How old does a chair have to be to be vintage?

To be vintage, a chair typically needs to be at least 20 years old, while a chair older than 100 years is an antique. On 1stDibs, find a variety of antique, vintage and modern dining chairs from some of the world's top sellers.

How can I tell if a chair is vintage?

Many factors like wood, construction, and patina come into play when you date a vintage chair. If you can’t find a maker’s mark or any other kind of identifying mark on the piece, consult a furniture encyclopedia or a certified expert. On 1stDibs, you’ll find a collection of vintage chairs from some of the world’s top sellers.

How can you tell how old a vintage chair is?

To tell how old a vintage chair is, first try and locate the manufacturer's label, tag or mark. Typically, identifying markings and tags appear under cushions or on the undersides of chairs. You may find that the date of manufacturing appears on the label or tag. If not, check trusted online resources to find out when the manufacturer was in business to make an estimate of the age. When in doubt, enlist the help of a certified appraiser or antiques dealer to help you date a particular chair. Find an assortment of antique, vintage and modern chairs on 1stDibs.

How do you identify a vintage Gunlocke chair?

To identify a vintage Gunlocke chair, examine the legs. Most pieces will feature a tag that bears the brand name. On antique and early vintage chairs, the label will usually be made of paper or leather, while riveted brass tags appear on later vintage and contemporary chairs. Once you've confirmed that Gunlocke is the maker by checking the tag, browse the company's catalogues, which are available online, to determine approximately when it was made. Some tags may include a style or color number that will expedite the search. If your chair is 20 to 99 years old, it is vintage, while pieces that are 100 years old or older are antiques. You may wish to enlist the help of a certified appraiser or knowledgeable antiques dealer when identifying your chair. On 1stDibs, explore a collection of Gunlocke chairs.

Is my vintage Eames chair real?

To know if your vintage Eames chair is real, check for a reclining mechanism. On original chairs, the back had a permanent reclined position, so no mechanism is necessary. Also, a vintage piece is around 32 inches high, while later reproductions are normally bigger. On 1stDibs, shop a selection of expertly vetted Eames chairs.

What size chair or stool fits a vintage makeup vanity?

Most vanities are designed for a low stool or slipper chair; listings include the knee-clearance height so buyers can confirm fit before purchasing.

Vintage 1948 Chairs

Saarinen Womb Chair

Herman Miller Wood Chair

Evans Plywood

Eames Lcw 1940

Chair By Edward Wormley For Dunbar

1949 Dining Room Set

Knoll 1940

Hans Wegner Shell Chair

Bernard Durussel, Lounge Chair, Oak, Fabric, 1948

$9,800

Bernard Durussel, Lounge Chair, Oak, Fabric, 1948

Located in High Point, NC

An oak and white fabric lounge chair designed and produced by Bernard Durussel, France, 1948.

Category

1940s French Mid-Century Modern Vintage 1948 Chairs

Materials

Fabric, Oak

Located in Prato, Tuscany

These chairs were produced between 1948 and 1950 by a skilled master craftsman working in Lyon, a city long renowned for its tradition of high-quality furniture production, including...

Category

Mid-20th Century French Art Deco Vintage 1948 Chairs

Materials

Velvet, Wood

Rune Janson1948 Mid Century Modern Swedish Interior Scene Oil Painting - Chair by the Wall, 1948

$1,488

1948 Mid Century Modern Swedish Interior Scene Oil Painting - Chair by the Wall

Located in Bristol, GB

CHAIR BY THE WALL Size: 42 x 35 cm (including frame) Oil on canvas A striking mid-century modernist style composition of an interior scene, executed in oil onto canvas and dated 194...

Category

Mid-20th Century Modern Vintage 1948 Chairs

Materials

Canvas, Oil

Early Domus Chair by Ilmari Tapiovaara for Knoll, 1948-1950

$1,460Sale Price|20% Off

Early Domus Chair by Ilmari Tapiovaara for Knoll, 1948-1950

By Ilmari Tapiovaara

Located in Centreville, VA

A masterpiece of modern furniture design, the Domus Chair was created as part of a series of furniture for the Domus Academica student housing complex in Helsinki. Comfortable enou...

Category

1940s Finnish Mid-Century Modern Vintage 1948 Chairs

Materials

Wood

Marc ChagallThe Giant and the Little Chair - Original Etching - Ref. Sorlier #35, 1947

$795

The Giant and the Little Chair - Original Etching - Ref. Sorlier #35

By Marc Chagall

Located in Paris, IDF

Marc Chagall (1887-1985) The Giant and the Little Chair (Sobakevitch Near the Chair), 1948 Original etching Printed signature in the plate Unnumbered edition limited to 368 copie...

Category

1940s Modern Vintage 1948 Chairs

Materials

Sold

H 26.38 in W 22.05 in D 23.23 in

Charles and Ray Eames LCW's, 1948 Evans Labels Chairs

By Charles and Ray Eames

Located in Wargrave, Berkshire

Charles and Ray Eames for Evans Molded Plywood Division, 1948. A pair of matched LCW's, these chairs have always been together.

Category

1940s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage 1948 Chairs

Pair of Pierre Jeanneret Scissor Chairs, Knoll International, 1948

Sold

H 29 in W 26 in D 30 in

Pair of Pierre Jeanneret Scissor Chairs, Knoll International, 1948

By Pierre Jeanneret

Located in Round Rock, TX

Pair of vintage ‘scissor’ chairs designed by Pierre Jeanneret for Knoll International - 1948 A harmonious blend of form and function.

Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage 1948 Chairs

Materials

Upholstery, Maple

Sold

H 39.75 in W 26.5 in D 30 in

Orlando Orlandi, Rare Lounge Chairs, Green Fabric, Wood, Brianza, Italy, 1948

By Orlando Orlandi

Located in High Point, NC

A pair or rare custom made lounge chairs or wing-back by Orlando Orlandi, also known under his moniker "Duccio".

Sold

H 26 in W 31 in D 24 in

Michael Taylor for Baker Lounge Chairs, Walnut + Brass + Far East Collection

By Baker Far East Collection, Michael Taylor, Baker Furniture Company

Located in Decatur, GA

Michael Taylor for Baker - Far East Collection - Model 2510 - circa 1948 3 chairs available Exquisite sculpted solid walnut and brass lounge chairs.

Category

1940s American Modern Vintage 1948 Chairs

Materials

Brass

Sold

H 28.5 in W 19 in

CHARLES AND RAY EAMES ; EVANS DCW IN RED

Located in Wargrave, Berkshire

Charles and Ray Eames for Evans Products ; a red analine dye Dining Chair Wood ( DCW ) , original shockmounts and hardware , label dating the chair to 1948 .

Materials

Fabric, Wood

$975

H 37.75 in W 17.5 in D 20 in

Neoclassical revival hand-wrought chair by Alberto Orlandi circa 1980

Located in Sleepy Hollow, NY

A refined and highly collectible Neoclassical Revival side chair designed by Alberto Orlandi for Atelier Orlandi, Pisa, Italy, circa 1980. Hand-forged in iron with brass accents, th...

Category

1980s Italian Neoclassical Revival Vintage 1948 Chairs

Materials

Brass, Iron

Early Eames LCW with Evans Label

$4,200

$1,500

H 29.5 in W 20 in D 18 in

1960's Eames DCM Chair by Herman Miller

By Charles and Ray Eames, Herman Miller, Charles Eames, Ray Eames

Located in Brooklyn, NY

The iconic mid-century modern DCM chair designed by Herman Miller for the Eames company is a standout of 1960s design. Simple designs with two bentwood pieces making the seat and bac...

Category

1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage 1948 Chairs

Materials

Metal, Chrome

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Brutalist, Handmade Ceramic Table Lamp, Double Decker Lamp by Streicher Goods

$1,300 / item

H 14 in W 9 in D 9 in

Brutalist, Handmade Ceramic Table Lamp, Double Decker Lamp by Streicher Goods

By Streicher Goods, Ethan Streicher

Located in Brooklyn, NY

The Double Decker lamp is a tall, brutalist-inspired table lamp, perfect for lighting in larger living spaces, created by Streicher Goods in Brooklyn, NY. The lamp is composed of a...

Category

2010s American Brutalist Vintage 1948 Chairs

Materials

Brass

$2,841 / set

H 16.54 in Dm 18.12 in

Tony Paul Large Pair of Stools or Side Tables in Wicker and Wood, USA, 1950s

By Tony Paul

Located in Roma, IT

Stunning pair of organic stools or side tables fully made in hand-woven wicker and beech wood. These stylish stools were designed by Tony Paul and produced in the US during the 50s. ...

Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Vintage 1948 Chairs

Materials

Wicker, Rattan, Beech

Swedish Designer, Wall Lights, Brass, Fabric, Sweden, 1950s

$2,800 / set

H 8 in W 5.125 in D 6.5 in

Swedish Designer, Wall Lights, Brass, Fabric, Sweden, 1950s

Located in High Point, NC

A pair of brass and white fabric wall lights designed and produced in Sweden, c. 1950s. Overall Dimensions (Inches): 8” H x 5.125” W x 6.5“ D Back Plate Dimensions (Inches): 7.3” H...

Category

1950s Swedish Mid-Century Modern Vintage 1948 Chairs

Materials

Brass

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Vintage 1948 Chairs For Sale on 1stDibs

Find a variety of vintage 1948 chairs available on 1stDibs. The range of distinct vintage 1948 chairs — often made from wood, fabric and metal — can elevate any home. There are all kinds of vintage 1948 chairs available, from those produced as long ago as the 20th Century to those made as recently as the 20th Century. There are many kinds of vintage 1948 chairs to choose from, but at 1stDibs, Mid-Century Modern, Scandinavian Modern and Neoclassical vintage 1948 chairs are of considerable interest. Charles and Ray Eames, Knoll and Herman Miller each produced beautiful vintage 1948 chairs that are worth considering.

How Much are Vintage 1948 Chairs?

Vintage 1948 chairs can differ in price owing to various characteristics — the average selling price at 1stDibs is $3,996, while the lowest priced sells for $182 and the highest can go for as much as $86,500.

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.

Questions About Vintage 1948 Chairs

How old does a chair have to be to be vintage?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertFebruary 17, 2023
To be vintage, a chair typically needs to be at least 20 years old, while a chair older than 100 years is an antique. On 1stDibs, find a variety of antique, vintage and modern dining chairs from some of the world's top sellers.
How can I tell if a chair is vintage?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
Many factors like wood, construction, and patina come into play when you date a vintage chair. If you can’t find a maker’s mark or any other kind of identifying mark on the piece, consult a furniture encyclopedia or a certified expert. On 1stDibs, you’ll find a collection of vintage chairs from some of the world’s top sellers.
How can you tell how old a vintage chair is?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertJune 15, 2023
To tell how old a vintage chair is, first try and locate the manufacturer's label, tag or mark. Typically, identifying markings and tags appear under cushions or on the undersides of chairs. You may find that the date of manufacturing appears on the label or tag. If not, check trusted online resources to find out when the manufacturer was in business to make an estimate of the age. When in doubt, enlist the help of a certified appraiser or antiques dealer to help you date a particular chair. Find an assortment of antique, vintage and modern chairs on 1stDibs.
How do you identify a vintage Gunlocke chair?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertNovember 4, 2024
To identify a vintage Gunlocke chair, examine the legs. Most pieces will feature a tag that bears the brand name. On antique and early vintage chairs, the label will usually be made of paper or leather, while riveted brass tags appear on later vintage and contemporary chairs. Once you've confirmed that Gunlocke is the maker by checking the tag, browse the company's catalogues, which are available online, to determine approximately when it was made. Some tags may include a style or color number that will expedite the search. If your chair is 20 to 99 years old, it is vintage, while pieces that are 100 years old or older are antiques. You may wish to enlist the help of a certified appraiser or knowledgeable antiques dealer when identifying your chair. On 1stDibs, explore a collection of Gunlocke chairs.
Is my vintage Eames chair real?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022
To know if your vintage Eames chair is real, check for a reclining mechanism. On original chairs, the back had a permanent reclined position, so no mechanism is necessary. Also, a vintage piece is around 32 inches high, while later reproductions are normally bigger. On 1stDibs, shop a selection of expertly vetted Eames chairs.
What size chair or stool fits a vintage makeup vanity?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertSeptember 16, 2026
Most vanities are designed for a low stool or slipper chair; listings include the knee-clearance height so buyers can confirm fit before purchasing.

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