Victorian Low Chair
Antique 1880s British Victorian Lounge Chairs
Textile, Mahogany
Antique 19th Century British Victorian Bergere Chairs
Brass
Early 20th Century American Victorian Side Chairs
Cane, Hardwood
Antique Late 19th Century American Victorian Side Chairs
Rush, Walnut
Antique 19th Century British Aesthetic Movement Lounge Chairs
Wood, Walnut
Antique Mid-19th Century English Victorian Slipper Chairs
Brass
Antique Late 19th Century English Late Victorian Chairs
Velvet, Wood
Antique 1830s English Victorian Windsor Chairs
Elm, Yew
Early 20th Century British Late Victorian Windsor Chairs
Elm
Antique 19th Century English Windsor Chairs
Ash
Antique 1890s English Victorian Slipper Chairs
Mahogany
Vintage 1930s Portuguese Side Chairs
Antique 19th Century English Victorian Chairs
Elm
Antique Late 19th Century Persian Victorian Slipper Chairs
Wood, Wool
Antique 1810s English Victorian Windsor Chairs
Oak
Antique 19th Century English Victorian Windsor Chairs
Beech
Antique Late 19th Century Indian Victorian Furniture
Rosewood
20th Century Victorian Chairs
Velvet
Antique Mid-19th Century British Victorian Windsor Chairs
Elm, Yew
20th Century English Chairs
Brass
Early 20th Century British Arts and Crafts Chairs
Cane, Wood
Antique 19th Century Victorian Armchairs
Mahogany
Antique 1850s Scottish Armchairs
Elm, Yew
Victorian Low Chair For Sale on 1stDibs
How Much is a Victorian Low 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.
- What is a low chair called?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertNovember 6, 2023A low chair is called a slipper chair. When these chairs began being manufactured in Europe in the late 17th century, they were often used by people putting on their slippers or shoes, giving the accent chairs their name. Slipper chairs were especially popular during the Victorian era, when they were often clad in silk or velvet and adorned with decorative flourishes like tassels and embroidery. During the 1950s, American designer Billy Baldwin reimagined the slipper chair with a simpler look that reflected mid-century modern design principles. Shop a selection of slipper chairs on 1stDibs.
- What is a low back chair?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertNovember 2, 2021A low-back chair is designed to provide lumbar support to the lower back and mid-back. These chairs have a small backrest that reaches till the middle of one's back. Shop a collection of antique, vintage and contemporary low back chairs from some of the world’s top dealers on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022A Victorian slipper chair is a chair that was made to be shorter than the average chair. The height of its seat was 15 inches from the floor, compared to the standard 17 to 18 inches. Shop a collection of Victorian slipper chairs from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertNovember 4, 2024To identify a Victorian chair, focus on the frame rather than the upholstery, which might have been replaced over the years. Look under the seat and on the legs for maker's marks. If you find any, conduct online research to determine if the manufacturer was active and producing chairs similar to yours during the Victorian era, which lasted from the 1830s through the turn of the 20th century. Some chairmakers who were active at the time include Chesterfield, Charles Hindley & Sons, Heywood-Wakefield Co., Howard & Sons and Jacob and Josef Kohn. Should you be unable to locate any markings, you can examine the characteristics of your chair to determine if it reflects the Victorian style. Easily recognizable, Victorian furniture is regal, ornate and luxurious. It often features curved lines, stately proportions and highly detailed geometric and floral embellishments. A certified appraiser or experienced antique dealer can also aid you in the identification process. On 1stDibs, explore a diverse assortment of Victorian chairs.
- 1stDibs ExpertDecember 12, 2023What a Victorian lounge chair is called depends on its style. A piece that is long and narrow and has a raised headrest on one end and a lower backrest on the other is a fainting couch. Upholstered chairs that have long, extended seats meant for reclining are chaise longues. Find a collection of lounge chairs on 1stDibs.
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