What is a Martha Washington chair?

From the 18th century, a Martha Washington chair features a high back, no arms and an upholstered seat and back. The chair’s frame was usually crafted from mahogany. Shop a collection of antique Martha Washington chairs from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.

Used Martha Washington Chairs

American Federal Chair

Hepplewhite Chair With Square Back

George Iii Gainsborough Chair

American Hepplewhite

Chippendale Armchair Gainsborough

Early 20th Century Tapestry Armchairs

American Mahogany Armchair

Hickory Chair Chippendale

Massachusetts Martha Washington lolling chair, c. 1785

$9,500

H 44 in W 26 in D 28 in

Massachusetts Martha Washington lolling chair, c. 1785

Located in Kenilworth, IL

Upholstered Martha Washington lolling chair with serpentine crest rail. The chair frame is mahogany

Category

Late 18th Century American American Classical Used Martha Washington Chairs

Materials

Upholstery, Mahogany

American Federal Mahogany “Martha Washington” Lolling Armchair ca. 1800

$3,920Sale Price|47% Off

H 42.88 in W 25.5 in D 26.25 in

American Federal Mahogany “Martha Washington” Lolling Armchair ca. 1800

Located in Shippensburg, PA

. Known as a "Martha Washington Chair", this particular chair was formerly with Bernard and S. Dean Levy

Category

19th Century American Federal Used Martha Washington Chairs

Materials

Upholstery, Mahogany

Hickory Chair Martha Washington Mahogany Upholstered Open Arm Chairs, Pair

$2,895 / set

H 44 in W 30 in D 27.25 in

Hickory Chair Martha Washington Mahogany Upholstered Open Arm Chairs, Pair

By Hickory Chair Furniture Company

Located in Germantown, MD

Lolling Martha Washington Armchairs, with the James River Collection stripped Upholstery. Measures 27.25

Category

Late 20th Century American Sheraton Used Martha Washington Chairs

Materials

Upholstery, Mahogany

Mid Century Martha Washington Style Mahogany Upholstered Library Arm Chair

$750

H 33.5 in W 24 in D 25 in

Mid Century Martha Washington Style Mahogany Upholstered Library Arm Chair

Located in Dayton, OH

Mid 20th Century Martha Washington Style Arm Chair. Features a mahogany frame with a flared back

Category

20th Century Used Martha Washington Chairs

Materials

Mahogany

American Hepplewhite Mahogany Inlaid Martha Washington Arm Chair, Circa 1790

$14,000

H 44 in W 27 in D 33.25 in

American Hepplewhite Mahogany Inlaid Martha Washington Arm Chair, Circa 1790

Located in Charleston, SC

American Hepplewhite mahogany Martha Washington camel back arm chair with satinwood inlaid scrolled

Category

1790s American Hepplewhite Used Martha Washington Chairs

Materials

Upholstery, Mahogany, Satinwood, Muslin

18th Century Chinese Chippendale Mahogany Gainsborough Library Armchair

$9,444

H 38.59 in W 27.17 in D 26.38 in

18th Century Chinese Chippendale Mahogany Gainsborough Library Armchair

Located in Lymington, GB

library armchairs are sometimes also known as Martha Washington chairs in the United States (a type of

Category

Mid-18th Century English George III Used Martha Washington Chairs

Materials

Mahogany

Recent Sales

8 Hickory Chair Martha Washington James River Mahogany Chippendale Dining Chairs

Sold

H 38 in W 21 in D 20 in

8 Hickory Chair Martha Washington James River Mahogany Chippendale Dining Chairs

By Hickory Chair Furniture Company

Located in Dayton, OH

"Set of 8 Hickory Chair James River dining chairs featuring two arms and six sides. The Martha

Category

Late 20th Century Chippendale Used Martha Washington Chairs

Materials

Upholstery, Mahogany

English Handmade Designer Leather Desk Chair

Sold

H 41.74 in W 24.02 in D 26.78 in

English Handmade Designer Leather Desk Chair

Located in London, GB

2 feet, 0 inches x Depth 2 feet, 3 inches Gainsborough chair (also known as a Martha Washington

Category

Late 20th Century English Used Martha Washington Chairs

Large Plush Burgundy Velvet & Mahogany Martha Washington Club Chair

Sold

H 38 in W 27.5 in D 26.75 in

Large Plush Burgundy Velvet & Mahogany Martha Washington Club Chair

Located in Hopewell, NJ

19th century roomy comfortable large Martha Washington style club chair having solid mahogany

Category

19th Century English Used Martha Washington Chairs

Materials

Velvet, Mahogany

Pair of Martha Washington Style Armchairs by Hancock & Moore

Sold

H 41.5 in W 26 in D 29 in

Pair of Martha Washington Style Armchairs by Hancock & Moore

By Hancock & Moore

Located in Toledo, OH

A great pair of Martha Washington style armchairs by Hancock & Moore. This pair has mahogany frames

Category

20th Century American Used Martha Washington Chairs

20th Century Gainsborough Style Armchair, England

Sold

H 38.98 in W 24.41 in D 22.84 in

20th Century Gainsborough Style Armchair, England

Located in Royal Tunbridge Wells, Kent

The Gainsborough chair (also known as a Martha Washington chair in the Unites States) is a type of

Category

20th Century British Used Martha Washington Chairs

Materials

Leather, Pine

Pair of English Georgian Gainsborough Leather Library Armchairs

Sold

H 39 in W 28 in D 28 in

Pair of English Georgian Gainsborough Leather Library Armchairs

Located in Rio Vista, CA

reeded with the latter having decorative carved rosettes on top. Also known as a Martha Washington chair

Category

19th Century English Georgian Used Martha Washington Chairs

Materials

Brass

2 Vintage American Federal Style Mahogany Martha Washington Lolling Arm Chairs

Sold

H 41 in W 30 in D 26 in

2 Vintage American Federal Style Mahogany Martha Washington Lolling Arm Chairs

Located in Dayton, OH

Pair of 20th Century Federal Style Martha Washington Lolling armchairs. Reminiscent of the

Category

Late 20th Century Federal Used Martha Washington Chairs

Materials

Upholstery, Mahogany

Israel Sack American Federal Mahogany Antique Lolling Arm Chair, c. 1800

Sold

H 45.38 in W 29.75 in D 27.38 in

Israel Sack American Federal Mahogany Antique Lolling Arm Chair, c. 1800

Located in Shippensburg, PA

American Federal "Martha Washington" lolling chair is an exceptional specimen from Boston, Massachusetts

Category

19th Century American Federal Used Martha Washington Chairs

Pair of Baker Furniture George III Style Gainsborough Library Chairs

Sold

H 36 in W 26.5 in D 30.5 in

Pair of Baker Furniture George III Style Gainsborough Library Chairs

By Baker Furniture Company

Located in Peabody, MA

(also known as a Martha Washington chair).

Category

1970s American George III Used Martha Washington Chairs

Materials

Upholstery, Wood

"Martha Washington" Mahogany Upholstered Lolling Chair, circa 1930s

Sold

H 42 in W 27.5 in D 24 in

"Martha Washington" Mahogany Upholstered Lolling Chair, circa 1930s

Located in Nantucket, MA

Early vintage "Martha Washington" mahogany upholstered lolling chair, circa 1930s, having a large

Category

1930s American Federal Used Martha Washington Chairs

Materials

Velvet, Mahogany

Martha Washington Chair by Wallace Nutting

Sold

H 45 in W 25.5 in D 25 in

Martha Washington Chair by Wallace Nutting

By Wallace Nutting

Located in Alexandria, VA

he called a "Sheraton Martha Washington Chair," was item #452 in his 1925 catalog and is a faithful

Category

Early 20th Century American Used Martha Washington Chairs

Materials

Mahogany

Vintage Mahogany Frame Chippendale Martha Washington Chair in Neutral Fabric

Sold

H 43.25 in W 25.5 in D 29 in

Vintage Mahogany Frame Chippendale Martha Washington Chair in Neutral Fabric

Located in Charlotte, NC

A Chippendale style Martha Washington chair, unbranded, similar quality to Drexel or Hickory chair

Category

Late 20th Century American Chippendale Used Martha Washington Chairs

Materials

Fabric, Mahogany

Tidewater Virginia Knuckle-Arm Lolling Chair

Sold

H 43 in W 28 in

Tidewater Virginia Knuckle-Arm Lolling Chair

Located in Woodbury, CT

native woods. Forerunner to the "Martha Washington Chair"; on front casters. Provenance: the

Category

18th Century and Earlier Used Martha Washington Chairs

Materials

Walnut, Cherry

19th Century Mahogany Gainsborough Chair

Sold

H 38 in W 30 in D 29 in

19th Century Mahogany Gainsborough Chair

Located in Peterborough, Northamptonshire

feet. Provenance: A Gainsborough armchair (also known as a Martha Washington chair in the United

Category

19th Century British Used Martha Washington Chairs

Materials

Mahogany

George III Period Gainsborough Chair

Sold

H 39 in W 27 in D 27 in

George III Period Gainsborough Chair

Located in Peterborough, Northamptonshire

Martha Washington chair in the United States) is a type of armchair made in England in the eighteenth

Category

18th Century and Earlier British George III Used Martha Washington Chairs

Late 19th Century Mahogany Framed Gainsborough Chair

Sold

H 35 in W 29 in D 26 in

Late 19th Century Mahogany Framed Gainsborough Chair

Located in Peterborough, Northamptonshire

(also known as a Martha Washington chair in the United States) is a type of armchair made in England in

Category

19th Century British Used Martha Washington Chairs

Materials

Mahogany

HICKORY CHAIR Mahogany Frame Chippendale Martha Washington Armchair

Sold

H 38.5 in W 26 in D 31 in

HICKORY CHAIR Mahogany Frame Chippendale Martha Washington Armchair

By Hickory Chair Furniture Company

Located in Charlotte, NC

A Chippendale Martha Washington style upholstered armchair by Hickory Chair. Mahogany frame, red

Category

Late 20th Century American Chippendale Used Martha Washington Chairs

Materials

Fabric, Mahogany

18th Century Gainsborough Armchair

Sold

H 38 in W 25 in D 24 in

18th Century Gainsborough Armchair

Located in Peterborough, Northamptonshire

mahogany supports. Provenance A Gainsborough Armchair (also known as a Martha Washington chair in the

Category

18th Century and Earlier British George III Used Martha Washington Chairs

Materials

Mahogany

Late 19th Century Beech Framed Gainsborough Armchair

Sold

H 37 in W 27 in D 29 in

Late 19th Century Beech Framed Gainsborough Armchair

Located in Peterborough, Northamptonshire

Washington chair in the United States) is a type of armchair made in England in the 18th century. The chair

Category

Early 20th Century British Used Martha Washington Chairs

Materials

Beech

Late 19th Century Beech Framed Gainsborough Armchair

Sold

H 37 in W 28 in D 28 in

Late 19th Century Beech Framed Gainsborough Armchair

Located in Peterborough, Northamptonshire

Washington chair in the United States) is a type of armchair made in England in the 18th century. The chair

Category

Early 20th Century British Used Martha Washington Chairs

Materials

Beech

19th Century Gainsborough Armchair and Stool

Sold

H 37 in W 25 in D 27 in

19th Century Gainsborough Armchair and Stool

Located in Peterborough, Northamptonshire

known as a Martha Washington chair in the United States) is a type of armchair made in England in the

Category

19th Century British Used Martha Washington Chairs

Chippendale Period Mahogany 'Gainsborough' Armchair

Sold

H 38 in W 30 in D 30 in

Chippendale Period Mahogany 'Gainsborough' Armchair

Located in Peterborough, Northamptonshire

known as a Martha Washington chair in the United States) is a type of armchair made in England in the

Category

18th Century and Earlier American George III Used Martha Washington Chairs

Materials

Mahogany

Pair Of Gainsborough Armchairs

Sold

H 36 in W 26 in D 25 in

Pair Of Gainsborough Armchairs

Located in Peterborough, Northamptonshire

A Gainsborough Armchair (also known as a Martha Washington chair in the United States) is a type of

Category

Early 20th Century British Used Martha Washington Chairs

19th Century Mahogany Gainsborough Armchair

Sold

H 38 in W 29 in D 25 in

19th Century Mahogany Gainsborough Armchair

Located in Peterborough, Northamptonshire

terminating in a 'French' foot. Provenance: A Gainsborough armchair (also known as a Martha Washington chair

Category

19th Century British Used Martha Washington Chairs

Materials

Mahogany

Martha Washington Style Arm Chair

Sold

H 35 in W 25.75 in D 27 in

Martha Washington Style Arm Chair

Located in Wainscott, NY

Lolling Chair, New upholstery Fretwork on Legs

Category

20th Century American Used Martha Washington Chairs

Pair of Mahogany 'Gainsborough' Armchairs

Sold

H 38.5 in W 32 in D 32.5 in

Pair of Mahogany 'Gainsborough' Armchairs

Located in Peterborough, Northamptonshire

unusually well carved detail. Provenance: A Gainsborough armchair (also known as a Martha Washington

Category

Early 20th Century British Used Martha Washington Chairs

Materials

Mahogany

A Pair of 19th Century Gainsborough Armchairs

Sold

H 38.5 in W 32 in D 32.5 in

A Pair of 19th Century Gainsborough Armchairs

Located in Peterborough, Northamptonshire

unusually well carved detail. Provenance: A Gainsborough armchair (also known as a Martha Washington chair

Category

Early 20th Century British Used Martha Washington Chairs

Materials

Mahogany

American Hepplewhite Lolling Chair, MA or NH

Sold

H 44 in W 26.5 in D 24 in

American Hepplewhite Lolling Chair, MA or NH

Located in Atlanta, GA

Loling/ Martha Washington Chair Massachusetts or New Hampshire, circa 1790-1810 Arm height is 20 inches

Category

Early 19th Century American Hepplewhite Used Martha Washington Chairs

Materials

Upholstery, Mahogany, Satinwood

Chippendale Style Gainsborough Armchair

Sold

H 40 in W 31 in D 26 in

Chippendale Style Gainsborough Armchair

Located in Peterborough, Northamptonshire

known as a Martha Washington chair in the United States) is a type of armchair made in England in the

Category

Early 20th Century British Chippendale Used Martha Washington Chairs

Materials

Mahogany

Habersham Sack-Back Windsor Chairs

Sold

H 44 in Dm 25 in

Habersham Sack-Back Windsor Chairs

By Habersham

Located in Chicago, IL

to have written the Declaration of Independence in one of these chairs and Martha Washington had

Category

1970s American Used Martha Washington Chairs

Materials

Wood

People Also Browsed

'Plissé White Edition' Pleated Textile Table Lamp by Folkform for Örsjö

$1,650 / item

H 16.1 in Dm 11.5 in

'Plissé White Edition' Pleated Textile Table Lamp by Folkform for Örsjö

By Örsjö Industri AB

Located in Glendale, CA

'Plissé White Edition' pleated textile table lamp by Folkform for Örsjö. This unique table lamp was awarded “Lighting of the Year 2022” by Residence Magazine Sweden, who called it “...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Swedish Mid-Century Modern Used Martha Washington Chairs

Materials

Textile

Custom Made Modern English Arm Sofa in Performance Linen Velvet - 86"

$4,900 / item

H 34 in W 86 in D 42 in

Custom Made Modern English Arm Sofa in Performance Linen Velvet - 86"

By Bloom Home Inc

Located in Old Town Orange, CA

This beautiful english arm sofa has a modern twist, with its single bench cushion, and beautiful curved apron sides. It’s upholstered in a Linen Velvet Performance fabric. Shown in...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Used Martha Washington Chairs

Materials

Linen, Velvet

Pair of Constant Night Stands in Poplar Burl wood by Master for Lemon

$5,209Sale Price / set|30% Off

H 24.01 in Dm 13.78 in

Pair of Constant Night Stands in Poplar Burl wood by Master for Lemon

By Lemon

Located in Amsterdam, NL

Envisioned by designer Yaniv Chen, the Constant nightstand exudes an air of refined luxury, celebrating the inherent splendor of Poplar burl wood. Meticulously crafted with impeccabl...

Category

2010s Portuguese Minimalist Used Martha Washington Chairs

Materials

Burl, Poplar

Wharton Esherick Curved Sofa 1958

$180,000

H 34 in W 96 in D 53 in

Wharton Esherick Curved Sofa 1958

By Wharton Esherick

Located in Chicago, IL

This Sofa by Wharton Esherick exemplifies his pioneering role in the American Craft Movement. This is his first sofa design, one of Four ever made. Known for his dedication to organ...

Category

1950s American Used Martha Washington Chairs

Materials

Poplar, Tulipwood, Walnut

Pair of George II Style Sofas, Early 20th Century

$8,500 / set

H 36.5 in W 97 in D 26 in

Pair of George II Style Sofas, Early 20th Century

Located in El Monte, CA

An elegant pair of English George II style camel back sofas with eight finely carved walnut claw and ball feet. Upholstered with Scalamandré beautiful fabric in fair condition.

Category

Early 20th Century English George II Used Martha Washington Chairs

Materials

Upholstery, Walnut

Rustic German pine and oak cabinet, circa 1850

$1,968

H 64.57 in W 27.96 in D 14.18 in

Rustic German pine and oak cabinet, circa 1850

Located in Amsterdam, Noord Holland

A small cabinet, made in Germany. This piece has a rustic character and is made of pine with an oak base. The cabinet was made around 1850. It has two drawers and two doors with a si...

Category

1850s German Rustic Used Martha Washington Chairs

Materials

Wrought Iron

English Georgian Mahogany Upholstered Lolling Chair, 1770

$5,400

H 38.5 in W 24 in D 27 in

English Georgian Mahogany Upholstered Lolling Chair, 1770

Located in Kenilworth, IL

English Georgian mahogany lolling chair upholstered with saddle brown leather. The upholstered back panel has a serpentine crest rail above an upholstered seat. The elbow rests are u...

Category

1770s English Georgian Used Martha Washington Chairs

Materials

Leather, Mahogany

Directoire Mahogany Child’s Armchair, Late 18th Century

$2,800

H 27.25 in W 17 in D 15 in

Directoire Mahogany Child’s Armchair, Late 18th Century

Located in Spencertown, NY

The diminutive armchair with wear consistent with age and use.

Category

Late 18th Century French Louis XVI Used Martha Washington Chairs

Materials

Mahogany

Get Updated with New Arrivals

Save "Used Martha Washington Chairs", and we’ll notify you when there are new listings in this category.

Used Martha Washington Chairs For Sale on 1stDibs

At 1stDibs, there are several options of used martha washington chairs available for sale. Each of these unique used martha washington chairs was constructed with extraordinary care, often using wood, mahogany and fabric. Used martha washington chairs have long been popular, with older editions for sale from the 18th Century and newer versions made as recently as the 20th Century. Used martha washington chairs are generally popular furniture pieces, but Georgian style is often sought at 1stDibs. Used martha washington chairs have been a part of the life’s work for many furniture makers, but those produced by Alejandro Colunga are consistently popular.

How Much are Used Martha Washington Chairs?

Prices for used martha washington chairs can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — at 1stDibs, used martha washington chairs begin at $850 and can go as high as $28,500, while the average can fetch as much as $8,625.

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.

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

Modern icons are showing up in gracefully layered dining nooks, living rooms and lounges — proof that great design only gets better with context.

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.