hardwood, Fabric, Walnut
Mid-20th Century Mexican Mid-Century Modern Chairs
Mahogany
21st Century and Contemporary American Swivel Chairs
Metal
Mid-20th Century Norwegian Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs
Rosewood
Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Dining Room Chairs
Steel, Chrome
2010s Finnish Modern Lounge Chairs
Aluminum
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Chairs
Naugahyde, Walnut
21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Dining Room Chairs
Fabric, Walnut
Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs
Steel
Vintage 1950s Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Chairs
Cane, Hardwood
21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Dining Room Chairs
Fabric, Walnut
2010s Finnish Modern Lounge Chairs
Fiberglass
2010s Finnish Modern Lounge Chairs
Fiberglass
2010s Finnish Modern Lounge Chairs
Fiberglass
2010s Finnish Modern Lounge Chairs
Fiberglass
2010s Finnish Modern Lounge Chairs
Fiberglass
2010s Finnish Modern Lounge Chairs
Fiberglass
2010s Finnish Modern Lounge Chairs
Fiberglass
2010s Finnish Modern Lounge Chairs
Stainless Steel
2010s Finnish Modern Lounge Chairs
Fiberglass
2010s Finnish Modern Lounge Chairs
Fiberglass
Vintage 1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Chairs
Iron
Mid-20th Century American Bauhaus Chairs
Chrome
Mid-20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Dining Room Chairs
Beech, Teak
21st Century and Contemporary American Dining Room Chairs
Linen, Walnut
Vintage 1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Chairs
Velvet, Wood
Vintage 1960s Swedish Post-Modern Lounge Chairs
Aluminum
Vintage 1950s Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Dining Room Chairs
Leather, Wood, Cane
2010s Italian Chairs
Wood
Vintage 1970s Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs
Wicker, Rattan
2010s Finnish Modern Lounge Chairs
Stainless Steel
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The Iconic Chair For Sale on 1stDibs
How Much is a The Iconic 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.
- Why is the Eames chair iconic?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022The Eames chair is iconic due to its sleek and handsome design, making it the first lounge chair of its time to depart from more traditional, bulky styles. It is also exceptionally comfortable. This mid-century chair was designed by Charles and Ray Eames for the furniture company Herman Miller. On 1stDibs, find a collection of Eames chairs from top sellers worldwide.
- Why is the ghost chair iconic?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022The Louis Ghost chair is iconic for its elegant clear Lucite design, created by Phillipe Starck in 2002. It makes it exceptionally versatile to incorporate into existing decor, as well as making it an eye-catching style statement. Shop a collection of ghost chairs from top sellers around the world on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertNovember 6, 2023Which Cartier watch is the most iconic is open to debate. One of the French luxury brand's most influential watches is the Cartier Tank, which debuted in 1917. A women's watch, the Cartier Panthere is another of the brand's legendary designs. It was introduced in 1914, and its original design drew inspiration from a painting of a panther by artist George Barbier. Shop a large collection of Cartier watches on 1stDibs.
- What is the iconic Hermès color?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertFebruary 17, 2023The iconic Hermès color is an orange hue, sometimes called Orange H or Classic Orange. It became closely associated with the French luxury fashion house in 1942 when a shortage of light-colored boxes forced Hermès to switch to vibrant citrus orange packaging. On 1stDibs, shop a selection of Hermès pieces from some of the world's top sellers.
- 1stDibs ExpertMarch 25, 2024What the most iconic YSL clothing is is open to debate. One of Yves Saint Laurent's most notable pieces is the Mondrian minidress from 1965. It is a prime example of how Saint Laurent, an avid art lover and collector, looked to painters, including Goya, Picasso, Ingres and Matisse, for inspiration. Other well-known designs from the Yves Saint Laurent fashion house include the Le Smoking tuxedo suit, the Safari jacket, the Pinstripe pants suit and the dresses featured in the 1976 Opéras et Ballets Russes collection. On 1stDibs, explore a diverse assortment of Yves Saint Laurent clothing.
- 1stDibs ExpertMarch 3, 2023Some iconic chairs from the mid-century modern era include the Egg chair by Arne Jacobson, the La Chaise by Charles and Ray Eames and the Womb chair by Eero Saarinen. With their clean lines, organic shapes and simple details, these chairs reflect some of the key features of the style. Shop a variety of mid-century modern chairs on 1stDibs.
- What is a Greek Orthodox icon?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertOctober 12, 2021Greek Orthodox icons are icons that are symbolic representations of the Divine. Orthodox icons alter the perspective and form of the image, making it less lifelike. This is done so that we can see past worldly appearances and focus on the spiritual truth of the holy person or event.
- What is the iconic Hermès scarf?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertFebruary 13, 2023The most iconic Hermès scarf is arguably the Brides de Gala created by Hugo Grygkar in 1957. As the luxury French fashion label began as a maker of leather equestrian goods for European noblemen, the design of this scarf, which features a large-scale buckle print, was inspired by equestrian gear. Find a variety of Hermès scarves on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022What fountain pen is the most iconic is largely a matter of personal opinion. Some of the most widely known models include the Parker 51, the Waterman 52, the Parker Duofold, the Sheaffer Imperial and the Conklin Endura. Shop a wide variety of fountain pens on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022Religious artwork is painted on Russian icons. Depending on the design, an icon might show a depiction of a Russian Orthodox saint or a scene from the Old or New Testaments of the Bible. On 1stDibs, shop a range of Russian icons.
- Why is Chanel 2.55 iconic?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertMay 5, 2023The Chanel 2.55 bag is iconic because it has been a favorite luxury handbag for women around the world since 1955. Its flap closure, chain strap and diamond-quilted leather exterior are timeless details. When the bag debuted, it was the first-ever Chanel bag to include a shoulder strap. On 1stDibs, shop a range of Chanel 2.55 bags.
- 1stDibs ExpertNovember 1, 2023The most iconic Vivienne Westwood necklace is arguably the pearl Orb Necklace. It features the brand's orb logo set with crystals and glass-based Swarovski pearls. You'll also see the orb logo incorporated into other necklaces like the Luzia, the Amanda, the Viviana and the Kitty. Find a range of Vivienne Westwood jewelry on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 13, 2023A team led by Otl Aicher designed the 1972 Olympics icons. The event was held in Munich. The German graphic designer cofounded the Ulm School of Design, and the pictograms he created for the games are among his best-known works. Shop a selection of Otl Aicher artwork on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022While the opinion of the most iconic Louis Vuitton bag is largely contested, one bag has stood the test of time. The Speedy bag, originally made in the 1930s, was designed in response to advances in transportation and was a departure for the fashion house from its usual steamer trunk collection. Shop a variety of vintage and modern Louis Vuitton bags on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertJanuary 23, 2024The most iconic Van Cleef & Arpels necklace is arguably the Alhambra. It features 20 clover-shaped motifs. When it debuted in 1968, each clover was formed from gold and had gold beads around its edges. In 1971, the house began making the motif from colorful opaque hard stones, including malachite, lapis lazuli, onyx, coral, tiger’s-eye and turquoise. Many celebrities, like Grace Kelly, Sharon Stone, Mariah Carey and Kate Middleton, have sported the necklace over the years. On 1stDibs, explore a variety of Van Cleef & Arpels Alhambra necklaces.
- 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 13, 2023Jennifer Lopez wore the iconic Versace jungle dress to the 2000 Grammy Awards. However, Donatella Versace was actually the first one to wear the dress. She posed in it at the 1999 Met Gala. On 1stDibs, shop a collection of Versace pieces.
- 1stDibs ExpertNovember 8, 2023The 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.
- 1stDibs ExpertJune 15, 2023To 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.
- 1stDibs ExpertNovember 6, 2023The 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.
- 1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022A 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.
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