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 Brunswick Chairs

Metal School Chairs

Brunswick Bar

School House Dining

Mid Century Eames Style Chair

Brunswick Maple Plywood Armchairs After Eames DCM Jean Prouve - a Set of Four

$1,995 / set

Brunswick Maple Plywood Armchairs After Eames DCM Jean Prouve - a Set of Four

By Brunswick Co.

Located in Forest Grove, PA

Although Brunswick is known for school and bowling alley furniture this model of chair is quite rare.

Category

1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Brunswick Chairs

Materials

Metal

Walnut Brunswick Walnut Plywood Armchairs Eames DCM Jean Prouvé - a Set of 4

$2,695 / set

Walnut Brunswick Walnut Plywood Armchairs Eames DCM Jean Prouvé - a Set of 4

By Brunswick Co.

Located in Forest Grove, PA

Although Brunswick is known for school and bowling alley furniture this model of chair is quite rare.

Category

1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Brunswick Chairs

Materials

Metal

Brunswick Maple Plywood Armchairs After Eames DCM Jean Prouve - a Set of Four

$1,995 / item

Brunswick Maple Plywood Armchairs After Eames DCM Jean Prouve - a Set of Four

By Brunswick Co.

Located in Forest Grove, PA

Although Brunswick is known for school and bowling alley furniture this model of chair is quite rare.

Category

1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Brunswick Chairs

Materials

Metal

Mid Century Modern Chair By Brunswick

$350

Mid Century Modern Chair By Brunswick

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Condition: Original Condition Materials: Molded Walnut Plywood, Painted Tubular Steel, Metal Hardware This Mid Century Modern side chair by Brunswick combines sculpted walnut plywoo...

Category

1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Brunswick Chairs

Materials

Metal, Steel

Mid Century Modern Walnut Plywood Chair by Brunswick

$350

Mid Century Modern Walnut Plywood Chair by Brunswick

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Condition: Original Condition Materials: Molded Walnut Plywood, Painted Tubular Steel, Metal Hardware This Mid Century Modern chair by Brunswick features a sculptural combination o...

Category

1960s Mid-Century Modern Vintage Brunswick Chairs

Materials

Metal, Steel

1960 Mid-Century Modern Burke Division Brown Leather Swivel Bucket Chairs a Pair

$2,200 / set

1960 Mid-Century Modern Burke Division Brown Leather Swivel Bucket Chairs a Pair

By Brunswick Co., Maurice Burke

Located in Secaucus, NJ

Striking pair of vintage mid-century modern split-seat swivel bucket chairs upholstered in fabulous distressed dark brown leather, manufactured by the Burke Division of Brunswick Cor...

Category

1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Brunswick Chairs

Materials

Aluminum

Matched Pair Modernist Jean Prouve Style Plywood Arm Chairs by Brunswick

$1,680 / set

Matched Pair Modernist Jean Prouve Style Plywood Arm Chairs by Brunswick

By Jean Prouvé, Brunswick Co.

Located in Buffalo, NY

This uncommon model is similar to the more prevalent Brunswick plywood school chairs but was made for adult use and was commonly found in public institutions and later in bowling all...

Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Brunswick Chairs

Materials

Steel

Recent Sales

Set of Eight Brunswick Mint Fiberglass Chairs

Sold

H 30.75 in W 18 in D 16.5 in

Set of Eight Brunswick Mint Fiberglass Chairs

By Brunswick Co.

Located in Astoria, NY

A vintage set of eight chairs by Brunswick, each in mint green molded fiberglass on metal legs.

Category

Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Vintage Brunswick Chairs

Materials

Metal

Brunswick swivel Arm Chair

Sold

H 34 in W 24 in D 21 in

Brunswick swivel Arm Chair

Located in Bainbridge, NY

Nice example of Industrial Walnut and Iron swivel and adjustable Arm Chair. Very comfortable for Desk use

Category

20th Century American Vintage Brunswick Chairs

Materials

Iron

Mid-Century Modern Bentwood Armchair by Brunswick, USA, c. 1950s

Sold

H 31 in W 26.5 in D 21 in

Mid-Century Modern Bentwood Armchair by Brunswick, USA, c. 1950s

Located in Deland, FL

With playful, curvy lines this accent chair is the perfect addition to any space. The walnut bentwood arms and seats set against the angular black frame is a pleasing contrast that h...

Category

1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Brunswick Chairs

Materials

Walnut

A Set of Six Plywood School Chairs

Sold

H 21.5 in W 13 in D 14.5 in

A Set of Six Plywood School Chairs

Located in St.Petersburg, FL

A set of six (6) child/school chairs by Brunswick. Birch plywood with grey legs.

Category

1950s American Vintage Brunswick Chairs

Materials

Metal

Vintage Mid Century Modern Brunswick Chair

Sold

H 32 in W 19 in D 17 in

Vintage Mid Century Modern Brunswick Chair

Located in Seattle, WA

Makers Mark on the Back as Pictured. Molded Plywood Chair in the Style of Herman Millar. Vintage Condition Consistent with Age Dimensions. 19 W ; 17 D ; 32 H Seat Height. 17

Category

1970s Mid-Century Modern Vintage Brunswick Chairs

Materials

Plywood

Raymond Loewy for Brunswick Attached School Desk Chair Set

Sold

H 29 in W 24 in D 38 in

Raymond Loewy for Brunswick Attached School Desk Chair Set

By Raymond Loewy, Brunswick Co.

Located in Brooklyn, NY

Midcentury, Machine Age, desk and chair ensemble by Raymond Loewy for Brunswick features a tapered, tubular steel frame with contoured maple ply chair with attached laminate desk top.

Category

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

Materials

Steel

Industrial School House Chairs

Sold

H 29.5 in W 19 in D 20 in

Industrial School House Chairs

Located in Dallas, TX

Wood and metal dining height school house chairs by Brunswick. Priced each.

Category

20th Century American Vintage Brunswick Chairs

Materials

Metal

Set of Six Danish Inspired Dining Chairs

Sold

H 33 in W 23 in D 20 in

Set of Six Danish Inspired Dining Chairs

Located in Santa Monica, CA

Wonderfully warm teak complemented by a soft maize tweed upholstery from Brunswick and Fils, these chairs feature magnificent details like the vertical inlays of darker wood and the ...

Category

1960s Vintage Brunswick Chairs

Materials

Teak, Upholstery

Birch Ply DCW Chairs By Eames For Herman Miller

$2,100 / set

H 28.5 in W 18.5 in D 21 in

Birch Ply DCW Chairs By Eames For Herman Miller

Located in Brooklyn, NY

This pair of molded birch plywood DCW chairs (Dining Chair Wood) were designed by Charles and Ray Eames in 1945. The chairs bear the oval black label for Herman Miller dating them to...

Category

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

Materials

Wood, Birch, Bentwood, Plywood

Set of Four Wooden Chairs Designed by Oswald Haerdtl, 1950s

$1,891 / set

H 32.29 in W 17.33 in D 17.33 in

Set of Four Wooden Chairs Designed by Oswald Haerdtl, 1950s

By Oswald Haerdtl

Located in Praha, CZ

- made in Czechoslovakia - made of beech wood - manufacturer Ton Bystrice pod Hostýnem - complete restored

Category

1950s Czech Mid-Century Modern Vintage Brunswick Chairs

Materials

Beech

Herman Miller Eames Armchair on Low Lounge Base

$1,499

H 27 in W 27 in D 26 in

Herman Miller Eames Armchair on Low Lounge Base

Located in Brooklyn, NY

Amazing color on this Eames fiberglass armshell for Herman Miller. Beautiful orange tone contrasts nicely against black lounge height base. No cracks or major wear. Even color throug...

Category

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

Materials

Steel

Mid-Century Fritz Hansen Style Teak Stacking School Chairs with Arms

$165 / item

H 31 in W 20.25 in D 21.25 in

Mid-Century Fritz Hansen Style Teak Stacking School Chairs with Arms

By Fritz Hansen

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Four Mid-Century stacking armchairs in the style of Fritz Hansen's institutional seating line. Each chair features a single pressed and bent teak veneer shell with an organic, waiste...

Category

Mid-20th Century Dutch Mid-Century Modern Vintage Brunswick Chairs

Materials

Metal

Friso Kramer Revolt chairs wood for Ahrend de Cirkel, 1963

$4,528 / set

H 30.32 in W 17.72 in D 19.69 in

Friso Kramer Revolt chairs wood for Ahrend de Cirkel, 1963

By Friso Kramer, Ahrend de Cirkel

Located in Roosendaal, Noord Brabant

Super nice set of eight revolt dining chairs designed by Friso Kramer for Ahrend de Cirkel, Holland, 1953. Though the Revolt chair was already designed in 1953, the production starte...

Category

1960s Dutch Mid-Century Modern Vintage Brunswick Chairs

Materials

Metal

Mid-Century Modern Vintage Set of Four Dining Chair Roland Rainer, 1952, Austria

$4,310 / set

H 30.52 in W 16.93 in D 20.87 in

Mid-Century Modern Vintage Set of Four Dining Chair Roland Rainer, 1952, Austria

By Roland Rainer

Located in Vienna, AT

Mid Century Modern set of four bicolor dining chairs, which were designed by Roland Rainer and executed by Emil & Alfred Pollak, Vienna. The presented dining chairs were designed for...

Category

1950s Austrian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Brunswick Chairs

Materials

Beech, Plywood

Early Chair Attributed to Jens Risom for Knoll

$600

H 32.5 in W 18 in D 25 in

Early Chair Attributed to Jens Risom for Knoll

By Knoll, Jens Risom

Located in South Charleston, WV

A very early chair that is attributed to Jens Risom for Knoll. The chair features a vinyl type finish that is in good condition with a few marks and light staining. The legs have ...

Category

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

Early & Rare Chair designed by John Pyle for George Nelson American Mid Century

$3,750

H 29 in W 19 in D 17 in

Early & Rare Chair designed by John Pyle for George Nelson American Mid Century

By George Nelson

Located in San Diego, CA

Wonderful sculptural side chair. Pretzel designed in 1950s by John Pyle for George Nelson, amazing original finish and patina. Iconic and very rare chair only a few were made, hard t...

Category

20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Brunswick Chairs

Materials

Wood

Chair with armrests circa 1960

$1,604

H 32.29 in W 21.66 in D 21.66 in

Chair with armrests circa 1960

By Mid Century Antiques

Located in Milano, Lombardia

Mid-century style chair with wooden arms and velvet seat, peridio of production, circa 1960, new upholstery.

Category

1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Brunswick Chairs

Materials

Velvet, Wood

Russel Wright Plywood Samson Folding Armchair Original Paint Shwayder Brothers

$1,195

H 30.75 in W 24.25 in D 27 in

Russel Wright Plywood Samson Folding Armchair Original Paint Shwayder Brothers

By Russel Wright, Shwayder Brothers

Located in Forest Grove, PA

An iconic Russel Wright for Shwayder Brothers/ Samsonite Samson Chairs folding plywood armchair in the original salmon color painted metal frame.

Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Brunswick Chairs

Materials

Metal

Prouve Inspired "Skid" Chairs Designed by Karl Nothhelfer, 1950

$185 / item

H 31.5 in W 15 in D 16 in

Prouve Inspired "Skid" Chairs Designed by Karl Nothhelfer, 1950

By Jean Prouvé, Ludwig Ziech Vereinigte Silberbesteckfabrik, Karl Nothelfer

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Prouve inspired, Vereinigte Schulbankfabriken produced, beech wood chairs with cantilevered seat and Prouve style legs, designed by Karl Nothhelfer in 1950. Lovely chairs with a smal...

Category

1950s German Mid-Century Modern Vintage Brunswick Chairs

Materials

Wood, Beech

Mid-Century Design Chair of Miroslav Navratil, 1959

$381

H 31.11 in W 16.93 in D 26.78 in

Mid-Century Design Chair of Miroslav Navratil, 1959

Located in Praha, CZ

Very popular Czech design chair, 1950s. Designer Miroslav Navratil. Original condition. One place on the back of a slightly torn upholstery. Chair is solid and very comfortable.

Category

1950s Czech Mid-Century Modern Vintage Brunswick Chairs

Materials

Upholstery, Laminate, Wood

Walter Gropius, Armchairs, Oak, Austria, 1950s

$7,600 / set

H 31.25 in W 22 in D 18.5 in

Walter Gropius, Armchairs, Oak, Austria, 1950s

By Walter Gropius

Located in High Point, NC

A set of four stained oak armchairs or dining room chairs designed by Walter Gropius and produced by Thonet, Austria, c. 1950s. Dramatic patina. Natural wood cracking and weathering...

Category

1950s Austrian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Brunswick Chairs

Materials

Oak

Mid-Century Modern Hans Bellmann Model GA Chair Side Chair c 1955 Switzerland

$1,788

H 33.86 in W 16.15 in D 18.9 in

Mid-Century Modern Hans Bellmann Model GA Chair Side Chair c 1955 Switzerland

By Hans Bellmann

Located in Vienna, AT

Mid Century Modernn chair or side chair designed by Hans Bellmann, circa 1955. Manufactured by Horgen-Glarus, Switzerland The GA chair is made of a black lacquered tube steel base, ...

Category

Mid-20th Century Swiss Mid-Century Modern Vintage Brunswick Chairs

Materials

Steel

Set of 6 Prouve Style Red Teak Toned Industrial Stacking Chairs w/ Compass Legs

$2,195 / set

H 31.25 in W 21 in D 19 in

Set of 6 Prouve Style Red Teak Toned Industrial Stacking Chairs w/ Compass Legs

By Jean Prouvé

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Set of 6 red teak toned stacking chairs with light gray enameled metal frames. One of our faves! Creative linking to make rows of seating. Good original condition. Similar chairs als...

Category

1960s Dutch Mid-Century Modern Vintage Brunswick Chairs

Materials

Metal

Early Herman Miller Eames DCM Dining Chair

$1,499

H 32 in W 18 in D 18 in

Early Herman Miller Eames DCM Dining Chair

By Charles and Ray Eames, Herman Miller

Located in Brooklyn, NY

Handsome example of the iconic Eames DCM. Herman Miller Eames edition, signed and guaranteed authentic. Circa late 1950s/early 1960s production. All screws and glides present. Beauti...

Category

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

Materials

Metal

People Also Browsed

Jean Prouvé, Pair of Standard Chairs, model 306, circa 1950

$43,502 / set

H 80 in W 40 in D 48 in

Jean Prouvé, Pair of Standard Chairs, model 306, circa 1950

By Jean Prouvé

Located in Wargrave, Berkshire

Pair of original "semi-metal" Standard chairs, model 306, designed by Jean Prouvé, and dating from around 1950. Constructed from plywood with the original ribbed vinyl covering and...

Category

1950s French Mid-Century Modern Vintage Brunswick Chairs

Materials

Metal, Enamel

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Vintage Brunswick Chairs For Sale on 1stDibs

Find a variety of vintage brunswick chairs available on 1stDibs. Frequently made of wood, fabric and metal, all vintage brunswick chairs available were constructed with great care. Vintage brunswick chairs have been made for many years, and versions that date back to the 20th Century alongside those produced as recently as the 20th Century. There are many kinds of vintage brunswick chairs to choose from, but at 1stDibs, mid-century modern vintage brunswick chairs are of considerable interest. There have been many well-made vintage brunswick chairs over the years, but those made by Cassina, Gio Ponti and Brunswick Co. are often thought to be among the most beautiful.

How Much are Vintage Brunswick Chairs?

Prices for vintage brunswick chairs start at $650 and top out at $90,000 with the average selling for $1,250.

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 Brunswick 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.

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.

The 21 Most Popular Mid-Century Modern Chairs

You know the designs, now get the stories about how they came to be.

Mies van der Rohe’s Barcelona Chair Shook Modernism and Charmed Hollywood

The enduring appeal of the Barcelona chair is in the details.

Herman Miller Got Its Start in the Office, but Its Legacy Is in the Home

The brand that turned Charles and Ray Eames, Isamu Noguchi and George Nelson into mid-century household names is just as relevant today as it was six decades ago.