Skip to main content

Armchairs

2
512
28
9
to
42
346
180
549
536
537
9,187
3,877
1,966
1,423
517
449
366
255
221
182
175
168
164
116
56
33
113
229
170
37
41
45
34
6
1
12
2
3
9
5
3
13
2
Height
to
Width
to
Depth
to
362
193
27
47
24
35
24
36
24
31
24
32
475
182
174
129
126
394
327
275
69
61
13
7
3
3
2
Armchairs For Sale
Style: Georgian
Style: Regency
Mahogany Regency Period Large Caned Library Chair
Located in Montreal, QC
Mahogany Regency Period Large Caned Library Chair Stamped number "03020" Caning was professionally redone.
Category

1820s English Regency Antique Armchairs

Materials

Mahogany

Elegant George I Walnut Wing Armchair
Located in Lymington, Hampshire
An elegant George I walnut wing armchair, the high barrel back with shallow curving wings and scroll arms, the shallow seat set on four swept cabriole legs with barrel castors enclos...
Category

1720s English George I Antique Armchairs

Materials

Walnut

Armchair In Rosewood Regency Period, circa 1810
Located in Brussels, Brussels
Lovely rosewood armchair from the beginning of the 19th century Regency period Very beautiful base decorated with a beading The backrest is also decorated with a beading as well as a...
Category

Early 19th Century British Regency Antique Armchairs

Materials

Rosewood

Similar Pair of French Regence Walnut Armchairs
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Newly upholstered in Cheetah fabric. The second chair has slightly different dimensions: 27"w, 20"d, 36.5"h and seat height is 19.5". These chairs are strong, sturdy and comfortable.
Category

17th Century French Regency Antique Armchairs

Materials

Fabric, Walnut

Hickory Chair Regency Style Double Caned Chair
Located in Southampton, NJ
A double caned, George III Regency style mahogany & satinwood armchair with tapered reed & turned legs. The chair is fully hand detailed with beautifully ...
Category

1960s American Regency Vintage Armchairs

Materials

Upholstery, Cane, Mahogany, Satinwood

Very Fine Antique Custom Silk Damask Armchair
Located in Bridgeport, CT
Armchair covered in luxurious custom green silk damask fabric having sloping and sinuous arms, angular backrest, loose down or feather filled ...
Category

19th Century Georgian Antique Armchairs

Materials

Silk, Wood

Pair of Red Chinoiserie Paint Decorated Georgian Armchairs or Dining Chairs
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
For customers that require professional insured delivery we are proud to have teamed up with a nationwide professional delivery company that will assist with coordinating your delive...
Category

1920s English Georgian Vintage Armchairs

Materials

Mahogany

After Thomas Hope Antique circa 1780 George III Hand Carved Giltwood Armchair
By Thomas Hope
Located in GB
We are delighted to offer for sale this extremely well made circa 1780 English Giltwood, hand carved armchair after Thomas Hope A very decorative and well made armchair, this pie...
Category

1780s English George III Antique Armchairs

Materials

Giltwood

18th Century English Armchair in Oak
Located in Brussels, Brussels
Superb English oak armchair from the second half of the 18th century Very beautiful armchair which has been stripped and patinated in our workshops In perfect condition and very ...
Category

18th Century British Georgian Antique Armchairs

Materials

Oak

Antique French Regency Style Caved Walnut Throne Chairs Newly Upholstered, Pair
Located in Chicago, IL
Antique French Regency Style Ornate Caved Walnut Throne Chairs Newly Upholstered in a Burgundy Mohair - Pair Gorgeous Pair of French Regency Style Beautifully Ornate Hand Carved Acanthus Leaf Motif Finely Detailed Walnut High Back Throne...
Category

1920s French Regency Vintage Armchairs

Materials

Mohair, Walnut

Early 19th Century Gainsborough Armchair after Chippendale
Located in Dublin 8, IE
Early 19th century Gainsborough mahogany armchair in the manner of Chippendale, upholstered in sage green silk damask in the traditional 19th century style with brass studding, the s...
Category

19th Century Irish George III Antique Armchairs

Materials

Mahogany

Rare 19th Century Lion Monopodia Armchair After Thomas Hope
By Thomas Hope
Located in Benington, Herts
A very fine and impressive European walnut monopodia library armchair, upholstered in a Rosie Uniacke cotton velvet moss, an almost identical armchair having been published in ‘Engli...
Category

19th Century English Regency Antique Armchairs

Materials

Velvet, Walnut

Georgian Wingback Armchair
Located in Southampton, GB
Expert upholstery job on this hi-back Georgian winged chair with epic form and proportions. The tall, turned front legs with casters add to its grandeur...
Category

18th Century English George III Antique Armchairs

Materials

Beech

Georgian 18th Century Elm Armchair
Located in Bedfordshire, GB
A very attractive George II Period, 18th century Elm carver armchair, Retaining Exceptional Colour & Patina Throughout, Having Elegant Ribbon Carved Pierced Splat Back And Scrolling ...
Category

Mid-18th Century English Georgian Antique Armchairs

Materials

Elm

18th Century George I Walnut Shepherds Crook Armchair with Period Needlework
Located in Oxfordshire, United Kingdom
A wonderfully drawn early 18th century George I walnut shepherd's crook armchair covered in period needlework, circa 1730. England. A simply exquisite example of an early 18th-cen...
Category

Early 18th Century English George I Antique Armchairs

Materials

Tapestry, Walnut

19th Century Pair of Large Venetian Wood Armchairs
Located in IT
19th century Pair of large Venetian wood armchairs. This important pair of very large armchairs was made in Venezia (Italy) in the first 19th century, Louis XIV-Regency. The armc...
Category

Early 19th Century Italian Regency Antique Armchairs

Materials

Wood

Elegant High Back Tufted Red Leather Armchair
Located in Bridgeport, CT
With shepherd hook wood arms and quality button tufted red leather shaped back and seat with nail head trim. Raised on carved front legs with wide knees and square tapering splayed b...
Category

20th Century Georgian Armchairs

Materials

Leather, Wood

C19th Century English Black Painted Armchair with Flower Decoration & Caned Seat
Located in London, GB
Lovely circa 1830s English black painted open armchair with decorative flower and leaf painted frieze to the back. The caning to the seat has been redone over time and is in good condition. A nice size chair and with the addition of a squab cushion...
Category

1820s British Regency Antique Armchairs

Materials

Wood, Cane

19th Century English Wrought Iron Garden Chair with a Curved Rounded Back
Located in London, GB
This is a lovely model, English circa 1830s and in good condition. Simple lines give this a smart understated look that could easily work for an interior with an upholstered squab cushion. Repainted at some point it has, rounded back with scroll end arms and squashed pad feet. Has an Industrial feel with the riverts and would make a really cool desk...
Category

1820s British Regency Antique Armchairs

Materials

Wrought Iron

Pair Georgian Revival Walnut & Leather Open Elbow Chairs, circa 1920s
Located in Dereham, GB
Pair Georgian revival walnut & leather open elbow chairs circa 1920s Recently covered Leather upholstery, coloured to chestnut, brass studded decoration, Polished professionally b...
Category

1920s English George I Vintage Armchairs

Materials

Leather

Pair Large Carved Oak Hoof Feet Needle Point Upholstery Arm Chairs Thrones Mint!
By J. Horner
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Pair large carved oak hoof feet needle point upholstery arm chairs thrones mint!
Category

20th Century American Regency Armchairs

Materials

Oak, Upholstery

Handsome Pair of 19th Century Georgian Style Armchairs '2 Pair Available'
Located in Charleston, SC
Very handsome pair of 19th century Georgian style mahogany armchairs with tapered and molded legs. There are 2 pair available.
Category

19th Century English Georgian Antique Armchairs

Materials

Mahogany

Vintage W&J Sloane Mahogany Frame Edwardian Style Library Arm Chairs - a Pair
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Vintage W&J Sloane Mahogany Frame Edwardian Style Library Arm Chairs - a Pair. Item features a solid wood frames, beautiful wood grain, original label, quality American craftsmanship...
Category

Mid-20th Century Georgian Armchairs

Materials

Fabric, Mahogany

Pair of Antique Georgian Deconstructed Wingback Armchairs William Morris Arms
Located in GB
We are delighted to offer for sale this exquisite pair of Deconstructed Antique Georgian circa 1820 Wingback armchairs with ornately carved cabriole legs and William Morris style fla...
Category

1820s English Georgian Antique Armchairs

Materials

Hardwood, Oak

Antique Early 20th Century Wingback Armchair, circa 1900
Located in Batley, GB
A very attractive George III style wingback armchair raised on 4 cabriolet legs and upholstered in a nice tapestry type fabric. In good order throughout and does not require upholste...
Category

Early 20th Century British George III Armchairs

Materials

Beech

Vintage Regency Hand Painted Tromp L’oiel Swag Arm Chairs, a Pair
Located in west palm beach, FL
A fabulous pair of vintage Regency arm chairs. Brilliant hand painted Tromp l,oiel swag detail. Blue velvet seats with thr chic patina from time. Purchased in Italy and brought to th...
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Regency Armchairs

Materials

Velvet

Pair of English Regency Style Upholstered Bergeres in Tapestry Fabric
Located in New York, NY
Pair of English Regency Style (20th Century) bergeres with curved mahogany frames, scroll arms, leather upholstered backs and armrests, the front and seat upholstered in an urn-theme...
Category

20th Century European Regency Armchairs

Materials

Metal, Brass

Pair of Tufted Leather Chesterfield Armchairs
Located in Bradenton, FL
Pair of leather armchairs with wooden legs and stretcher. Done in the Chesterfield style. Beautiful Burgandy Leather appears to be original and slightly worn. Nail head detailing alo...
Category

Mid-20th Century American George III Armchairs

Materials

Leather

Sumptuous Scalamandre Upholstered English Hand Carved Mahogany Armchairs
Located in Hopewell, NJ
Plush pair of hand carved English mahogany armchairs having gilt highlights and regal crown decoration at the top. Upholstery is amazing vintage scalamandre, to swoon over.
Category

1980s English Regency Vintage Armchairs

Materials

Upholstery, Mahogany

Antique English Regency Wing Armchair, circa 1820
Located in London, GB
Antique English Regency Wing Armchair circa 1820 Good example in excellent condition commensurate of age. Fabric will require replacing. Standin...
Category

1820s English Regency Antique Armchairs

Materials

Upholstery, Mahogany

Pair of Georgian Style Painted Armchairs
Located in Bradenton, FL
Sophisticated pair of George III style painted armchairs in the Adams taste. Elegant in style in a light cream color, carved painted wood, with gilding and grommets throughout. Back ...
Category

19th Century English Georgian Antique Armchairs

Materials

Wood

George III Mahogany Lattice Back Armchair
Located in New York, NY
George III Mahogany Lattice back armchair. Seat with new top fabric. The rectangular lattice back above an upholstered tight seat with mahogany arms on sq...
Category

Late 18th Century English George III Antique Armchairs

Materials

Mahogany, Oak

Gainsborough Armchair 19th century
Located in Vosselaar, BE
Good 19th century Gainsborough armchair in mahogany with new crimson linnen upholstery. This type of chair was named after the famous painter Tho...
Category

Early 19th Century English Georgian Antique Armchairs

Materials

Mahogany

Rare 18th Century Mahogany Cockpen Armchair
Located in Lymington, GB
A rare 18th-century mahogany Cockpen open armchair of very good quality. George III period, ca 1760. This antique armchair is in mahogany with a chinoiserie open-fretwork (or Chines...
Category

Mid-18th Century George III Antique Armchairs

Materials

Mahogany

Antique Regency circa 1810 Oak Carved Armchair with Lions Head Oxblood Velour
Located in GB
We are delighted to offer for sale this lovely original Regency circa 1810-1820 carved oak frame depicting Lions heads armchair This chair is an absolute classic, designed as a Regency library chair, the frame is ornately carved in oak and depicts Lion's heads The chair is 100% solid and stable, the frame has been checked, we have also deep cleaned hand condition waxed and hand polished it from top to bottom. The velour oxblood upholstery is nice and vintage circa 1940's, it has one small repaired patch to the back, otherwise its all good Dimensions Height:- 77cm Width:- 71.5cm Depth:- 68cm Seat height:- 44cm Please note all measurements are taken at the widest point. This item is available for collection from our Pulborough warehouses RH20 1DF. A privately owned family ran business founded in Wimbledon SW19 and now based in Pulborough RH20. We specialise in finding, restoring very fine luxury antique leather seating...
Category

1810s English Regency Antique Armchairs

Materials

Velvet, Oak

Antique Original Regency 1815 Black Leather Hardwood Horseshoe Office Desk Chair
Located in GB
We are delighted to offer for sale this exquisite original circa 1815 Black leather Regency office chair with sculpted Horseshoe frame ...
Category

1810s English Regency Antique Armchairs

Materials

Leather, Hardwood

Pair of Modern Damask Dessin Fournir Arm Chairs
Located in Locust Valley, NY
A chic pair of modern arm chairs from Dessin Fournir with fully upholstered chair arms, seat and back in gray and brown flocked silk damask, ...
Category

Late 20th Century Regency Armchairs

Materials

Silk

Pair of George III Style Tufted Armchairs
Located in Locust Valley, NY
An early 20th century pair of George III style tufted armchairs with curved arms ending in scroll shape, with both carved, reeded design and ...
Category

Early 20th Century George III Armchairs

Materials

Fabric

Circa 1750, English Georgian ii Period Mahogany Armchair with Modern Fabric
Located in Chicago, IL
Circa 1750 English Georgian II period mahogany armchair. The George II period was most noted for its intricate chairs. Like the other Georgian periods, this one was named after the monarch during the time. Under George II, mahogany became the predominant wood used for fine furniture. Many of the styles were symmetrical and had architectural curves, inspired by the Gothic. These works were very expensive and only the rich could afford and buy them. This specific armchair has a frame entirely carved from mahogany, which was a strong and durable wood that was also naturally water resistant and offers natural resistance against pests. The back of the chair has a splat design. Splats were an important element of eighteenth-century English chairs, offering support. It originated from the importation of Chinese Ming Dynasty chairs...
Category

1750s English George II Antique Armchairs

Materials

Mahogany

Vintage Regency Pretzel Back Armchairs Dining Accent Set of 2
Located in Lake Worth, FL
Offering One Of Our Recent Palm Beach Estate Fine Furniture Acquisitions Of A Pair of Vintage Regency Accent dining armchairs with solid wood frames and new upholstery Approximat...
Category

1960s Regency Vintage Armchairs

Materials

Walnut, Velvet

Regency Rosewood Armchair By Gillows
Located in Essex, MA
With rectangular back with spindles and loose muslin cushion, carved arms and loose cushion seat raised on circular reeded tapered legs and cup casters.
Category

1810s English Regency Antique Armchairs

Materials

Rosewood

IMPORTANT PAIR OF GEORGE III HAND CARVED CIRCA 1780 ANTIQUE LIONS PAW ARMCHAIRs
Located in GB
Royal House Antiques Royal House Antiques is delighted to offer for sale this Important pair of George III circa 1780-1800 hand carved library armchairs with ornate Lions Hairy Paw feet covered in grapevines Please note the delivery fee listed is just a guide, it covers within the M25 only for the UK and local Europe only for international, if you would like an accurate quote, please send me your postcode and I’ll provide you with the exact price. These are the finest pair of library reading armchairs I have ever seen, they are circa 1780-1800, the legs are long and elegant, they start with grapevine carvings to the top and follow down with an extremely elegant curve to the Lions hairy paw feet, they are an absolute work of art The upholstery is early embroidery, this was very much the fashion of the day and still is, the idea was for the lady of the house to prove she could keep herself quiet and occupied and not disturb her husband, the way she achieved this was by doing embroidery in her parlour, the more ornate and exquisite the higher the skill of the lady Condition wise, there will be some age and use related patina marks here and there to the fabric, you can see the worst of it in the pictures, as ever with this type of furniture it really doesn't matter, the fact that it still exists is the important thing. the timber all has its original finish so it will be drenched in character, we have cleaned waxed and polished the wood Dimensions Height:- 103.5cm Width:- 86cm Depth:- 74.5cm Seat height:- 62cm Please note all measurements are taken at the widest point, if you would like any additional or specific measurements please ask. Any questions please feel free to ask before you bid. This item is available for collection from our Pulborough warehouses RH20 1DF. We can have it delivered nationwide to include Scotland Wales and Ireland. Please contact me via email or my contact information is under the business seller section of the listing with your postcode for a delivery quotation. Please be sure to include which item you would like to buy as the price is determined on size and distance, if you would like more than one piece of furniture we offer a substantial discount on the second and third item, for international shipping please view the below information. ABOUT US Royal House Antiques is a privately owned family ran business founded in Wimbledon SW19 and now based in Pulborough RH20. We specialise in finding, restoring very fine luxury antique leather seating, along with every single other type of antique ranging from the 16th century to the 20th century. We also stock a number of designer brands such as Fritz Hansen, Ralph Lauren, Cavalli, Charles & Ray Eames, Vitra, David Linley, Rolex, Tiffany, Jager Le Coulter and so on. CONDITION Please view the very detailed pictures as they form part of the description pertaining to the condition. Please also ask any questions before you bid and not after, all of our items are sold as seen and as listed. Royal House Antiques cannot be held liable for any independent assumptions made regarding the items we sell, if you are unsure on any point, please feel free to ask for clarity. Please note vintage period and original items such as leather seating will always have natural patina in the form of creasing and wear, we recommend annual waxing to ensure no moisture is lost, also hand dyed leather is not recommended to sit in direct sunlight for prolonged periods of time as it will dry out and fade. COURIER, LARGE ITEMS ONLY THAT CAN’T BE POSTED We can arrange delivery nationwide, mostly with our nominated couriers, for Europe we use one reasonably priced professional company that we trust, for the rest of the world we use international shippers that can send any size item crated via air freight within 7-14 days after crating or soft packed and container shipped via sea freight within 30-60 days. The time frames outlined are guides only, non-domestic shipping is almost entirely governed by the airlines, sea freight loading times and custom clearances. Whomever delivers will always require help on the larger items to unload, the price you will be quoted will always be based on this assumption, if this is not possible, please let us know as it will affect the price to send a two-person team. Delivery is to the ground floor only, again if you need help upstairs or in flats etc that's absolutely not a problem, the couriers...
Category

1780s English George III Antique Armchairs

Materials

Upholstery, Hardwood

Fine and Rare George II Period Needlepoint Upholstered Walnut Wing Armchair
Located in San Francisco, CA
A good English George II period walnut wing armchair with cushion, upholstered in gros and petit needlepoint material, the chair dating from the early part of the 18th century. The n...
Category

1730s English George II Antique Armchairs

Materials

Walnut

Pair of Antique Leather Wing Back Armchairs
Located in London, GB
A magnificent pair of antique leather wing back armchairs, possibly the finest pair we have come across. They were made in England, and they date from around the 1920’s. They are of...
Category

1920s British Georgian Vintage Armchairs

Materials

Leather, Walnut

English Regency Arm Chair
Located in Kastrup, DK
Beautiful and elegant Regency armchair in original and untouched condition. Made in England during the first quarter of the 19th century. Featuring splat back with vertical spindle...
Category

Early 19th Century English Regency Antique Armchairs

Materials

Fabric, Wood

Faux Bamboo Regency Style Chair
Located in New York, NY
Stylish Regency style side chair in the Regency style, having faux bamboo frame and caned seat, with custom seat cushion included ( cushion shows minor cosmetic wear wear ). The wood...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Regency Armchairs

Materials

Cane, Wood

English Regency 1830s Mahogany Armchair with Scrolling Arms and Casters
Located in Atlanta, GA
An English Regency period mahogany armchair from the early 19th century, with scrolling arms, turned legs, upholstery and petite casters. Created in England during the second quarter of the 19th century, this mahogany armchair features a straight rectangular back with curving upper rail, connected to two full arms with scrolling knuckles resting on turned supports. The seat (measuring 17 inches of height), back and arms are all upholstered with a diamond themed fabric with red, yellow and cream tones. The chair is raised on four legs, turned and cylindrical in the front and saber style in the back. The ensemble is mounted on petite brass casters allowing the armchair to be moved more easily. With its elegant yet simple lines, mahogany structure and nice proportions, this English Regency period armchair...
Category

Early 19th Century English Regency Antique Armchairs

Materials

Brass

18th Century English George III Period Mahogany Armchair with Modern Fabric
Located in Chicago, IL
This is a finely carved 1760 English George III armchair. The George III period was named after the English monarch of the time. It was popular among the elite and mercantile class of people, due to its excellent material and intricate carvings. Due to the multiple King Georges, each George developed its own look. The George III period is also referred to as the Chippendale style. This period was often characterized by drawing on both the Rococo and Gothic styles. Pieces sported curves, arches, Chinese influences, and cabriole legs. This chair has been entirely carved out of mahogany; a premiere wood choice known for its durability, longevity, and rich coloring. The back has an elegant splat, a principal element of eighteenth-century English chairs. Splats are the center support for a chair’s open back and originated from the importation of Chinese Ming Dynasty chairs...
Category

1760s English George III Antique Armchairs

Materials

Mahogany

Pair of English Regency Style Carved Oak Klismos Chairs with Horseshoe Backs
Located in Atlanta, GA
A pair of English Regency style oak Klismos chairs from the 19th century, with carved scrolling decor, geometric inlay and old fabric. Created in England during the 19th century, each of this pair of Regency style Klismos chairs features a horseshoe back adorned with carved scrolling motifs. The upper rail is inlaid with two-toned medallions depicting stylized rosettes and the knees with quadrilobes. The horseshoe back is supported by striking Corinthian columns. The seats are covered with a red fabric decorated with various animals including lions and foxes. The ensemble is raised on four legs, the front ones being straight and faceted while the back ones are saber. One of the chairs is mounted on petite casters. With their graceful Regency style lines and dark oak patina, this pair of English Klismos...
Category

19th Century English Regency Antique Armchairs

Materials

Fabric, Upholstery, Oak

Set of Four English Regency Style Armchairs with Rams Heads
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Dramatic set of four lacquer ebonized armchairs or dining chairs featuring neoclassical pewter ram's head finials on the chair rail ends. Crafted in the Eng...
Category

20th Century American Regency Armchairs

Materials

Pewter

Leather Library Chair
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Richly carved and raised upon claw feet with superior leather hides. Finely made by Theodore Alexander.
Category

20th Century American Georgian Armchairs

Materials

Brass

Pair of English Regency Period Mahogany Cock Fighting Chairs
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Amazing pair of early 19th century English regency cock fighting chairs crafted from mahogany. The frames have a padded curved back supported by gracefully curved arms decorated with...
Category

19th Century English Regency Antique Armchairs

Materials

Brass

English Regency 19th Century Armchair in Oak
Located in Lomita, CA
A Regency style carved oak open armchair from England, late 19th century with a modern feel is a design tour de force. The wood has aged beautifully over time and has a lustrous patina. The chair is sturdy and comfortable. The armchair has a rounded tablet...
Category

1880s English Regency Antique Armchairs

Materials

Oak

Drexel Heritage Regency Tufted Leather Executive Office Armchair
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Classic English regency style high-back tufted leather executive office armchair made by Drexel-Heritage. The grand chair has ...
Category

20th Century American Regency Armchairs

Materials

Brass

Antique King George III Period Wheelback Armchair or Side Chair Frame
Located in Hamilton, Ontario
This antique armchair frame is unsigned, but presumed to have originated from England and date to approximately 1790 and done in the period King George III...
Category

Late 18th Century English George III Antique Armchairs

Materials

Steel

Pair of George III Giltwood Armchairs
Located in Essex, MA
A fine pair completely regilded at some point with 23 ct gold leaf. Shield form back beautifully carved. Nicely upholstered, circular tapered fluted legs. Provenance ; Estate Of Mr Martin...
Category

1770s English George III Antique Armchairs

Materials

Giltwood

Set of Four George III Style Giltwood Armchairs
Located in Essex, MA
Regilded in burnished gold leaf. Each with oval backs with a carved beaded frame, carved arms with scroll hand hold, leaf carved seat rail with paterae, raised on circular tapered fl...
Category

1770s English George III Antique Armchairs

Materials

Giltwood

Fully Restored Antique George III circa 1780 Brown Leather Chesterfield Armchair
Located in GB
We are delighted to offer for sale this exquisite original fully restored hand dyed brown leather Chesterfield library armchair from the George III era circa 1780 A fantastic look...
Category

1780s English George III Antique Armchairs

Materials

Leather

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