Skip to main content

Armchairs

105
36
4
to
7
115
26
144
43
51
98
26
1
1
2
34
109
1
16
9
1
7
2
4
2
Height
to
Width
to
Depth
to
124
118
101
108
100
106
99
104
99
102
99
102
82
47
40
41
40
127
52
36
11
8
36
17
10
8
8
Armchairs For Sale
Color:  Green
Brno Armchair with Chrome Frame, Knoll Style A Midcentury Masterpiece
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Knoll Brno armchair was designed by Meis van der Rohe in 1930 and is celebrated for its lean profile, clean lines and meticulous attention to detail. These chair are a faithful homag...
Category

Late 20th Century European Mid-Century Modern Armchairs

Materials

Chrome

Armchair in Velvet Molteni&C by Gio Ponti D.154.2 - made in Italy
Located in New York, NY
D.154.2 Lovechair in Velvet by Gio Ponti. Expert-crafted in Italy exclusively by Molteni&C. The mid-century D.154.2 lovechair features a shell-like structure inspired by renowned It...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Armchairs

Materials

Velvet

German Mid Century Green Velvet Club Armchair, Germany, 1960s
Located in 05-080 Hornowek, PL
Springy, very comfortable and stabile polish club seat. Produced in the 1960s at the Karl Lindner factory in Germany. The whole armchair is covered with high-quality velour. The armc...
Category

Mid-20th Century German Mid-Century Modern Armchairs

Materials

Velvet, Beech

Pierre Paulin Mushroom armchair
Located in PARIS, FR
Armchair model "Mushroom" by designer Pierre Paulin, edited by Artifort, from the 1960s. This iconic chair is covered in its original green Kvadrat fabric, 50th-anniversary edition. ...
Category

Mid-20th Century French Armchairs

Materials

Textile

De Sede International Steel Tube Armchair by Hans Eichenberger
Located in Brooklyn, NY
HE-113/01 armchair by De Sede. Technical details: Upholstery: SEDEX upholstery with wadding cushion. Strap cover in core leather black. Frame: Chrome...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Modern Armchairs

Materials

Leather

Pierre Paulin for Artifort Green F560 Mushroom Chair
Located in London, GB
Originally designed by Pierre Paulin in 1960 in collaboration with Artifort, the Mushroom chair, also known as the F560, is part of the permanent collection of the Museum of Modern Art, making it a true design icon. Inspired by women’s swimming...
Category

1960s Dutch Modern Vintage Armchairs

Materials

Fabric

Shiro Kuramata Sofa With Arms in Chromed Tubular Metal for Cappellini
Located in New York, NY
An homage to the masters of early 20th century modernism, the sofa with arms armchair by Shiro Kuramata has a structure made of chromed tubular metal, p...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Armchairs

Materials

Metal, Chrome

Smile Adjustable Rotating Leather Armchair by FSM
Located in Brooklyn, NY
FSM Smile chair by De Sede. With its new, patented adjustment mechanism, Smile offers comfort that stands out from the rest and can be stopped at any angle...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Modern Armchairs

Materials

Leather

Modern Green Velvet Armchair Cactus Shape with Gold Swivel Base
Located in Porto, PT
Ajui Armchair II is a conceptual piece. It’s an accent chair that combines an artsy interpretation of a cactus with the comfort expected from a luxury armchair. This modern armchair ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Armchairs

Materials

Brass

De Sede International Steel Tube Armchair by Hans Eichenberger
Located in Brooklyn, NY
HE-113/01 armchair by De Sede. Technical details: Upholstery: SEDEX upholstery with wadding cushion. Strap cover in core leather black. Frame: Chrome-plated steel tube frame. Bl...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Modern Armchairs

Materials

Leather

Customizable Tacchini Lagoa Armchair Designed by Zanini De Zanine
Located in New York, NY
Zanini de Zanine, the famous Brazilian designer, son of architect and designer José Zanine Caldas, creates an absolutely original model, conceived exclusively for Tacchini: Lagoa. It...
Category

2010s Italian Armchairs

Materials

Leather, Fabric

DS-2011 Bauhaus Leather Armchair by De Sede
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Armchair DS-2011/01 by De Sede. Aesthetics and functionality in a harmonious combination. An impressive design with a solid steel construction and light upholstery. Casual cushions and visible seams complete the harmonious look. Details: Standard configuration: Runners black...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Modern Armchairs

Materials

Leather

David Linley “Chase” Armchair in Purple & Lime Velvet
Located in Barrowford, GB
This is a superb David Linley “Chase” Armchair, dressed in a luxurious, top-grade Italian-velvet pinstripe-fabric in Deep Purple with Lime Green contrast-piping. In a world of tem...
Category

2010s Armchairs

Materials

Velvet

Pair of Marco Zanuso Lady Chairs in Green Velvet
Located in Milano, IT
A pair of iconic Marco Zanuso lady chairs, Italy. Features brass feeting and newly upholstered in a rich green velvet. This shape is extremely comfortable and visually appealing.
Category

19th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Antique Armchairs

Materials

Brass

Carlo Chair in Chartreuse by Exit Ceren, Represented by Tuleste Factory
Located in New York, NY
Carlo Chair in Chartreuse by Ceren Arslan 2023 Upholstered Suede W 33" x L 31.5" x H 31" Item available for immediate delivery. Lead time for this item is 4-6 weeks. Please conta...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Armchairs

Materials

Suede, Acrylic

DS-2847 Children's Leather Armchair by De Sede
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Children's small armchair DS-2847 by De Sede. DS-2847, the small brother of DS-47, presents itself just as independently as its role model. The clear yet soft forms of this children’...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Modern Armchairs

Materials

Leather

De Sede Leather Club Chair by Kurt Erni
Located in Brooklyn, NY
DS-2620/01 armchair by De Sede. Technical details: Standard configuration: Legs beechwood black-coated. If not specified otherwise, the standard configuration will be confirmed....
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Modern Armchairs

Materials

Leather

Filou Adjustable Reclining Leather Easy Lounge Chair by FSM
Located in Brooklyn, NY
FSM Filou chair by De Sede. Filou's seat and footrest are fully crafted and can be stopped at any angle without any effort. A clever solution presents the upholstery from being undul...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Modern Armchairs

Materials

Leather

Ignazio Gardella 'Digamma' Armchair in Emerald Green Lelièvre Fabric and Brass
Located in The Hague, NL
Designed by Ignazio Gardella in 1957, the Digamma lounge chair is a comfortable chair with roots in the late Italian modernist tradition. Its rational construction features two geometric sections - the rectangular upholstered back and seat - bound by a firm upholstered frame. The black metallic legs are finished off with Gardella's iconic brass 'duck' feet. The armchair has a three-position reclining backrest offering additional comfort and adjustability. This chair is a custom version realized by Santa & Cole for Kabinet Hubert, upholstered and sewn by hand in an emerald green Lelièvre fabric. This soft and dense fabric is a delicate combination of chenille and bouclé yarns. Ignazio Gardella was a member of the so-called third generation of the Modern Movement. He is considered one of the greatest exponents of Italian Rationalism, although he followed its principles in a much more personal way, searching to overcome its limitations. In 1957, he created the Digamma armchair...
Category

2010s Spanish Mid-Century Modern Armchairs

Materials

Metal, Brass

De Sede Leather Armchair by Stephan Hürlemann
Located in Brooklyn, NY
DS-77/01 armchair by De Sede. Technical details: Standard configuration: Steel legs, matte dark nickel coating. Standard seat and back heights. Neck support in brushed stainless ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Modern Armchairs

Materials

Leather

Bauhaus Gabo Adjustable Cantilever Leather Chair by FSM
Located in Brooklyn, NY
FSM Gabo chair by de Sede. Gabo is multi-faceted. Take the cantilever chair, sleek and stylish with its classic round-tube profile, or the elegant square-tube frame chair. Both combi...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Modern Armchairs

Materials

Leather

1950s Jaroslav Smidek Original Armchairs, Pair in Lime Green
Located in Hook, Hampshire
1950s Jaroslav Smidek Original Armchairs – Pair In Lime Green 1950s Jaroslav Smidek Original Armchairs – Pair In Lime Green. Sourced direct in the Czech republic this is one of Smid...
Category

1950s Czech Vintage Armchairs

Materials

Upholstery, Beech

Sesam Adjustable Reclining Leather Armchair by FSM
Located in Brooklyn, NY
FSM Sesam armchair by De Sede. The ultimate in comfort. A simple adjustment - that can even be made while seated - swivels out the footrest and reclines the ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Modern Armchairs

Materials

Leather

Green PK8 Armchair, Seat-Lamp Hybrid, Handmade Metal Structure by Paulo Kobylka
Located in Londrina, Paraná
The idea of PK8 armchair came during a renovation project of a clinic. The project had as premise to transform the environment with just a few interventions, with the purpose of red...
Category

2010s Brazilian Post-Modern Armchairs

Materials

Steel

Cleo Adjustable Reclining Leather Easy Lounge Chair by FSM
Located in Brooklyn, NY
FSM Cleo chair by De Sede. Slim and self-assured in every setting – the Cleo easy-chair is made for relaxing. Its striking modern lines transform it into a contemporary sculpture tha...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Modern Armchairs

Materials

Leather

De Sede Craft Fabric Armchair by Gordon Guillaumier
Located in Brooklyn, NY
DS-49/01 armchair by De Sede. Technical details: Standard configuration: Back cushion and cushion in leather. Legs polished aluminium. If not specified otherwise, the standard c...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Modern Armchairs

Materials

Fabric

Pavo Adjustable Leather Armchair by FSM
Located in Brooklyn, NY
FSM Pavo chair by De Sede. The all-purpose armchair. Pavo has many facets, whether as an elegant side armchair or as a comfortable relaxing armchair with remarkable functions. Pavo o...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Modern Armchairs

Materials

Leather

Ronan & Erwan Bouroullec Quilt Armchair for Established & Sons
Located in London, GB
The Bouroullec’s iconic Quilt series of feature seating comes in a selection of bright, springy, high-tech stretch fabrics that give a room an intense hit of colour. For a calmer fir...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Modern Armchairs

Materials

Foam

De Sede Leather Folds Armchair by Alfredo Häberli
Located in Brooklyn, NY
DS-373/01 armchair by De Sede. Technical Details: Standard Configuration: Legs steel, matt nickel bronze-coated. Chair without rotation function. If not specified otherwise, t...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Modern Armchairs

Materials

Leather

Shelby Adjustable Swivel Leather Armchair by FSM
Located in Brooklyn, NY
FSM Shelby chair by De Sede. Built for blissful relaxation, this easy chair takes its name from its constructional design: a hard shell containing a soft and cosy core with convenien...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Modern Armchairs

Materials

Leather

De Sede Wide Leather Folds Armchair by Alfredo Häberli
Located in Brooklyn, NY
DS-373/12 wide armchair by De Sede. Technical details: Standard Configuration: Legs steel, matte nickel bronze-coated. Chair without rotation func...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Modern Armchairs

Materials

Leather

1950s Jaroslav Smidek Original Armchairs Pair in Lime Green
Located in Hook, Hampshire
1950s Jaroslav Smidek Original Armchairs – Pair In Lime Green 1950s Jaroslav Smidek Original Armchairs – Pair In Lime Green. Sourced direct in the Czech republic this is one of Smid...
Category

1950s Czech Vintage Armchairs

Materials

Upholstery

Pli Dual Rotation Multi-Functional Leather Armchair by FSM
Located in Brooklyn, NY
FSM Pli chair by De Sede. A miracle of rotation. The chair Pli consists of two armchair parts, each rotating about its own axis. Thanks to the option of Dual rotation the armchair can fulfill a variety of functions and surprises the person seated with unimagined flexibility. Depending on how the two chair parts are rotated relative to one another, the armchair can be used with an armrest, a footrest or an intelligent shelf. The needs and demands of the person seated are virtually limitless. Designer Stefan Heiliger’s basic IDEA was to create a functional armchair that can be operated differently. Previous functional armchairs had a footrest that could be pulled up or an armrest that could be folded up individually. Pli can do without all this. This smart swivel armchair revolutionarily fulfills the arm- or footrest functions with the correct pivot point. The design of the dynamic seating object looks stately. This is how Pli lends a tasteful touch of extravagance to the commercial and residential settings alike. Details: Standard configuration: Round base and column coated in matte black with a fine texture. Upholstery and assembly: Seat, back and footrest: supporting metal structure, high bulk density molded foam. Seat and back with comfort upholstery, back with integrated lumbar support. Seat comfort: Ergonomically designed seat with soft upholstery. Function: Footrest and armchair can be rotated 360° independently of one another. Substructure: Round base and column coated in matte black with a fine texture. Pearl-gloss chrome-plated or coated in different color on request for a surcharge. Double-shell steel structure with closed round base. Synthetic slide-on glides also supplied. Note: The seat and back are loosely covered...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Modern Armchairs

Materials

Leather

De Sede Fixed Leather Armchair by Alfredo Häberli
Located in Brooklyn, NY
DS-110/101 armchair by De Sede. Technical details: Standard configuration: Thread color according to the color of the body. For further versions, please inquire. If not specified...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Modern Armchairs

Materials

Leather

Rex Posture Support Leather Armchair by FSM
Located in Brooklyn, NY
FSM Rex chair by De Sede. The armchair Rex revolutionizes the act of sitting. Like the De Sede model DS-343, the armchair Rex is based on a patented seat study developed over the last two decades by seat expert and physical therapist Bart Van der Heyden. Rex is an armchair that moves with the movements of the person seated. Changes in posture are not just permitted but even encouraged. The armchair presents itself in a novel architecture. The seat shell does not stop at the backrest as usual but extends to pelvis height instead. This is not only a stylish design element but the elementary basis for this sitting revolution. With the extended seat shell, the person seated assumes a different posture when leaning back: if you lean backwards, only the upper part of the backrest moves backwards. Following the movements of the body, this provides gentle support to the spine and the chest opens automatically. The person seated immediately feels a more open posture, which is accompanied by a freedom of sitting. Details: Standard configuration: Substructure coated in silk-grey. Mechanism resistance low. Upholstery and assembly: SEDEX upholstery with SEDE-Lux padding. High-quality strap suspension. Seat, back and armrest with supporting metal structure and integrated gas pressure spring suspension. Thread color tone on tone. Function: Shifts in weight adapt the seat and backrest inclination to the respective sitting position. This prevents the typical shearing forces. Armchair rotatable 360°. Headrest infinitely forward-adjustable. Mechanism resistance low or, on request, mechanism resistance strong (better for very large and/or heavy persons). Substructure: Coated in silk-grey or coated in black-grey on request. Available with coating in different color on request for a surcharge. High-gloss chrome-plated on request for a surcharge. Star base with glides for hard and soft floor coverings. Note: Lumbar support based on the latest ergonomic/medical knowledge. Loosely covered...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Modern Armchairs

Materials

Leather

Locus Solus Green Armchair by Gae Aulenti
Located in Milan, IT
Reinterpreting her Sgarsul rocking chair in contemporary style, Gae Aulenti created the Locus Solus Armchair, whose tubular steel frame and bright...
Category

2010s Italian Armchairs

Materials

Steel

Contemporary Armchair Offered in Velvet & Metal Base
By Munna Design Studio
Located in New York, NY
this armchair is an elevated homage to the golden age of gentleman drivers. The piece’s flawless structure is deceivingly simple, yet undeniably striking. The detailed upholstery and...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Armchairs

Materials

Brass

1970s Metropolitan Furniture Corporation Green Velvet Lounge Chairs
Located in Dallas, TX
Late 1970's art scene describes these vintage club/lounge chairs by Jules Heumann for Metropolitan Furniture Corporation (Metro) based in San Francisco. Heumann was an incredible American Mid-Century furniture designer and responsible for elevating Metropolitan Furniture and designing the most iconic pieces they made. With his architectural background training and a keen interest and knowledge of the intricacies of manufacturing, Jules brings to his furniture designs a sense of scale and proportion which results in beauty and comfort. This gorgeous pair of Post-Modern chairs is ultra-comfortable and of the highest quality craftsmanship. These are very similar in style & design to Mario Bellini chairs for...
Category

1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Armchairs

Materials

Velvet, Wood

Colony Armchair in Black Legs, Walnut Structure, Upholstered Cushions, by Skrivo
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Colony armchair with metal base varnished is offered here in black, however, also available in white, silk grey, dusty grey, intense blue or bronze. Th...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Armchairs

Materials

Wood

Miroslav Navratil Easy Chairs in Original Green Fabric, 1960
Located in Almelo, NL
Miroslav Navratil Easy Chairs in Original Fabric 1960. Lovely set of two easy chairs by Miroslav Navratil, manufactured in Czech by Cesky Nabytek circa 1960. These chairs have a b...
Category

Mid-20th Century Czech Mid-Century Modern Armchairs

Materials

Fabric, Fiberglass, Beech

Memphis Design Style Plumy Armchair Upholstered in Green Velvet w Curved Shape
Located in Porto, PT
Memphis Design Style Plumy Armchair Upholstered in Green Velvet w Curved Shape Vonkli Armchair II Green is a Memphis Design style plumy armchair with a large seat and a small backrest. This chunky armchair, upholstered in green velvet, has a voluptuous silhouette that offers a neat yet seductive aesthetics to any modern living room or contemporary entryway. The vibrant colors and the fabric’s unique texture highlight the rich details and refinement of Vonkli Armchair II Green. Materials: Upholstered in Velvet. Base in Gloss Black Lacquer. Dimensions: width: 116 cm 45.7 in – depth: 115 cm 45.3 in – height: 75 cm 29.5 in – seat height: 42 cm 16.5 in About Hommés: HOMMÉS Studio...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Armchairs

Materials

Velvet, Lacquer

Mid-Century Italian Green Velvet Armchair Ico Parisi Style, 1950s
Located in Palermo, Sicily
Mid-century Italian green velvet armchair Ico Parisi style, 1950s.
Category

1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Armchairs

Materials

Velvet, Wood

De Sede Leather Club Chair by Kurt Erni
Located in Brooklyn, NY
DS-2620/01 armchair by De Sede. Technical details: Standard configuration: Legs beechwood black-coated. If not specified otherwise, the standard configuration will be confirmed....
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Modern Armchairs

Materials

Leather

Dust Armchair with Natural Oak, Polished Brass and Paris Green
Located in Brooklyn, NY
The Dust Armchair is constructed in solid wood, with an elevated tufted elegant look and a comfortable seating. Handmade with a solid wood base and wood legs. Polished brass metal fe...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Armchairs

Materials

Metal

Jasper Morrison Thinking Man's Chair in Varnished Metal for Cappellini
Located in New York, NY
An eloquent name for a product that invites contemplation. For the Thinking Man’s chair, Jasper Morrison envisioned a design in which all the eleme...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Armchairs

Materials

Metal

Dust Armchair with Beech Ash-056-5, Polished Brass and Paris Green
Located in Brooklyn, NY
The Dust armchair is constructed in solid wood, with an elevated tufted elegant look and a comfortable seating. Handmade with a solid wood base and wood legs. Polished brass metal fe...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Armchairs

Materials

Metal

Dust Armchair with Beech Ash-056-1, Polished Brass and Paris Green
Located in Brooklyn, NY
The Dust armchair is constructed in solid wood, with an elevated tufted elegant look and a comfortable seating. Handmade with a solid wood base and wood legs. Polished brass metal fe...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Armchairs

Materials

Metal

Dust Armchair with Beech Ash-056-1 and Paris Green
Located in Brooklyn, NY
The Dust Armchair is constructed in solid wood, with an elevated tufted elegant look and a comfortable seating. Handmade with a solid wood base and wood legs. Polished brass metal fe...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Armchairs

Materials

Metal

Dust Armchair with Natural Oak and Paris Green
Located in Brooklyn, NY
The Dust Armchair is constructed in solid wood, with an elevated tufted elegant look and a comfortable seating. Handmade with a solid wood base and wood ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Armchairs

Materials

Metal

Dust Armchair with Beech Ash-056-5 and Paris Green
Located in Brooklyn, NY
The Dust Armchair is constructed in solid wood, with an elevated tufted elegant look and a comfortable seating. Handmade with a solid wood base and wood legs. Polished brass metal fe...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Armchairs

Materials

Metal

Lem Armchairs in Metal Structure and Upholstery, by Francesco Beghetto
Located in Brooklyn, NY
This Lem armchair is with metal a structure and completely upholstered in the listed fabrics. This armchair is also available in an ottoman style, and 2 o...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Armchairs

Materials

Metal

Bauhaus Gabo Adjustable Cantilever Leather Chair by FSM
Located in Brooklyn, NY
FSM Gabo chair by de Sede. Gabo is multi-faceted. Take the cantilever chair, sleek and stylish with its classic round-tube profile, or the elegant square-tube frame chair. Both combi...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Modern Armchairs

Materials

Leather

Shelby Adjustable Swivel Leather Armchair by FSM
Located in Brooklyn, NY
FSM Shelby chair by De Sede. Built for blissful relaxation, this easy chair takes its name from its constructional design: a hard shell containing a soft and cosy core with convenien...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Modern Armchairs

Materials

Leather

Erwan Bouroullec Spring Armchair in Satined Stainless Steel for Cappellini
Located in New York, NY
Based on a slender structure in satined stainless steel, the sophisticated Spring chair was designed by Erwan Bouroullec. The distinctive shell is made of rigid polyurethane foam wit...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Armchairs

Materials

Metal, Stainless Steel

Original Shadow Armchair by Gaetano Pesce for Meritalia, Postmodern Icon
Located in Grand Cayman, KY
Shadow armchair by Gaetano Pesce for Meritalia is a highly collectible iconic masterpiece of Post Modern Design. The chair "deconstructed". Designed a...
Category

Early 2000s Italian Post-Modern Armchairs

Materials

Leather, Upholstery, Latex, Resin

Primitive Antique Green Painted Barrel Back Windsor Caboose Tavern Arm Chair
Located in Dayton, OH
Antique barrel back windsor style chair finished in apple green enamel paint.
Category

19th Century Federal Antique Armchairs

Materials

Hardwood, Paint

Modern Brass Armchair or Dining Chair in Black White Green or Pink
Located in Origgio (VA), IT
Pupa armchair signed by Andrea Branzi is agile and voluptuous at the same time. It leans on a light metallic frame leaving the volume floating in the space. Born with chrome frame fo...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Armchairs

Materials

Plastic

Plush Modern Black Side or Arm Chair with Chrome Legs by Andrea Branzi
Located in Origgio (VA), IT
Pupa armchair signed by Andrea Branzi is agile and voluptuous at the same time. It leans on a light metallic frame leaving the volume floating in the space. Born with chrome frame fo...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Armchairs

Materials

Plastic

Antique and Vintage Armchairs for Sale on 1stDibs

Armchairs have run the gamut from prestige to ease and everything in between, and everyone has an antique or vintage armchair that they love.

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 repurposed everyday objects to provocative 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.

Recently Viewed

View All