Used Armchairs
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Francesco Zaccone for Thonet Golf Chairs in New Bouclé Upholstery, Germany 1970
By Thonet, Francesco Zaccone
Located in Almelo, NL
Presenting this stunning set of ‘Golf’ chairs by Francesco Zaccone for Thonet. Beautifully shaped chrome bases creating an incredibly sturdy and stately presence while keeping a stre...
Category
Late 20th Century German Modern Used Armchairs
Materials
Aluminum, Chrome
H 32.68 in. W 22.45 in. D 22.45 in.
Armchair in antique Louis Seize Style XV with Curved Armrests beech
Located in Berlin, DE
Solid beech wood, set and gilded. Cambered and carved frame on fluted, pointed legs. Curly armrests. Straight supports with applied acanthus leaves. Rising armrests in oval back fram...
Category
20th Century French Louis XV Used Armchairs
Materials
Beech
H 39.38 in. W 28.75 in. D 28.35 in.
two Slightly Smaller Armchairs in antique Louis Seize Style beech gilt
Located in Berlin, DE
Very rare in this form and as a pair to find.
Solid beech gilded, the armchairs are surrounded by pillars.
Category
20th Century French Louis XV Used Armchairs
Materials
Beech
H 31.5 in. W 23.63 in. D 23.23 in.
Armchair in antique Louis Seize Style Tapestry Fabric Gildet beech
Located in Berlin, DE
Solid beechwood, set and gilded. Cambered and carved frame on fluted, pointed legs. Curly armrests. Straight supports with applied acanthus leaves. Rising armrests in oval back frame...
Category
20th Century French Louis XVI Used Armchairs
Materials
Beech
H 39.38 in. W 25.2 in. D 28.35 in.
Chair in antique Louis Seize Style Solid Beechwood hand carved
Located in Berlin, DE
Unique French armchair solid beechwood, finely carved.
Category
20th Century French Louis XV Used Armchairs
Materials
Beech
20th Century French Armchair antique Louis Quinze Baroque Style beech carved
Located in Berlin, DE
Solid beech wood, carved, colored and gilded. Semi-circular ascending backrest frame with rocaille crowning. Passive, carved frame. Slightly bent frame on curly legs. The seat and ba...
Category
20th Century French Louis XV Used Armchairs
Materials
Beech
H 38.98 in. W 33.47 in. D 27.56 in.
Franck Evennou 2009, Pair of Bronze Armchairs
By Franck Evennou
Located in Paris, FR
Franck Evennou 2009, pair of bronze armchairs, 2 from a edition of 8.
Measures: 75 cm H, 56 cm L, 45 cm P
Dated and Signed
This unique bronze Dolmen table is presented with its mo...
Category
Early 2000s French Used Armchairs
Materials
Bronze
Milo Baughman + Jack Lenor Larsen, Archie Lounge Chair, All Original Velvet
By Thayer Coggin, Milo Baughman, Jack Lenor Larsen
Located in Decatur, GA
Milo Baughman + Jack Lenor Larsen - All Original - Unique on the Market
Archie high back lounge chair in sculpted solid American black walnut and all original Jack Lenor Larsen velv...
Category
1960s American Mid-Century Modern Used Armchairs
Materials
Velvet, Walnut
H 35 in. W 30 in. D 30 in.
Floral Pink Velvet Midcentury Lounge Arm Chair, After TH Robsjohn Gibbings
By T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings, Widdicomb Furniture Co., John Widdicomb
Located in Decatur, GA
Stunning Mid-Century Modern petite lounge chair after T.H. Robsjohn Gibbings. Featuring sculpted maple frame and trim detail and new deep pink floral velvet upholstery. Gorgeous mode...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Used Armchairs
Materials
Velvet, Maple
H 27 in. W 29 in. D 29 in.
18th Century Rococo Armchair
Located in Tetbury, Gloucestershire
Beautiful Rococo armchair, circa 1780.
It has been scraped back to reveal the original paint which is original to the Gustavian period. This chair also has elements of the original ...
Category
18th Century Swedish Rococo Used Armchairs
Materials
Leather, Wood
Aerodynamic Italian Midcentury Armchair
Located in New York, NY
Stunning Italian midcentury lounge chair with aerodynamic lines inspired by the futuristic high speed trains and planes of the time. Dark wood legs. Recovered in a blue velvet.
Co...
Category
1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Used Armchairs
Materials
Fabric
Mid Century Egg Chairs, Designer Furniture 1960
By Arne Jacobsen
Located in Buxton, GB
These mid century egg chairs attributed to Arne Jacobson, would make a stylish acquisition for the contemporary home or commercial environment. The Classic Egg design Armchairs, are ...
Category
Mid-20th Century Used Armchairs
Materials
Fiberglass, Teak
French Gilt Framed Armchair W/ Floral Upholstery
Located in San Francisco, CA
C. 20th century
French gilt framed armchair w/ floral upholstery.
Category
20th Century Used Armchairs
Materials
Upholstery, Giltwood
Pair of Italian Cesca Armchairs, 1970s
By Marcel Breuer
Located in South San Francisco, CA
Set of 2 Italian Cesca armchairs.
The caning on both chairs is in great condition, with minimal to no signs of wear.
Category
1970s Used Armchairs
Materials
Chrome
Set of Kai Kristiansen Model 42 Dining Chairs, Rosewood, Aniline Leather, 1960s
By Kai Kristiansen, Skovmand and Andersen
Located in Esbjerg, DK
Set of dining chairs produced by Skovman Andersen for the Illum Bolighus department store in Copenhagen. Rosewood frames with seat and back reupholstered with vintage tan aniline lea...
Category
1960s Danish Scandinavian Modern Used Armchairs
Materials
Leather, Rosewood
H 29.14 in. W 20.87 in. D 21.66 in.
Bentwood Chair, Side Chair by Torck
Located in Antwerp, BE
Bentwood armchair by Torck Belgium.
Torck is known as manufacturer of toys and furniture.
It's a beautiful shaped chair with bentwood armrests.
Stamped - signed at the back by ...
Category
Mid-20th Century Belgian Modern Used Armchairs
Materials
Wood
Don Shoemaker for Senal S.A. Cocobolo Rosewood 'Swinger' Chairs, Mid Century
By Don S. Shoemaker, Senal
Located in Vienna, AT
Rare pair of rosewood and leather chairs in wonderful condition, Don Shoemaker 1960
A stunning pair of vintage safari chairs in solid rosewood and leather. US born Don Shoemaker h...
Category
1960s Mexican Mid-Century Modern Used Armchairs
Materials
Leather, Rosewood
H 30 in. W 30.5 in. D 33.5 in.
GORDON’S Late 20th Century Leather Club Chairs on Casters - Pair B
By Gordon Furniture Co.
Located in Charlotte, NC
A pair of Traditional style game / club chairs on casters by Gordon's Furniture, of Johnson City, Tennessee, USA. Fruitwood frame with gray blue color leather upholstery, barrel back...
Category
Late 20th Century American Other Used Armchairs
Materials
Brass
H 29.75 in. W 25.25 in. D 20.5 in.
Attributed of Paolo Buffa Mid-Century Modern Italian Velvet Armchairs, 1950s
By Paolo Buffa
Located in Puglia, Puglia
Rare pair of wingback armchairs attributed to Paolo Buffa and produced in the 1950s.
The armchairs have been restored and upholstered with ivory velvet.
Paolo Buffa was an Italia...
Category
1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Used Armchairs
Materials
Velvet, Walnut
H 38.59 in. W 30.71 in. D 32.68 in.
Pair of Patinated Oak “Wishbone” Arm Chairs by Hans Wegner circa 1960s
By Hans J. Wegner
Located in Shippensburg, PA
A lovely pair of Hans Wegner's iconic "Wishbone" arm chairs executed in golden oak with steam bent rails over papercord seats. Both retain early and beautifully patinated surfaces th...
Category
20th Century Danish Mid-Century Modern Used Armchairs
Materials
Oak
H 28.500 in. W 21 in. D 19 in.
Mid Century Little Tulip Armchair by Pierre Paulin for Artifort, 1960s
By Pierre Paulin, Artifort
Located in Oud Beijerland, NL
Cute and very comfortable armchair, designed by the famous Pierre Paulin in te 60's.
This particular chair is fabricated by Artifort in the 70's.
The chair is reupholstered som...
Category
1970s Dutch Mid-Century Modern Used Armchairs
Materials
Steel
H 25.2 in. W 27.56 in. D 23.63 in.
Pair of Chesterfield Carved Hardwood & Oxblood Leather Armchairs 2
Located in Berlin, DE
We are delighted to offer you this stunning pair of Chesterfield carver armchairs in oxblood leather with hand carved frames. The chairs are a lovely find and in original condition t...
Category
20th Century English Chesterfield Used Armchairs
Materials
Leather
H 32.29 in. W 20.87 in. D 22.84 in.
Carved French Oak Salon Throne Chair, Original Pictorial Upholstery
Located in Chillerton, Isle of Wight
Carved French Oak Salon Throne Chair, Original Pictorial Upholstery
This lovely old High Back chair retains its original hand made pictorial fabric back rest, this is in muted sha...
Category
Mid-19th Century Napoleon III Used Armchairs
Materials
Oak
Pair of Lounge Chairs by Bernt Petersen, Denmark, 1960s
By Bernt Petersen, Worts Mobler
Located in Stockholm, SE
Pair of elegant armchairs by Bernt Petersen, with rosewood frames and comfortable natural leather seats and backs. Smooth lines with nicely contrasting materials. Leather in very goo...
Category
1960s Scandinavian Modern Used Armchairs
Materials
Wood, Leather
Pair of Brazilian Rosewood Armchairs by Fredrik Kayser for Vatne Mobler
By Vatne Møbler, Knut Sæter, Fredrik A. Kayser
Located in Miami, FL
Gorgeous pair of vintage model 934 lounge chairs in Brazilian rosewood, designed by Fredrik A. Kayser and manufactured by Vatne Mobler in Norway in the mid 1960s. The chairs have rem...
Category
20th Century Norwegian Scandinavian Modern Used Armchairs
Materials
Wool, Velvet, Rosewood
H 31 in. W 30.25 in. D 31 in.
19th Century Italian Louis Philippe Walnut Antique Armchair with Velvet Seat
Located in Casale Monferrato, IT
Lovely Italian armchair in solid walnut. This beautiful armchair has an enveloping shape and a comfortable seat. Lined with green velvet. The enveloping and relaxing backrest.
Category
1850s Italian Louis Philippe Used Armchairs
Materials
Walnut
H 44.49 in. W 29.53 in. D 27.56 in.
GORDON’S Late 20th Century Leather Club Chairs on Casters - Pair A
By Gordon Furniture Co.
Located in Charlotte, NC
A pair of Traditional style game / club chairs on casters by Gordon's Furniture, of Johnson City, Tennessee, USA. Fruitwood frame with gray blue color leather upholstery, barrel back...
Category
Late 20th Century American Other Used Armchairs
Materials
Brass
H 29.75 in. W 25.25 in. D 20.5 in.
1950s Danish Hans J. Wegner for Johannes Hansen Oak Model 503 "The Chair"
By Johannes Hansen, Hans J. Wegner
Located in London, GB
An early 1950s version of this iconic armchair known as "The Chair" which was designed by the renowned architect and furniture designer Hans J. Wegner for Johannes Hansen in 1949. Ma...
Category
Mid-20th Century Danish Mid-Century Modern Used Armchairs
Materials
Leather, Oak
H 30.01 in. W 25.01 in. D 20.01 in.
Early 20th Century Sculptural Scandinavian Modern Armchair with Lambswool Seat
By Michael Gottlieb Bindesbøll
Located in Odense, DK
A stunning rustic Folk Art hand carved antique armchair in oak painted wood with a newer upholstered lambswool seat. Made in Norway in the early 20th century.
This fine vintage ch...
Category
Early 20th Century Norwegian Art Deco Used Armchairs
Materials
Lambskin, Sheepskin, Oak
H 33.08 in. W 22.84 in. D 21.66 in.
Pair of Blue Modern Upholstered Lounge Chairs
Located in Locust Valley, NY
A vintage pair of modern blue upholstered lounge chairs with narrow dark wood legs.
Category
Late 20th Century Used Armchairs
Materials
Fabric
Pair of Chairs after Pierre Dariel, ‘Biarrtiz’ model, France, c. 1926
By Pierre Dariel
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Pair of chairs after Pierre Dariel, ‘Biarrtiz’ model, France, c. 1926
Measures: H 42.5, W 37.5, D 39.75 in. $9400 list for the pair
Bibliography: Dariel, Pierre, Commercial Catal...
Category
Mid-20th Century French Art Deco Used Armchairs
Materials
Wood, Paint
H 42.5 in. W 37.5 in. D 39.75 in.
Arnt Lande 'Attr.' Pair of Pine Armchairs by Møller & Stokke, Norway, 1940s
Located in Utrecht, NL
Though their country has a long tradition of craftsmanship, for numerous reasons mid-century Norwegian designers never gained the same international renown as their peers in neighbou...
Category
1940s Norwegian Scandinavian Modern Used Armchairs
Materials
Sheepskin, Wood
H 31.5 in. W 25.01 in. D 27.96 in.
Mid Century Little Tulip Armchair by Pierre Paulin for Artifort, 1960s
By Pierre Paulin, Artifort
Located in Oud Beijerland, NL
Cute and very comfortable pivoting Armchair, designed by the famous Pierre Paulin in te 60's.
This particular chair is fabricated by Artifort in the 60's.
Round metal base with...
Category
1960s Dutch Mid-Century Modern Used Armchairs
Materials
Steel
H 27.17 in. W 27.56 in. D 24.41 in.
Pair of Vintage Cerused Oak Woven Arm Chairs
Located in Locust Valley, NY
Pair of modern style, oversize, cerused oak vintage arm chairs with woven backs and arm chairs with leather cushion seat.
Category
Late 20th Century Used Armchairs
Materials
Leather, Oak
Gerrit Rietveld Utrecht Armchairs, Cassina, Newly Upholstered in Pure Alpaca
By Gerrit Rietveld, Cassina
Located in London, GB
A pair of Gerrit Rietveld Utrecht armchairs, produced by Cassina, and newly upholstered in a white (with a hint of cream) very soft, premium 100% alpaca pile fabric. Cassina labels t...
Category
Mid-20th Century Dutch Mid-Century Modern Used Armchairs
Materials
Alpaca
H 27.56 in. W 25.2 in. D 33.47 in.
Rare Paul McCobb Symmetric Group Sloping Armchair, for Widdicomb, 1960's
By Paul McCobb, Widdicomb Furniture Co.
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This lounge chair is absolutely stunning. Clad in a luxurious and soft emerald green velvet, this chair epitomizes mid century modern sophisticated design. The chair features all the...
Category
1960s American Mid-Century Modern Used Armchairs
Materials
Velvet, Walnut
H 38.25 in. W 29.5 in. D 29.5 in.
LC2 chairs by Le Corbusier Pierre Jeanneret & Charlotte Perriand Vintage Cassina
By Cassina, Le Corbusier, Pierre Jeanneret, Charlotte Perriand Cassina
Located in Dallas, TX
Vintage pair of LC2 tilt-back lounge chairs produced by Cassina in the less commonly seen cognac leather. Nicely broken in with all the patina you need to add a little comfort and so...
Category
Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Used Armchairs
Materials
Steel, Chrome
H 25.197 in. W 23.622 in. D 25.591 in.
1960's Pair of Parker Knoll 'Merrywood' Armchairs
By Parker Knoll
Located in London, GB
An outstanding pair of vintage Parker Knoll ‘Merrywood’ armchairs. These were made in England, they date from the 1960’s.
This is a very rare model, and the quality is superb. The...
Category
Mid-20th Century English Mid-Century Modern Used Armchairs
Materials
Fabric, Teak
Original antique Empire Armchair circa 1860-1880 Massive Mahogany bronze
Located in Berlin, DE
Original Empire armchair circa 1860-1880 massive mahogany 2 beautiful armchairs from an Empire room.
Each 2 figures provided cast bronze.
The chairs have a nice curve, in a top...
Category
Mid-19th Century French Empire Used Armchairs
Materials
Mahogany
H 38.98 in. W 24.41 in. D 27.56 in.
Chesterfield Armchair Leather Brown
Located in Berlin, DE
Beautiful Chesterfield leather armchair in brown.
Good condition, normal signs of wear due to age. The frame is made of mahogany wood.
Category
20th Century English Chesterfield Used Armchairs
Materials
Leather
Original Chesterfield Brown Leather Directors Captains Chair, Brand Wade
Located in Berlin, DE
Vintage tufted brown Leather English Chesterfield style barrel back desk chair. Item features rolled arms, nailhead trim, deep button tufts, and a solid wood base on rolling casters....
Category
20th Century English Chesterfield Used Armchairs
Materials
Leather
H 34.65 in. W 27.56 in. D 23.63 in.
Antique English 19th Century Mahogany Carved Armchair
Located in New Orleans, LA
A fine example of English woodwork in this single armchair.
Category
Late 19th Century English Used Armchairs
Materials
Mahogany
Mid-Century Modern Sculptural Lounge Chair by Vladimir Kagan for Directional
By Vladimir Kagan, Directional
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A stunning dramatic form lounge chair designed by Vladimir Kagan and produced by Directional in the 1980's. Its retains the original upholstery which needs to be recovered. Padding a...
Category
1980s American Mid-Century Modern Used Armchairs
Materials
Fabric
H 39 in. W 38 in. D 33 in.
Antique English Mahogany Gainsborough George III Style Chair
Located in New Orleans, LA
An ample chair. Good for your library, den or living room.
Category
Early 19th Century English George III Used Armchairs
Materials
Mahogany
Pair of Antique 19th Century Hand Carved Mahogany Chairs
Located in New Orleans, LA
This is a beautifully hand-carved pair of chairs. Sure to please.
Category
Late 19th Century English Used Armchairs
Materials
Mahogany
Early 19th Century Scottish Armchair
Located in New Orleans, LA
A fine antique armchair from the early 19th century.
Category
Early 19th Century Scottish Used Armchairs
Materials
Wood
Set of 8 Antique Jacobean Carved Oak Dining Chairs, circa 1890
Located in New Orleans, LA
Nicely carved chairs that are solid and will stand the rigors of use.
Category
Late 19th Century Jacobean Used Armchairs
Materials
Oak
Antique English Mahogany Master Carving Armchair, 19th Century
Located in New Orleans, LA
This single armchair shows the fine care that a master craftsman took with his carving.
Category
19th Century English Used Armchairs
Materials
Mahogany
18th Century Pair of antique Louis Quinze XIV Armchairs Paris beech
Located in Berlin, DE
Solid wood poliment gold-plated. Passive, straight profile frame with carving on curved legs below with cross bracing.Historical condition with a wonderfully warm patina that has gro...
Category
18th Century French Louis XIV Used Armchairs
Materials
Beech
H 42.13 in. W 27.96 in. D 31.89 in.
Pair of White Reupholstered Danish Mid-Century Armchairs by Ludvig Pontoppidan
By Ludvig Pontoppidan
Located in Berlin, DE
Pair of white reupholstered Danish mid-century armchairs by Ludvig Pontoppidan
Very rare set of two armchairs with elegant curves designed and produced by Danish master craftsman ...
Category
Mid-20th Century Danish Mid-Century Modern Used Armchairs
Materials
Oak
H 29.53 in. W 26.38 in. D 27.56 in.
Danish Mid-Century Modern GE 375 Easy Chair by Hans J. Wegner for GETAMA
By GETAMA, Hans J. Wegner
Located in Berlin, DE
Danish Mid-Century Modern GE 375 easy chair by Hans J. Wegner for GETAMA
This easy chair is a version of the GE 375 model with armrests and a high backrest that Hans J. Wegner des...
Category
Mid-20th Century Danish Mid-Century Modern Used Armchairs
Materials
Oak
H 37.41 in. W 39.38 in. D 27.56 in.
“Clam” Chair by Arnold Madsen for Madsen & Schubell, Denmark, 1944
By Arnold Madsen, Ib Madsen and Acton Schubell
Located in Utrecht, NL
This “Clam” chair has a beloved design thanks to which it is considered by some as one of the most attractive chairs of “Nordic Design”.
The model has a rather perplexing history...
Category
1940s Danish Scandinavian Modern Used Armchairs
Materials
Sheepskin, Beech
H 30.71 in. W 15.56 in. D 35.83 in.
“Clam Chair" in Sheepskin by Arnold Madsen for Madsen & Schubell, Denmark, 1944
By Arnold Madsen, Madsen & Schubell
Located in Utrecht, NL
This “Clam” chair has a beloved design thanks to which it is considered by many as one of the most attractive chairs of Nordic Design. At the same time, this chair is arguably also t...
Category
Mid-20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Used Armchairs
Materials
Sheepskin, Wood
H 29.73 in. W 25.4 in. D 33.08 in.
Late 20th Century Ethiopian Jimma Chair
Located in Firenze, IT
Early 20th Century one of a kind chair from the Jimma region, Ethiopia, carved from a single trunk of wood, the Jimma people did not use glue, nails or joinery in making these unique...
Category
Late 20th Century Ethiopian Used Armchairs
Materials
Wood
Pair of “Pedro” Armchairs by Carl Gustaf Hiort, Finland 1950s
By Puunveisto OY, Carl Gustav Hiort af Ornäs
Located in Utrecht, NL
These “Pedro” armchairs show the homely curviness that defined the design of the 1950s. Hiort af Ornäs developed the model for his own furniture company, Puunveisto Oy.
The Pedro ...
Category
1950s Finnish Scandinavian Modern Used Armchairs
Materials
Bouclé, Wood
Original Thonet Bentwood Fauteuil, 19th Century
By Michael Thonet, Thonet
Located in Schwerin, MV
High-quality collector's item: Antique bentwood armchair with attached armrests, between 1862 and 1870. Thonet - Vienna, Fauteuil No. 14 - Design Michael Thonet. There are two proofs...
Category
1860s Austrian Organic Modern Used Armchairs
Materials
Bentwood
Original Thonet Bentwood Fauteuil, 19th Century
By Michael Thonet, Thonet
Located in Schwerin, MV
High-quality collector's item: Antique bentwood armchair with attached snail-shaped armrests, between 1862 and 1870. Thonet - Vienna, armchair no. 8 - design Michael Thonet. There ar...
Category
1860s Austrian Rococo Revival Used Armchairs
Materials
Bentwood
Pair of Country French Provincial Blue and White Bergere Armchairs
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Charming pair of country French provincial style bergere armchairs featuring a blue and white fabric having a French ticking stripe style design. The molded frames feature scrolls an...
Category
20th Century French French Provincial Used Armchairs
Materials
Fabric, Wood
Set of Six Midcentury French Rattan Wicker Dining Armchairs
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Organic modern set of six French dining armchairs from the mid 20th century. The chairs feature a rattan frame covered with woven wicker having braided borders. The chairs have a lov...
Category
20th Century French Organic Modern Used Armchairs
Materials
Wood, Wicker, Rattan
Wood and Leather Director's Chair, France, 1970's
Located in Austin, TX
Black lacquered wood frame with new camel colored leather sling seat and back. Folds like a director's chair but very sturdy, heavy and comfortable. France, 1970's.
Category
1970s French Mid-Century Modern Used Armchairs
Materials
Leather, Wood
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Used Armchairs For Sale on 1stDibs
An assortment of used armchairs is available at 1stDibs. Frequently made of wood, fabric and animal skin, all used armchairs available were constructed with great care. Used armchairs have been made for many years, and versions that date back to the 18th Century alongside those produced as recently as the 21st Century. There are many kinds of used armchairs to choose from, but at 1stDibs, Mid-Century Modern, Scandinavian Modern and Art Deco used armchairs are of considerable interest. Many used armchairs are appealing in their simplicity, but Hans J. Wegner, Knoll and Jindrich Halabala produced popular used armchairs that are worth a look.
How Much are Used Armchairs?
Prices for used armchairs can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — at 1stDibs, used armchairs begin at $1 and can go as high as $8,319,974, while the average can fetch as much as $3,500.
Finding the Right Armchairs for You
Armchairs have run the gamut from prestige to ease and everything in between.
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 repurpose everyday objects to artful 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.
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