Used Folding Chairs
Early 20th Century Swiss Chairs
Wood
Vintage 1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Chairs
Chrome
Vintage 1970s Slovenian Mid-Century Modern Chairs
Cane, Hardwood
Vintage 1960s Italian Bauhaus Chairs
Steel
Vintage 1970s Slovenian Mid-Century Modern Chairs
Cane, Hardwood
Vintage 1980s Slovenian Mid-Century Modern Chairs
Cane, Hardwood
Vintage 1970s Slovenian Mid-Century Modern Chairs
Hardwood
20th Century French Chairs
Vintage 1970s Slovenian Mid-Century Modern Chairs
Cane, Hardwood
Vintage 1960s Chairs
Aluminum
Mid-20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs
Teak
Vintage 1970s Mid-Century Modern Side Chairs
Wood
Early 20th Century Asian Side Chairs
Wood
Vintage 1970s Slovenian Mid-Century Modern Chairs
Hardwood
Vintage 1960s German Chairs
Beech
Vintage 1970s French Mid-Century Modern Side Chairs
Leather, Walnut
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Chairs
Chrome
Vintage 1960s Italian Chairs
Aluminum
Vintage 1960s Mid-Century Modern Chairs
Wood
Mid-20th Century Dutch Mid-Century Modern Chairs
Ash, Plywood
Antique 19th Century French Chairs
Iron
Vintage 1950s Italian Lounge Chairs
Wood, Canvas
Vintage 1950s Danish Mid-Century Modern Chairs
Canvas
Vintage 1970s Swedish Mid-Century Modern Chairs
Metal
Late 20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Chairs
Bamboo
Vintage 1970s French Chairs
Metal
Mid-20th Century Unknown Industrial Chairs
Iron
Vintage 1960s Danish Mid-Century Modern Dining Room Chairs
Faux Leather, Teak
Vintage 1960s Mexican Mid-Century Modern Chairs
Seagrass
20th Century American Chairs
Wood
Vintage 1970s Mid-Century Modern Dining Room Chairs
Wicker, Wood
Vintage 1950s French Mid-Century Modern Chairs
Wood
Vintage 1950s French Lounge Chairs
Vintage 1950s French Mid-Century Modern Chairs
Wood
Mid-20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Chairs
Wood
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Chairs
Beech
20th Century French Chairs
Brass, Steel
Mid-20th Century Italian Modern Chairs
Chrome
Vintage 1960s German Chairs
Beech
Vintage 1960s German Chairs
Beech
Vintage 1960s German Chairs
Beech
Vintage 1960s French Mid-Century Modern Dining Room Chairs
Wood
Vintage 1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Chairs
Wood
Antique Late 19th Century Egyptian Moorish Side Chairs
Wood
Vintage 1950s Romanian Mid-Century Modern Dining Room Chairs
Wood
Vintage 1970s Swedish Chairs
Metal
Vintage 1960s Mexican Mid-Century Modern Chairs
Seagrass
Vintage 1980s Swedish Chairs
Aluminum
Vintage 1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Dining Room Chairs
Metal
Vintage 1960s Italian Chairs
Plastic
Vintage 1940s American Art Deco Chairs
Metal
Vintage 1970s Danish Mid-Century Modern Chairs
Brass
Mid-20th Century Modern Chairs
Chrome
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Chairs
Bamboo, Wicker
Vintage 1960s Unknown Mid-Century Modern Dining Room Chairs
Metal
Antique 1860s Scandinavian Scandinavian Modern Chairs
Wood
Antique 19th Century European Armchairs
Wood
Antique Late 19th Century Egyptian Moorish Side Chairs
Wood
Antique Late 19th Century Moroccan Moorish Side Chairs
Wood
Antique 19th Century Egyptian Moorish Side Chairs
Shell, Mother-of-Pearl, Wood
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Used Folding Chairs For Sale on 1stDibs
How Much are Used Folding Chairs?
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.
- Do butterfly chairs fold up?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022Whether or not a butterfly chair will fold will depend on the make and model. The butterfly chair was originally designed with metal hairpin legs without hinges or joints. Collector versions of the butterfly chair will not be foldable, however, foldable designs are a popular silhouette for recreational seating.
- Who invented the folding chair?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertFebruary 13, 2023Nathaniel Alexander invented the folding chair in 1911. During the 1950s, demand for the chairs skyrocketed with furniture makers like the Fredric Arnold Company in Brooklyn, New York, producing thousands every day. Find a variety of folding chairs on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertAugust 17, 2021The most comfortable folding chair is really a matter of preference. When shopping for folding chairs, you’ll want to think about how you’ll use them, how often you’ll be using them and if you have a preference with respect to materials. Shop antique, vintage and new folding chairs on 1stDibs.
- Who designed the folding chair?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertApril 22, 2024Opinions vary on who designed the folding chair. Chairs designed to fold have existed since the ancient world, with examples found in the tomb of Tutankhamun. Some people argue that the original designer of the modern-day folding chair was John Cram, who patented an idea for a folding chair in 1855. However, others believe that Philip E.G. Harrison should get the credit because his 1931 design more closely resembles the modern-day folding chair. Nathaniel Alexander also contributed to the development of the folding chair with his 1911 chair that included a book rest, as did Frederic Arnold, who created the first folding aluminum chair in 1947. Shop a selection of folding chairs on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 16, 2024Chairs that fold up are usually called folding chairs. However, people may refer to them as collapsible chairs as well. Other names for folding chairs designed for outdoor use include deck chairs, beach chairs, lawn chairs, camping chairs and patio chairs. Shop a collection of folding chairs on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertSeptember 28, 2021A lambing chair is a refined piece of antique furniture. It is a boxy type of wood armchair that is rarely upholstered. It can be utilized as a seating arrangement in offices, homes and other types of environments should space allow for it. Its wooden box armchair-like appearance is quite eye-catching. Find a wide collection of unique lambing chairs on 1stDibs today.
- 1stDibs ExpertOctober 12, 2021Accent chairs are single-seat chairs that are used not only as an additional seating space, but also to add visual interest to a room. They are designed to be a focal point in a room — perhaps the color of the upholstery is offbeat or unconventional, perhaps the frame is especially ornate. These chairs are seating pieces that have a role beyond just their basic function. Find a collection of antique and vintage accent chairs on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022A corner chair is designed to fit into the corner of a room and be pulled out when additional seating is needed. Some corner chairs were also used at desks because they allowed more freedom of movement for the sitter. Corner chairs were also called roundabout chairs, smoking chairs, barber’s chairs, writing chairs and desk chairs. Shop a collection of corner chairs from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022A director’s chair is stereotypically associated with movie directors. The lightweight chair has scissored legs, can often be folded for ease of transport or storage and is a popular silhouette for camping chairs. Shop an assortment of director chair styles on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertSeptember 28, 2021Slipper chairs were used by women from royal families as well as by members of society’s upper class. They would sit on these chairs placed in their bedrooms while domestic servants helped them put on the shoes. Now the slipper chair is a medium to large upholstered occasional chair that lacks arms and sits low to the ground. It is a very common piece of furniture to have. 1stDibs offers a collection of slipper chairs to choose from.
- What plastic is used for chairs?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertAugust 17, 2021A common plastic used in chairs is thermoplastic polypropylene injected into a mold. Because of its strength and durability, thermoplastic polypropylene is a great material and it doesn't present the risk of breaking or a furnishing losing its shape. This type of plastic is good for chairs that might undergo heavy wear.
- What is a wing chair used for?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertOctober 5, 2021A wing chair is another name for a wingback chair, which features long armchair protrusions that were initially designed to shield the chair’s occupant from the drafts and intense heat radiating from a fireplace. It has a long backrest with sides at the top that point out like wings. On 1stDibs, you can find a variety of antique and vintage wingback chairs.
- What is a sedan chair used for?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertOctober 19, 2021A sedan chair was used in the past for transporting a passenger through the streets of the city. It is a covered cabin that was carried on poles by two people.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022Yes, Panton chairs can be used outdoors. Crafted with molded plastic, the Panton chair can be stacked and can withstand the snow, rain and other weather elements. Designed by Verner Panton, this classic chair is widely loved by home decor enthusiasts and can be found through a variety of authorized retailers, including 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022The white Eames lounge chair is the currently featured chair of the hosts (sharks) on the television show Shark Tank. This iconic chair was first designed by Charles and Ray Eames for the Herman Miller furniture company and was released in 1956. Created for a high-end market, these chairs have been a part of the New York’s Museum of Modern Art and are acclaimed worldwide. Find a collection of expertly vetted Eames furniture from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.
- Can I use Eiffel chairs outside?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022Yes, you can indeed use Eiffel chairs outside. Its molded plastic seat and durable frame make this gorgeous chair an excellent addition for your outdoor seating needs. On 1stDibs, shop a selection of Eiffel chairs from some of the top sellers around the world.
- 1stDibs ExpertNovember 1, 2023There are many kinds of furniture you can use instead of accent chairs. Depending on the style of your room, a cushioned dining chair or desk chair may work to provide extra seating. You can also introduce a second sofa or a loveseat. Large ottomans may also double as seating. On 1stDibs, shop a variety of chairs and other seating options.
- 1stDibs ExpertNovember 1, 2023Yes, accent chairs are meant to be used. Although they enhance the appearance of a space, accent chairs can also serve as comfortable seats. In fact, many of the most iconic accent chairs like Charles and Ray Eames' Eames lounge chair and Arne Jacobsen's Egg chair were designed to both please the eye and comfortably support the contours of the human body. Explore a wide range of accent chairs on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertNovember 1, 2023Yes, you can use a lounge chair in a living room. In fact, the chairs are especially well-suited to use in living rooms. After all, the purpose of a lounge chair is to allow you to lean back and relax, and many people retire to their living rooms to unwind at the end of the day. On 1stDibs, shop a variety of antique and vintage lounge chairs.
- 1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022You can buy used Herman Miller chairs from many sources. One option is to purchase from a local seller or from a vintage shop or auction house. Many online platforms, including 1stDibs, offer gently-used Herman Miller chairs, as well. Buying from a reputable store or platform can help to ensure that you receive an authentic chair. You'll find a collection of expertly vetted Herman Miller chairs on 1stDibs.
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