Used Armchairs
to
8,057
64,126
53,820
116,910
3,660
Height
to
Width
to
Depth
to
34,097
27,412
2,165
3,888
943
2,008
618
1,321
518
971
411
933
35,538
8,151
5,137
3,374
2,245
1,926
1,776
1,195
1,180
807
777
670
624
617
536
434
139
98
5,177
17,728
93,585
3,672
8,654
57,371
16,761
1,104
400
1,415
5,135
5,941
17,400
17,123
9,809
2,519
944
71,926
45,086
23,206
22,144
21,299
85,557
21,057
19,669
19,203
19,045
118,523
118,518
118,518
1,323
1,129
1,001
926
690
Sort By
Black Leather Le Corbusier Chair LC1 by Cassina
By Le Corbusier, Cassina
Located in Vilnius, LT
Vintage LC1 black leather chair designed by Le Corbusier circa 1928's and manufactured by Cassina in 1990's.
Engraved serial umber 46639, Le Corbusier signature and Cassina mark.
Ver...
Category
Late 20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Used Armchairs
Materials
Chrome
Danish Rosewood Armchairs by Johannes Andersen for Uldum Møbler, 1960s. Set of 6
By Uldum Møbelfabrik, Johannes Andersen
Located in Asaa, DK
Danish Rosewood Armchairs by Johannes Andersen for Uldum Møbler, 1960s. Set of 6.
Elegant and beautiful Scandinavian Mid-Century Modern armchairs designed by Johannes Andersen for U...
Category
1960s Danish Mid-Century Modern Used Armchairs
Materials
Rosewood
Lion in Frost Pair Lucite & Brass Dining Chairs in Vinyl Upholstery, 1975
By Lion in Frost
Located in Miami, FL
Mid-Century Modern pair of lion in frost lucite dining, office chairs or armchairs on casters with brass detailing made in America in the late 20th century.
The original distressed ...
Category
1970s American Mid-Century Modern Used Armchairs
Materials
Brass
$2,963 Sale Price / set
24% Off
Mid-20th Century, Razorblade Armchair by Henning Kjærnulf, Oak & Lambswool, 1960
By Henning Kjærnulf, EG Kvaliteet
Located in Odense, DK
A stunning brutalist oak armchair designed by Henning (Henry) Kjærnulf for E.G. Møbler produced circa the 1960s, this chair exemplifies the bold yet refined character of mid-century ...
Category
Mid-20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Used Armchairs
Materials
Lambskin, Sheepskin, Wool, Oak
Guillerme et Chambron Oak Mid-Century French Armchair
By Guillerme et Chambron
Located in London, GB
A petite mid-century armchair.
France, c1960s.
By Guillerme et Chambron.
Original upholstery is worn so wants updating, priced accordingly, which allows a fabric and styl...
Category
1960s French Mid-Century Modern Used Armchairs
Materials
Oak
$3,071 Sale Price
24% Off
Post Modern Black Leather Lounge Chair Made by Marinelli, Italy
By Marinelli Home 1
Located in Weesp, NL
Very comfortable black heavy leather lounge chair produced in the 1980s by Marinelli, Italy.
The chair is in excellent condition.
Measurements: H 79 x D 91 x W 87, seating height 42 ...
Category
1980s Italian Post-Modern Used Armchairs
Materials
Leather
$2,932 Sale Price
24% Off
Gianni Moscatelli Dining Chairs for Formanova, 1968, Set of 6
By Gianni Moscatelli, Formanova
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Gianni Moscatelli dining chairs for Formanova, faux-fur and iron, Italy, 1968, set of six.
These chairs represent timeless items designed by Gianni Moscatelli for Formanova in the 1...
Category
1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Used Armchairs
Materials
Faux Fur
19th Century Pair of Painted and Upholstered Louis XVI Style Open Arm Fauteuils
Located in Old Town Orange, CA
19th century pair of painted and upholstered open arm fauteuils in the Louis XVI style.
Beautiful original painted finish in a creamy white finish, with grey patina, and antique bro...
Category
19th Century French Louis XVI Used Armchairs
Materials
Velvet, Paint, Wood
$2,774 Sale Price / set
24% Off
Set of 4 Pigreco Chairs by Afra & Tobia Scarpa for Gavina, Italy 1960s
By Afra & Tobia Scarpa, Gavina
Located in Roma, IT
Fabulous set of four "Pigreco" chairs. These iconic chairs were designed by Afra and Tobia Scarpa and produced by Gavina in Italy in the 1960s.
This stylish chairs feature a stunnin...
Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Used Armchairs
Materials
Faux Leather, Wood
Pair of Collapsible French Mid-Century Modern Leather Lounge Chairs by Lama
By Lama
Located in New York, NY
Elegant pair of French Mid-Century Modern sling lounge chairs in patent leather by Lama. They are part of the history of European functional modernist chairs that collapse and can be...
Category
1960s French Mid-Century Modern Used Armchairs
Materials
Steel, Chrome
$1,970 Sale Price / set
42% Off
Louis XV Fauteuil in Walnut with Painted Accents, France c. 1760
Located in Atlanta, GA
A fine Louis XV period Walnut Fauteuil, featuring carved foliate designs on the exposed apron & seat-back, and restrained green painted accents. Dating from the mid-1700s, and French...
Category
Mid-18th Century French Louis XV Used Armchairs
Materials
Upholstery, Walnut
Pair of Italian 'Memphis Design' Lounge / Garden Chairs by Castelli Ferrieri
By Anna Castelli Ferrieri, Kartell
Located in New York, NY
Comfortable, chic pair of Italian Mid-Century Modern lounge /club chairs / armchairs by Castelli Ferrieri for Kartell featuring both innovative design and a mix of recycled poly mate...
Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Used Armchairs
Materials
Steel
A French Louis XVI Style Ivory Painted and Parcel Gilt Oval Back Open Arm Chair
Located in San Francisco, CA
A large-scaled and elegant French Louis XVI style ivory painted and parcel gilt oval back open armchair; the circular padded back with floral carved crest rail above padded arms over...
Category
19th Century French Louis XVI Used Armchairs
Materials
Wood
$2,736 Sale Price
64% Off
Swedish Safari Armchair in Natural Cognac Leather and Birch
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Nordiska Kompaniet, armchair, leather, birch, Sweden, 1950s
This elegant safari lounge chair is crafted from natural cognac brown leather, which has developed a beautiful patina ove...
Category
1950s Scandinavian Scandinavian Modern Used Armchairs
Materials
Leather, Birch
Pair of 19th Century Chinese Elm Armchairs
Located in New York, NY
A pair of Chinese elm armchairs with shaped crest rail and curved back splats with pierced and carved cartouches.
Category
19th Century Chinese Used Armchairs
Materials
Elm
$2,850 / set
Gianni Moscatelli Dining Chairs for Formanova, 1968, Set of 14
By Formanova, Gianni Moscatelli
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Gianni Moscatelli dining chairs for Formanova, faux-fur and iron, Italy, 1968, set of fourteen.
These chairs represent timeless items designed by Gianni Moscatelli for Formanova in ...
Category
1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Used Armchairs
Materials
Faux Fur
Pair of Midcentury Italian Armchairs in Rattan and Wicker, Tito Agnoli, 1960s
By Tito Agnoli
Located in Roma, IT
Fantastic pair of Mid-Century French Riviera style armchairs fully made in curved rattan, bamboo and hand-woven wicker. These lovely armchairs were designed in Italy during the 1960s...
Category
1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Used Armchairs
Materials
Bamboo, Wicker, Rattan
Yrjö Kukkapuro 'Skaala' Leather Lounge Chairs for Avarte, Finland, 1970s
By Yrjö Kukkapuro, Avarte, Finland 1
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Incredible collectible 'Skaala' lounge armchair by Yrjo¨ Kukkapuro for Avarte, made in Finland, circa 1970. Featuring original burgundy red leather seat and back cushion, birch and t...
Category
1970s Finnish Mid-Century Modern Used Armchairs
Materials
Steel, Chrome
$1,700 Sale Price
22% Off
Gianni Moscatelli Dining Chairs for Formanova, 1968, Set of 12
By Formanova, Gianni Moscatelli
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Gianni Moscatelli dining chairs for Formanova, faux-fur and iron, Italy, 1968, set of twelve.
These chairs represent timeless items designed by Gianni Moscatelli for Formanova in th...
Category
1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Used Armchairs
Materials
Faux Fur
Set of Four Eames for Herman Miller Swivel Shell Chairs
By Charles and Ray Eames, Herman Miller
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Dazzling mid-century set of four padded swivel chairs by Charles and Ray Eames for Herman Miller. The fiberglass shells are upholstered in a rare geometric black and white print with...
Category
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Used Armchairs
Materials
Steel
$6,400 Sale Price / set
20% Off
Mid-Century Modern "Oxford" Lounge Chair by Brazilian Designer Jorge Zalszupin
By Jorge Zalszupin
Located in Sao Paulo, SP
This is an outstanding lounge chair designed by Jorge Zalszupin during the Brazilian midcentury. The "Oxford" lounge chair is a great example of a design with perfect proportions. Th...
Category
Mid-20th Century Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Used Armchairs
Materials
Steel
Jean Prouve for Vitra Fauteuil de Salon Chair, Germany
By Jean Prouvé
Located in Chicago, IL
Pair Vladimir Kagan slipper lounge chairs for Preview, 1990. Original upholstery.
Category
2010s German Used Armchairs
Materials
Steel
Afra & Tobia Scarpa "Soriana" Chairs for Cassina, Black Leather 1969, Set of 2
By Afra & Tobia Scarpa, Cassina
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Afra & Tobia Scarpa "Soriana" easy chairs for Cassina, black leather and metal, Italy, 1969, set of two.
Although technically designed in the 1960s, the "Soriana" model by the Ital...
Category
1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Used Armchairs
Materials
Metal
DESIGNER GEORGE SMiTH CHELSEA LARGE FULL SIGNATURE SCROLL ARM ARMCHAIR
By George Smith
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
Royal House Antiques
Royal House Antiques is delighted to offer for sale this absolutely stunning, George Smith Chelsea, Signature full scroll arm armchair with feather filled cushi...
Category
20th Century English Country Used Armchairs
Materials
Upholstery
Edward Ferrell Ltd. Floral Chintz Armchairs, Pair
By Edward Ferrell + Lewis Mittman 1
Located in Astoria, NY
Edward Ferrell Ltd. Floral Chintz Upholstered Arm Chairs, each with label beneath cushion.
36" H x 35.5" W x 39" D; seat: 19" H.
Provenance: From a 955 Fifth Avenue Apartment.
Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Used Armchairs
Materials
Upholstery
Pair of Midcentury Leopard Print Velvet Dante Armchairs, H. Lis, 1960s
By Henryk Lis
Located in 05-080 Hornowek, PL
A beautiful, restored armchairs designed by Henryk Lis. Furniture after full carpentry and upholstery renovation. The fabric, which is covered with a backrest and a seat, is a high-q...
Category
20th Century Polish Mid-Century Modern Used Armchairs
Materials
Textile, Beech
Mario Bellini "Le Bambole" Sofa for B&B Italia, Ivory Chenille, 1972
By Mario Bellini, B&B Italia
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Mario Bellini “Le Bambole” three seater sofa for B&B Italia, ivory chenille, Italy, 1971.
The search for a new shape for upholstered furniture: all parts are shaped like a large sof...
Category
1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Used Armchairs
Materials
Foam, Chenille
Hans Wegner Sawbuck Chair
By Hans J. Wegner
Located in New York, NY
A Danish oak and leather armchair.
Designed by Hans Wegner
Name - Sawbuck chair
Model Number - CH-28 armchair was designed by Hans Wegner in 1951 and was one of the first fi...
Category
1950s Danish Scandinavian Modern Used Armchairs
Materials
Oak, Leather
19th Century Russian Giltwood Armchair
Located in Essex, MA
Period Early 19th Century Russian Giltwood and Painted Armchair or Bergere. In style of Rossi. Incredible proportion and size. Good size for modern sitting. Gilding over original gil...
Category
Early 19th Century Russian Neoclassical Used Armchairs
Materials
Giltwood
French Louis XVI Style Armchair Carved Walnut with Caned Backrest
Located in Frankfurt am Main, DE
A Louis XVI style cabriolet armchair of solid walnut finely carved with caned backrest, France, 1900-1910. The chair has been reupholstered in off-white 100% linen, original finish v...
Category
Early 20th Century French Louis XVI Used Armchairs
Materials
Linen, Cane, Walnut
Rare Ebonized Mahogany Chair by Gerald McCabe + Gregg Fleishman
By Gregg LeFevre, Gerald McCabe
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This chair is an extremely rare one of a kind design by Gregg Fleishman and Gerald McCabe. Gregg Fleishman is an architect, designer, artist and inventor whose work is largely inform...
Category
1980s American Post-Modern Used Armchairs
Materials
Mahogany
1960's X Base Black Lacquer Director Chairs With Mohair Upholstery.
Located in New York, NY
1960's Hollywood regency style director chairs newly reupholstered in mohair fabric and newly lacquered in black, with minor wear and patina due to age and use.
Category
1960s American Mid-Century Modern Used Armchairs
Materials
Mohair, Walnut, Lacquer
Henning Kjærnulf Rocking Chair in Oak, Seat and Backrest Reupholstered, 1960s
By Henning Kjærnulf, EG Kvaliteet
Located in Odense, DK
Beautiful rocking chair in solid oak, designed by Henning Kjærnulf for EG Kvalitetsmöbel in the 1960s. The chair clearly reflects Kjærnulf's signature design language, featuring deco...
Category
Mid-20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Used Armchairs
Materials
Lambskin, Oak, Wool
Fine Custom Upholstered Library Club Chairs In George Smith Style
By George Smith
Located in Bridgeport, CT
A pair of fine custom upholstered Club Chairs in George Smith style. . Raised on front turned legs terminating in brass casters with squared back saber form back legs. Upholstered in...
Category
20th Century Hollywood Regency Used Armchairs
Materials
Brass
Vintage Le Corbusier LC1 Chair by Cassina
By Le Corbusier, Cassina
Located in Vilnius, LT
Vintage LC1 chair designed by Le Corbusier, Pierre Jeanneret, Charlotte Perriand, circa 1928.
Base in chromed tubular steel, pony skin upholstery.
Marked/engraved on the frame: Le C...
Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Used Armchairs
Materials
Chrome
Pair of Dutch Art Deco Armchairs with Inlay Motif in Oak and Velvet, 1930s
Located in Almelo, NL
Pair of Dutch Art Deco Armchairs with Inlay Motif in Oak and Velvet, 1930s
A stylish and comfortable pair of Dutch Art Deco armchairs from the 1930s, thoughtfully designed with balan...
Category
Mid-20th Century Dutch Art Deco Used Armchairs
Materials
Metal
New Pair of George Smith Flying Ducks Armchairs & Ottoman Footstool
By George Smith, Mulberry
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
We are delighted to offer for sale this pair of fully refurbished, George Smith Signature Scroll arm armchairs and matching footstool upholstered in Mulberry Flying Ducks velvet
T...
Category
20th Century English Country Used Armchairs
Materials
Upholstery, Beech
Federico Munari Midcentury Armchairs Bronze Velvet Curved Wooden Feet, 1950s
By Federico Munari
Located in Palermo, Sicily
Federico Munari midcentury armchairs bronze velvet curved wooden feet, 1950s.
Category
1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Used Armchairs
Materials
Velvet
Swedish Desk Chair Birch Lacquered Mahogany Brown Sweden 1920s
By Karl Johan
Located in Hillringsberg, SE
A fine-looking desk chair in Karl Johan style made in Sweden during the 1920s ca. This one with brown mahogany looking lacquer to make the birch look even more exclusive. The seat ha...
Category
1920s Swedish Karl Johan Used Armchairs
Materials
Birch
Italian Designer Pair of Armchairs in Green Moss Velvet with Brass Feet, 1950s
By Carlo di Carli
Located in Morazzone, Varese
Italian Designer Pair of Armchairs in Green Moss Velvet with Brass Feet and Purple Piping, 1950s
A superb pair of Italian armchairs manufactured in the style of Carlo de Carli.
The ...
Category
1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Used Armchairs
Materials
Brass
Favela Chair by Campana Brothers for Edra 1994
By Campana Brothers
Located in Lisboa, PT
Favela Chair by Campana Brothers for Edra, 1994
Designed by Fernando and Humberto Campana, the Favela Chair is a remarkable example of their groundbreaking approach to design and c...
Category
1990s Italian Mid-Century Modern Used Armchairs
Materials
Pine
Pair of Baby Pink Velvet Armchairs, Designed by Edmund Homa, 1960s
Located in 05-080 Hornowek, PL
Beautiful armchairs model GFM-142, designed by Edmund Homa. The armchairs was made in the 1960s in the Gosciecinska Furniture Factory. Frame is made from solid beechwood. The GFM-142...
Category
20th Century Polish Mid-Century Modern Used Armchairs
Materials
Textile, Beech
Vintage White Leather Chaise Longue Mod. Cortina, 1990s
Located in Roma, IT
White leather relax armchair.
Independently extractable footrest, reclining backrest, adjustable headrest, 360 degree rotation.
Steel chromed base.
Excellent condition.
Category
1990s Italian Used Armchairs
Materials
Leather, Hardwood
Exceptional pair of iconic Kaare Klint Mix Chairs in Niger Leather and Mahogany
By Rud Rasmussen, Edvard Kindt-Larsen, Kaare Klint
Located in Copenhagen, DK
KAARE KLINT & RUD RASMUSSEN SNEDKERIER
SCANDINAVIAN MODERN
A rare pair Kaare Klint and the iconic “Mix Chairs”, mahogany frame, upholstered in Nigerian goat hide and brass nails. ...
Category
Mid-20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Used Armchairs
Materials
Leather, Mahogany
1930s Art Deco Lounge Chairs, Restored Walnut & Oak Frame Pair
Located in Praha, CZ
This elegant pair of 1930s Art Deco lounge chairs from Czechoslovakia features a beautifully crafted walnut and oak frame, distinguished by sculptural sweeping arms typical of Centra...
Category
1930s Czech Art Deco Used Armchairs
Materials
Fabric, Oak, Walnut
Pair Of Ilmari Lappalainen Laila Armchairs Upholstered in White, Asko 1950s
By Asko, Ilmari Lappalainen
Located in Helsinki, FI
A pair of elegant armchairs designed by Ilmari Lappalainen and manufactured by Asko Oy in Finland in the 1950s. Apart from the reupholstery the chair bodies are in original and very ...
Category
1950s Finnish Mid-Century Modern Used Armchairs
Materials
Fabric, Birch
Pair of ‘Rialto’ armchairs by Gustaf Hiort af Ornäs for Puunveisto Oy
By Carl Gustaf Hiort af Ornäs
Located in LYON, FR
Pair of ‘Rialto’ armchairs designed by Finnish architect and designer Carl Gustaf Hiort af Ornäs in 1957.
Original models produced by his own furniture company, Puunveisto Oy. First...
Category
1950s Finnish Scandinavian Modern Used Armchairs
Materials
Leather, Fabric, Teak
Important Pierre Patout Mahogany Dining Chairs from S.S. Île de France, c. 1927
By Pierre Patout
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This set of important Pierre Patout open arm chairs were from the first class dining room on board of the S.S. Île de France, circa 1927. With excellent provenance, this exact set wa...
Category
1920s French Art Deco Used Armchairs
Materials
Velvet, Mahogany
Art Deco Beech Armchair H-269 from Czechoslovakia by Jindrich Halabala, 1930s
By Up Závody, Jindřich Halabala
Located in Brandys nad Labem, Středočeský kraj
For this item we are able to guarantee the import duty rate, which is 15%. Given the currently unpredictable political situation in the United States, having a fixed and reliable dut...
Category
Early 20th Century Czech Art Deco Used Armchairs
Materials
Fabric, Upholstery, Wood, Beech, Lacquer
Norman Cherner for Plycraft Sculptural Pair of Armchairs Mid Century Modern
By Plycraft, Norman Cherner
Located in Atlanta, GA
Sculptural pair of armchairs, designed by Norman Cherner for Plycraft, American, circa 1960s. These chairs are currently being refinished and will look amazing when completed.
Category
1960s American Mid-Century Modern Used Armchairs
Materials
Walnut, Bentwood
Pair of armchairs by Dal Vera
By Hans J. Wegner
Located in London, GB
1950s pair of Italian chairs In cherrywood upholstered in their original faux leather in tan colour.
Category
1950s Italian Used Armchairs
Materials
Faux Leather, Cherry
$2,205 Sale Price / set
20% Off
Pair of 19th Century English Regency Armchairs
Located in Los Angeles, CA
19th Century. English. Cane seats. Seat height is 16.5".
Category
19th Century English Regency Used Armchairs
Materials
Wood, Cane
Pair of Howard George Smith Signature Scroll Arm Style Brown Leather Armchairs
By Howard and Sons, George Smith
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
We are delighted to offer for sale this sublime large pair of fully restored Howard George Smith style Signature Scroll Arm cigar brown leather armchairs with oversized feather fille...
Category
20th Century English Victorian Used Armchairs
Materials
Leather
Ole Wanscher Model Sofa and Armchair with Green Wool and Rosewood Frames
By Ole Wanscher
Located in London, GB
Living room setdesigned by Ole Wanscher and made by AJ Iversen in the 1960 comprised of sofa and armchair. Upholstered in a green wool and with rosewood frames.
Measures: Sofa: H. ...
Category
1960s European Scandinavian Modern Used Armchairs
Materials
Hardwood
$4,824 Sale Price / set
75% Off
Henning Kjærnulf, Set of 8 Chairs in Oak & Hessian, Danish Mid Century, 1960s
By EG Kvaliteet, Henning Kjærnulf
Located in Odense, DK
A sculptural set of eight Danish Mid-Century Modern dining chairs designed by architect Henning Kjærnulf and produced by EG Kvalitetsmøbel in Denmark during the 1960s. Kjærnulf combi...
Category
Mid-20th Century Danish Brutalist Used Armchairs
Materials
Oak, Fabric, Textile, Burlap
French Mid-century modern Steel Armchair by Colette Gueden, 1950s
Located in Paris, FR
Beautiful French collectible mid-century lounge chair or armchair by Colette Gueden in a tubular black re-lacquered steel frame and light green upholstery. In fully restored conditio...
Category
20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Used Armchairs
Materials
Steel
Eugenio Quarti, Pair of liberty elegant stylish armchair
By Eugenio Quarti
Located in Milano, IT
COD-2268
Eugenio Quarti (1867 - 1926)
Pair of rare elegant stylish armchairs in wood and fabric upholstery.
Manufactured by Eugenio Quarti Milan
Liberty era, 1920's.
59x72xh86 cm
Category
Early 20th Century Italian Art Nouveau Used Armchairs
Materials
Walnut
- 1
- ...
Get Updated with New Arrivals
Save "Used Armchairs", and we’ll notify you when there are new listings in this category.
Used Armchairs For Sale on 1stDibs
An assortment of used armchairs is available at 1stDibs. Frequently made of wood, fabric and animal skin, all used armchairs available were constructed with great care. Used armchairs have been made for many years, and versions that date back to the 18th Century alongside those produced as recently as the 21st Century. There are many kinds of used armchairs to choose from, but at 1stDibs, Mid-Century Modern, Scandinavian Modern and Art Deco used armchairs are of considerable interest. Many used armchairs are appealing in their simplicity, but Hans J. Wegner, Knoll and Jindrich Halabala produced popular used armchairs that are worth a look.
How Much are Used Armchairs?
Prices for used armchairs can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — at 1stDibs, used armchairs begin at $1 and can go as high as $8,319,974, while the average can fetch as much as $3,500.
Finding the Right Armchairs for You
Armchairs have run the gamut from prestige to ease and everything in between, and everyone has an antique or vintage armchair that they love.
Long before industrial mass production democratized seating, armchairs conveyed status and power.
In ancient Egypt, the commoners took stools, while in early Greece, ceremonial chairs of carved marble were designated for nobility. But the high-backed early thrones of yore, elevated and ornate, were merely grandiose iterations of today’s armchairs.
Modern-day armchairs, built with functionality and comfort in mind, are now central to tasks throughout your home. Formal dining armchairs support your guests at a table for a cheery feast, a good drafting chair with a deep seat is parked in front of an easel where you create art and, elsewhere, an ergonomic wonder of sorts positions you at the desk for your 9 to 5.
When placed under just the right lamp where you can lounge comfortably, both elbows resting on the padded supports on each side of you, an upholstered armchair — or a rattan armchair for your light-suffused sunroom — can be the sanctuary where you’ll read for hours.
If you’re in the mood for company, your velvet chesterfield armchair is a place to relax and be part of the conversation that swirls around you. Maybe the dialogue is about the beloved Papa Bear chair, a mid-century modern masterpiece from Danish carpenter and furniture maker Hans Wegner, and the wingback’s strong association with the concept of cozying up by the fireplace, which we can trace back to its origins in 1600s-era England, when the seat’s distinctive arm protrusions protected the sitter from the heat of the period’s large fireplaces.
If the fireside armchair chat involves spirited comparisons, your companions will likely probe the merits of antique and vintage armchairs such as Queen Anne armchairs, Victorian armchairs or even Louis XVI armchairs, as well as the pros and cons of restoration versus conservation.
Everyone seems to have a favorite armchair and most people will be all too willing to talk about their beloved design. Whether that’s the unique Favela chair by Brazilian sibling furniture designers Fernando and Humberto Campana, who repurposed everyday objects to provocative effect; or Marcel Breuer’s futuristic tubular metal Wassily lounge chair; the functionality-first LC series from Charlotte Perriand, Le Corbusier and Pierre Jeanneret; or the Eames lounge chair of the mid-1950s created by Charles and Ray Eames, there is an iconic armchair for everyone and every purpose. Find yours on 1stDibs right now.
Read More
All the Furniture in This Organic Modern Soho Loft Can Be Yours
Andrianna Shamaris has filled her epic new home with pieces of her own design.
20 Inviting Dining Rooms Perfectly Arranged for Entertaining
Top interior designers show — and tell — us how to create delectable spaces for hosting dinner parties.
Nobody Puts This Sunny Sofa in a Corner
With its plush cushions, cane details and dazzlingly colorful back, it’s inviting from every angle.
The 21 Most Popular Mid-Century Modern Chairs
You know the designs, now get the stories about how they came to be.
Fred Rigby’s Modular Seating Can Be Configured in So Many Handy Ways
The plush Cove Slipper 2.5 Seater sofa is just one of many convenient combinations from the London-based maker.
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.
Is Lionel Jadot the Willy Wonka of Upcycled Belgian Design?
From his massive collaborative workshop in a former paper factory, the designer concocts funky furniture from disused materials, as well as luxe hotel interiors like the new Mix Brussels.
Rock Your Cares Away on This Sunny Hand-Crocheted Swing
The boho-chic Enchanted Forest Swing, handmade by marginalized women from Turkey and Syria, is uplifting in every way.
More Ways To Browse
Repose Pieds
Terence Woodgate
White 80s Chairs
951 Lounge Chair
Svein Bjorneng
Fauteuil De Salon
Jean Prouve Fauteuil De Salon
Vitra Fauteuil De Salon Chair
A E Hjorth
Adrian Cruz Elements
Amina Etro
Antebellum Antiques
Antique 3 Leg Sofa
Antonio Citterio Mart Armchair
Archibald Gran
Arne Farnrot
Arne Norell Thumb
Arne Vodder Ellen