Vintage Folding Chairs Chairs
1970s Slovenian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Folding Chairs Chairs
Cane, Hardwood
1970s Slovenian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Folding Chairs Chairs
Cane, Hardwood
1960s Italian Bauhaus Vintage Folding Chairs Chairs
Steel
1980s Slovenian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Folding Chairs Chairs
Cane, Hardwood
1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Folding Chairs Chairs
Chrome
1970s Slovenian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Folding Chairs Chairs
Hardwood
1970s Slovenian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Folding Chairs Chairs
Cane, Hardwood
20th Century French Vintage Folding Chairs Chairs
1960s Vintage Folding Chairs Chairs
Aluminum
1960s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Folding Chairs Chairs
Canvas
1940s French Colonial Revival Vintage Folding Chairs Chairs
Leather, Bamboo
1950s American Vintage Folding Chairs Chairs
Aluminum
1970s Slovenian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Folding Chairs Chairs
Hardwood
1970s Swedish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Folding Chairs Chairs
Metal
20th Century Dutch Industrial Vintage Folding Chairs Chairs
Metal
1970s French Vintage Folding Chairs Chairs
Metal
Late 20th Century Turkish Vintage Folding Chairs Chairs
Wood
1960s German Vintage Folding Chairs Chairs
Beech
1960s Italian Vintage Folding Chairs Chairs
Bamboo
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Folding Chairs Chairs
Chrome
Late 20th Century Primitive Vintage Folding Chairs Chairs
Metal
1940s Unknown Neoclassical Revival Vintage Folding Chairs Chairs
Mother-of-Pearl, Walnut
Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Vintage Folding Chairs Chairs
Rope, Walnut
1960s Mid-Century Modern Vintage Folding Chairs Chairs
Wood
Mid-20th Century Unknown Industrial Vintage Folding Chairs Chairs
Iron
1960s Italian Vintage Folding Chairs Chairs
Aluminum
Mid-20th Century Vintage Folding Chairs Chairs
Iron
Mid-20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Vintage Folding Chairs Chairs
Teak
1970s European Mid-Century Modern Vintage Folding Chairs Chairs
Fabric, Wood
20th Century American Scandinavian Modern Vintage Folding Chairs Chairs
Rope, Walnut
1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Folding Chairs Chairs
Wood
Mid-20th Century Dutch Mid-Century Modern Vintage Folding Chairs Chairs
Ash, Plywood
20th Century American Vintage Folding Chairs Chairs
Wood
1950s Danish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Folding Chairs Chairs
Canvas
Late 20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Folding Chairs Chairs
Bamboo
1970s Swedish Vintage Folding Chairs Chairs
Metal
1930s Vintage Folding Chairs Chairs
Wood
Mid-20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Vintage Folding Chairs Chairs
Wood
Mid-20th Century Italian Modern Vintage Folding Chairs Chairs
Chrome
1960s Mexican Mid-Century Modern Vintage Folding Chairs Chairs
Seagrass
1970s Slovenian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Folding Chairs Chairs
Hardwood
1970s Mid-Century Modern Vintage Folding Chairs Chairs
Wood
1950s Polish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Folding Chairs Chairs
Beech
1980s Swedish Vintage Folding Chairs Chairs
Aluminum
1960s German Vintage Folding Chairs Chairs
Beech
1960s German Vintage Folding Chairs Chairs
Beech
1960s German Vintage Folding Chairs Chairs
Beech
1960s Italian Vintage Folding Chairs Chairs
Plastic
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Folding Chairs Chairs
Beech
1950s Mid-Century Modern Vintage Folding Chairs Chairs
Steel
Mid-20th Century Spanish Vintage Folding Chairs Chairs
Brass
1950s French Mid-Century Modern Vintage Folding Chairs Chairs
Wood
1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Folding Chairs Chairs
Bamboo, Rattan
1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Folding Chairs Chairs
Metal
1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Folding Chairs Chairs
Fabric
1950s French Mid-Century Modern Vintage Folding Chairs Chairs
Wood
20th Century French Vintage Folding Chairs Chairs
Brass, Steel
1960s Spanish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Folding Chairs Chairs
Brass
Mid-20th Century Modern Vintage Folding Chairs Chairs
Chrome
1960s Mexican Mid-Century Modern Vintage Folding Chairs Chairs
Seagrass
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Vintage Folding Chairs Chairs For Sale on 1stDibs
How Much are Vintage Folding Chairs 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022Many 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.
- 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 17, 2023To 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.
- Is my vintage Eames chair real?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022To 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.
- 1stDibs ExpertJune 15, 2023To 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.
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