Armchairs
11
2,396
to
253
1,433
916
2,396
2,396
2,396
510
275
185
123
101
80
73
26
26
25
23
20
19
11
10
7
7
4
918
3,087
17,277
8,198
1,576
10,339
3,574
316
79
335
885
820
2,733
2,999
1,878
732
244
Height
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Depth
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1,367
1,000
95
135
37
56
20
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2,095
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523
346
328
1,949
590
321
235
191
52
37
34
33
25
Armchairs For Sale
Period: Early 20th Century
Period: 1940s
Exceptional Art Deco Arm Chair in Blue Velvet and Maple, Northern France, 1920s
Located in The Hague, NL
This exceptional armchair was produced by a master cabinetmaker in Northern France in the late 1920s. The chair was designed for a private residence in the Roubaix region.
The diffe...
Category
1920s French Art Deco Vintage Armchairs
Materials
Fabric, Chenille, Cotton, Linen, Upholstery, Velvet, Maple
Sculptural Armchair in wood and rope, Giuseppe Pagano (Attr), Italy, 1940s
Located in Argelato, BO
Sophisticated and almost museum-like work, suitable for both collectors and lovers of rare and refined furnishings
Giuseppe Pagano (Attr.), Monumental armchair in wood and rope, Ita...
Category
1940s Italian Art Deco Vintage Armchairs
Materials
Rope, Wood
French Club Chairs in Brown Upholstery
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Club chairs, brown fabric, beech, brass, France, 1940s.
These classically sculpted armchairs feature seatings that are designed as a shell, which embraces the sitter wonderfully. Th...
Category
1940s French Art Deco Vintage Armchairs
Materials
Brass
Armchair - peak of a century by Markus Friedrich Staab
Located in Frankfurt am Main, DE
Re-modeled by abroading its original shape, hand painted.
I am particularly interested to give value to overlooked, already used and well matured pieces. I endow the work with new m...
Category
1940s German Mid-Century Modern Vintage Armchairs
Materials
Oak
David Rosén "Berga" Armchair in Solid Stained Pine by Nordiska Kompaniet, 1940s
Located in Stockholm, SE
Very rare "Berga" mid century armchair in solid stained pine by David Rosén for Nordiska Kompaniet produced in the 1940s. Good original condition acquired from the original owner tog...
Category
1940s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Armchairs
Materials
Pine
Restored Bauhaus Armchair, Marcel Breuer, Thonet, Beech, Chrome, Germany, 1930s
By Marcel Breuer, Thonet
Located in Horomerice, CZ
Restored brown Bauhaus armchair.
Period: 1930-1939
Designer: Marcel Breuer
Maker: Thonet
Source: Germany
Material: Beech, chrome-plated steel, Rattan strings.
Category
Early 20th Century German Bauhaus Armchairs
Materials
Chrome
Mid Century Arm Chair in Pine by Göran Malmvall Produced by Svensk Fur, 1940s
Located in Stockholm, SE
Rare mid century armchair in stained pine by Göran Malmvall produced by Svensk Fur, 1940s. In good original condition.
Dimensions: H: 86 cm / 34" W: 61 cm / 24" D: 56 cm / 22" SH: ...
Category
1940s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Armchairs
Materials
Pine
Hans Vollmer & Prag Rudniker Wickerwork-Fabrication Chair Mod. 464
Located in Vienna, AT
Vienna c. 1902, manufactured by the Prag-Rudniker wickerwork factory, four-legged oakwood structure, original rush wickerwork, with attached original factory plaque. Measures: Height...
Category
Early 20th Century Austrian Vienna Secession Armchairs
Materials
Oak
Fine Pair Antique White Paint Decorated French Louis XV Large Scale Armchairs
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
This is s a superb set of 2 ( we have an identical pair listed separately if interested) and they are upholstered in suede and in good condition with minor stains and signs of age as...
Category
1940s French Louis XV Vintage Armchairs
Materials
Walnut
Armchair Upholstered with Blue Velvet and Mahogany Designed by Fritz Henningsen
Located in Lejre, DK
Armchair upholstered with blue velvet and mahogany designed by Fritz Henningsen. The chair is in great vintage condition.
Category
1940s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Armchairs
Materials
Velvet, Mahogany
Liberty & Co probably made by William Birch. An Arts & Crafts mahogany armchair.
Located in London, GB
Liberty and Co in the style of probably made by William Birch.
An Arts and Crafts mahogany armchair with curled finials, and a lattice back support ring turned details to the arm su...
Category
Early 1900s English Arts and Crafts Antique Armchairs
Materials
Mahogany
Fine Pair Antique White Paint Decorated French Louis XV Large Scale Armchairs
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
This is s a superb set of 2 ( we have an identical pair listed separately if interested) and they are upholstered in suede and in good condition with minor stains and signs of age as...
Category
1940s French Louis XV Vintage Armchairs
Materials
Suede, Walnut
J S Henry Arts & Crafts oak dining chair with throne like caps & a sweeping back
Located in London, GB
George Montague Ellwood. Made by J S Henry. An Arts and Crafts oak dining chair with throne like capped tops and sweeping back supports standing on tapering square legs. One availabl...
Category
Early 1900s English Arts and Crafts Antique Armchairs
Materials
Oak
Pair of Armchairs by Otto Wagner For Thonet, Austria, 1910s
By Thonet, Otto Wagner
Located in Brussels, BE
Pair of Armchairs by Otto Wagner For Thonet, Austria, 1910s
Category
1910s Austrian Vintage Armchairs
Materials
Wood
George Walton for John Rowntree & Kate Cranston tea rooms Arts & Crafts Armchair
Located in London, GB
George Walton for John Rowntree's cafe & Miss Cranston tearooms. An Arts and Crafts walnut Armchair. George Walton first designed this armchair which had a cane seat and back, around...
Category
Early 1900s English Arts and Crafts Antique Armchairs
Materials
Walnut
Chair in Pine, Made in Sweden 1940s
Located in Lejre, DK
Arm chair in solid pine designed and made in Sweden. Original condition.
Category
1940s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Armchairs
Materials
Pine
Liberty and Co. attributed. An Arts & Crafts walnut armchair with floral inlays.
Located in London, GB
Liberty and Co. attributed. An Arts & Crafts walnut armchair with extending uprights to the back and floral inlays to the backrest roundels with an array of stretchers below the seat...
Category
Early 1900s English Arts and Crafts Antique Armchairs
Materials
Walnut
Walter Skull High Wycombe. An Arts and Crafts oak wing back upholstered armchair
Located in London, GB
Walter Skull High Wycombe. An Arts and Crafts oak wing back upholstered armchair with lovely show oak to the outer wing sides. The wings curve out and fol...
Category
Early 1900s English Arts and Crafts Antique Armchairs
Materials
Oak
Morris & Co attributed. An Arts & Crafts beech armchair with Morris fabric seat.
By Morris & Co.
Located in London, GB
Morris & Co attributed. An Arts and Crafts stained beech armchair with a Morris fabric seat.
Category
Early 1900s English Arts and Crafts Antique Armchairs
Materials
Beech
Scandinavian High Back Chair in Oak and Green Striped Upholstery
Located in Waalwijk, NL
High back chair, oak, fabric, Scandinavia, 1950s.
This high back chair strongly resembles the design vocabulary by the Swedish designer Carl Malmsten. The unique lines and curves of...
Category
1940s Scandinavian Scandinavian Modern Vintage Armchairs
Materials
Fabric, Oak
Old Unknown designer arm chair
Located in Store Heddinge, DK
vintage armchair very beautiful. Needs upholstery and new leather.
Wood firm and solid. Please reach out for any questions.
Category
1920s Danish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Armchairs
Materials
Leather, Beech
Heals attr, A walnut desk chair or armchair with a rounded top and ladder back.
By Heal's
Located in London, GB
Heals attributed. A Walnut desk chair or armchair with a rounded top and ladder back, sculptured curvaceous arms, the four legs united by an 'H' stretcher.
Category
1920s English Arts and Crafts Vintage Armchairs
Materials
Walnut
Maurizio Tempestini elegant oak armchair
Located in Milano, IT
Maurizio Tempestini (1908-1960)
Elegant oak armchair with wavy pattern on all sides.
Italian manufacture, Florence, ca. 1940.
73x70xh80
Category
Early 20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Armchairs
Materials
Oak
20th Century Art Nouveau Elmwood Armchair 1307 by Prag-Rudniker, AT ca. 1903
Located in Lichtenberg, AT
Another design icon in our "rare chair" collection is this fantastic Vienesse secession armchair - Mod. 1307 (first edition!) designed by Wilhelm Sc...
Category
Early 20th Century Austrian Art Nouveau Armchairs
Materials
Rattan, Elm
Pair of Cane Back Antique White Paint Decorated Louis XVI Style Armchairs Dini
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
This is a beautiful pair of antique cane and paint decorated cane armchairs that can be used for the head of a dining table. The chairs are very distressed from time and will show pa...
Category
1940s French Louis XVI Vintage Armchairs
Materials
Cane, Walnut
G M Ellwood for J S Henry. Arts & Crafts oak throne armchair with capped finials
Located in London, GB
George Montague Ellwood. Made by J S Henry.
An Arts & Crafts oak throne armchair with capped finials and wonderful sweeping back supports, on tapering square legs.
Category
Early 1900s English Arts and Crafts Antique Armchairs
Materials
Oak
Gabriel Englinger Pair of Art Deco Lounge Chairs in Velvet Upholstery
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Gabriel Englinger, lounge chairs, wood, long pile velvet upholstery, France, 1928.
Rare pair of Art Deco armchairs designed by Gabriel Englinger in 1928. These chairs are upholstered in a taupe colored long pile velvet fabric which complements the warm stained color of the wood in an elegant manner. The chairs are a wonderful example of Art Deco luxury...
Category
1920s French Art Deco Vintage Armchairs
Materials
Velvet, Wood
E G Punnet attributed. Probably made by William Birch. An oak wing back armchair
By William Birch, E. G. Punnett
Located in London, GB
E G Punnet attributed. Probably made by William Birch and retailed by Goodyers of Regent Street. An Arts and Crafts oak wing back hall armchair using flat sided construction. With fl...
Category
Early 1900s English Arts and Crafts Antique Armchairs
Materials
Oak
Italian Renaissance Arm / Office Chair, Carved, Leather Seat, 19th Century
Located in Stamford, CT
Italian Renaissance Arm / Office Chair, Carved, Leather Seat, 19th Century
A finely carved example having a worn, in good condition, leather seating a...
Category
Early 1900s Italian Renaissance Antique Armchairs
Materials
Leather, Wood
Baillie Scott for J P White. Arts & Crafts oak & rush seat ladder back armchair.
Located in London, GB
M H Baillie Scott. An Arts and Crafts oak and rush seat ladder back armchair made by J P White at The Pyghtle Works in Bedford. Illustrated in: Furniture made at The Pyghtle Works Be...
Category
Early 1900s English Arts and Crafts Antique Armchairs
Materials
Oak
Transat armchair, Editions Pierre Dariel, Paris, France, circa 1925 / 1930
Located in Paris, FR
Transat armchair in painted wood and stretched canvas, with heart-shaped cut-outs on the sides of the arms.
The height and depth of the canvas seat are adjustable in two positions.
O...
Category
1920s French Art Deco Vintage Armchairs
Materials
Fabric, Wood
M H Baillie Scott by J P White. Arts & Crafts walnut armchair with new rush seat
Located in London, GB
M H Baillie Scott by J P White. An Arts & Crafts Walnut armchair with a new rush seat. Illustrated in: Furniture made at the Pyghtle Works Bedford, by J P White. Furniture designed b...
Category
Early 1900s English Arts and Crafts Antique Armchairs
Materials
Walnut
White Art Nouveau Armchair by Marcel Kammerer, Early 20th Century, AT ca. 1908
Located in Lichtenberg, AT
Rare, early 20th century armchair designed by the famous Austrian architect Marcel Kammerer (1878 -1959) around 1908 in Austria. The timeless design of this iconic Art Nouveau armcha...
Category
Early 20th Century Austrian Art Nouveau Armchairs
Materials
Fabric, Bentwood
Jugendstil armchairs by J&J Kohn
Located in Banská Štiavnica, SK
Jugendstil armchairs by J&J Kohn in original condition with signs of use.
Category
Early 1900s Austrian Jugendstil Antique Armchairs
Materials
Beech, Bentwood
Transat armchair by Robert Mallet-Stevens, Ed. Pierre Dariel, France circa 1926
Located in Paris, FR
Large transat armchair, model by Robert Mallet-Stevens (1886-1945) edited by Pierre Dariel, circa 1926.
In yellow-painted wood, side jambs with openwork squares, armrests with overha...
Category
1920s French Art Deco Vintage Armchairs
Materials
Fabric, Wood
Three Arts and Crafts oak dining armchairs
Located in London, GB
Three Arts and Crafts oak dining armchairs with arched tops and shaped slats to the back making them very comfy armchairs. Professionally recovered in a quality wine coloured leather.
Category
Early 1900s English Arts and Crafts Antique Armchairs
Materials
Oak
Liberty & Co. Arts & Crafts armchair inlaid with hearts & subtle floral inlays.
Located in London, GB
Liberty & Co attributed, an Arts & Crafts Walnut armchair, inlaid with petite hearts & subtle floral inlays to the back and to the front.
Category
Early 1900s English Arts and Crafts Antique Armchairs
Materials
Walnut
Art Deco Dutch Modernism Reclining Grand Armchair, Netherlands 1920's
Located in Oud-Turnhout, VAN
Art Deco Dutch Modernism Design Reclining "Grand" Armchair. Made in the Netherlands, late 1920's period. Oak wood constructed arm chair with pink velvet seat and back cushions. In th...
Category
1920s Dutch Art Deco Vintage Armchairs
Materials
Velvet, Oak
Oak armchair, Western Europe, early 20th century.
Located in Chorzów, PL
Antique armchair from around 1910.
The furniture is in very good condition, the seat is covered with new natural leather.
Dimensions: height 113 cm / seat height. 47 cm / width 60 ...
Category
1910s Vintage Armchairs
Materials
Oak
Arts & Crafts Pair of Armchairs in Oak and Braided Straw
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Pair of armchairs, oak, braided straw, Europe, 1920s
These chairs are designed during the Arts & Crafts period in Europe approximately around the twenties and designed by an experie...
Category
1920s European Arts and Crafts Vintage Armchairs
Materials
Straw, Oak
Art Deco Armchairs done in solid walnut, Austria 1920s
Located in Beograd, RS
In this listing you will find striking Art Deco Armchairs done in solid walnut, with beautiful wood grain. The armrest feature extraordinary shape that is rarely seen among Art Deco ...
Category
1920s Austrian Art Deco Vintage Armchairs
Materials
Fabric, Walnut
HUGE ORNATELY CARVED ANTiQUE FULLY RESTORED CHESTERFIELD KING / QUEENS ARMCHAIR
By Chesterfield
Located in GB
Royal House Antiques
Royal House Antiques is delighted to offer for sale this exceptionally rare, custom made to order, fully restored circa 1900-1920 hand dyed Chesterfield cigar b...
Category
Early 1900s English William IV Antique Armchairs
Materials
Leather, Oak
Bombay Art Furniture An Anglo-Japanese Walnut armchair with a double back leg.
Located in London, GB
A late Anglo-Japanese style Walnut armchair with a stylish double back leg incorporated into the design which sets the seat slightly forward adding to this hybrid design. The back wi...
Category
Early 1900s English Anglo-Japanese Antique Armchairs
Materials
Walnut
Mid-Century Modern Armchairs in Hardwood & White Leather Joaquim Tenreiro Brazil
Located in New York, NY
Available now, this beautiful pair of Brazilian Modern armchairs are made of ebonized Pau Marfim hardwood & white leather in buttone style.
The structure is composed of curved arms & feet, and were designed by Joaquim Tenreiro in the 1940’s. The wood joints are composed of delicate wood pins in Pau Marfim also, which were typically used by the artist at the time. Sold as set of two.
For the restoration process, both armchairs where dissembled to understand their condition and to restore them following Tenreiro’s technique. This is shown in the last 3 images. The set comes from a private residence in Copacabana, Rio de Janeiro.
This mid-century modern pair would look incredible in any modern, mid-century modern, boho chic or contemporary environment.
Joaquim Tenreiro (1906–1992) was among the leading furniture designers and visual artists in mid-20th century Brazil. Tenreiro was born in Melo, Gouveia Municipality, Portugal into a family of woodworkers and carpenters. In the late 1920s, he emigrated to Rio de Janeiro and began working for the firm of Laubisch & Hirth.
In the early 1940s, Tenreiro was among the first designers in the Brazilian furniture industry to adopt a European modernist vernacular. His initial efforts, including the 1942 "Poltrona Leve," met with considerable success, and in 1943 he established his own firm with factories in Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo. However, it was not until the 1950s that he began to be recognized as a master furniture designer in Brazil. His design philosophy found a great response with architects who supported modernism.
A forerunner in the use of rediscovered raw materials (like cane and jacaranda -Brazilian Roswood) as well as the creator of a new formal language in 20th-century Brazilian furniture design, he drew on the lessons of past furniture-making as a vital source, not only in the mastery of technical and constructive solutions but also in the aesthetic experience, craftsmanship, and the cultural meaning of his production. As a result, his exquisitely crafted pieces evoke a refined coexistence of traditional values and modern aesthetics, firmly bound to the Brazilian cultural milieu.
Literature:
• Arquitetura e Decoracao, no. 12, Jul-Aug 1955
• Tenreiro book...
Category
1940s Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Armchairs
Materials
Leather, Hardwood
Pair of Italian Armchairs with Wood Legs, Italy, circa 1940
Located in New York, NY
Pair of Italian armchairs with highly sculptural backrests and sides supported on elegantly tapered wood legs. Newly refinished and upholstered in a creamy faux suede.
Italy, circa...
Category
1940s Italian Vintage Armchairs
Materials
Wood
Norman & Stacey (attributed). An Arts and Crafts walnut high back armchair
By Norman and Stacey
Located in London, GB
Norman and Stacy attributed. An Arts & Crafts oak armchair with a serpentine shaped backrest making it very comfortable indeed, the seat with shaped supports below and unusual styliz...
Category
Early 1900s English Arts and Crafts Antique Armchairs
Materials
Walnut
Italian Inlaid Folding Savonarola Chair
Located in North York, ON
Original folding chair with finely carved detailed patterns and mother of pearl inlay.
Price includes complimentary curb side delivery to the continental USA.
Category
Early 20th Century Italian Renaissance Armchairs
Materials
Mother-of-Pearl, Wood
Pair of Antique French Painted Directoire Style Armchairs, Circa 1900
Located in Dallas, TX
The period of French history known as Directoire was a difficult time, as it arrived at the end of the Revolutionary War. Furnishings in this style, such as our pair of painted armch...
Category
Early 20th Century French Directoire Armchairs
Materials
Textile, Upholstery, Wood, Paint
Antique French Adjustable Piano Bench
Located in High Point, NC
A minimal and decorative French design from circa 1900. Wooden turned legs support a round upholstered seat, rotating up and down with a spinning mechanism hidden inside a central co...
Category
Early 1900s French French Provincial Antique Armchairs
Materials
Upholstery, Wood
Upholstered Armchair by Bas Van Pelt for My Home, The Netherlands 1940s
By Bas Van Pelt
Located in Utrecht, NL
This elegant armchair by Dutch designer, Bas Van Pelt is a classically luxe model with a level of craftsmanship that’s immediately visible to any eye. The construction of this rare 1940s design is simple at its core, but thanks to the details, it is a unique representation of early Dutch modernism.
While Bas Van Pelt's creative work was primarily influenced by the 1920s straight lines dominated by The Hague School, this armchair is the result of his more mature design era, which was primarily dominated by natural materials and more curvature. While made of solid wood, this armchair has an open feel to it thanks to the airy arrangement of the arms and legs. The curved lines of the armrests are beautifully crafted and follow the raised seat’s angle. The curves nicely contrast with the straight lines of the frame, keeping it from appearing too strict. Apart from the expert woodwork, the upholstered seat and back stand out as well. The light bouclé fabric is tightly fitted around the frame, and the seat’s thick shape is an especially pleasing element that offers plenty of comfort both figuratively and literally. The overreaching backs further enhance the back’s widening shape and thus allow the individual loops of the yarn to stand out. The block legs blend seamlessly into the back and form a gentle angle. Thanks to the well-chosen proportions and the luxurious upholstery, this armchair provides great comfort. This model can be easily used as an accent chair thanks to its characteristic details, but can also complement a wide variety of interior styles with it refined and elegant style.
Bas van Pelt’s progressive designs were, in many ways, ahead of his era. The Dordrecht-born designer’s furniture models are quite rare, a few are preserved in the Stedelijk Museum Amsterdam for modern art, contemporary art, and design.
Condition:
In good vintage condition. Wear consistent with age and use. The chair has been reupholstered recently in a premium bouclé fabric. Each of our items can be re-upholstered by our in-house atelier in a fabric of choice. Please reach out for more information.
Dimensions:
24.6 in W x 24.4 in D x 37 in H; Seat height 15.35 in; Arm height 23.22 in
62.5 cm W x 62 cm D x 94 cm H; Seat height 39 cm; Arm height 59 cm
About the Designer:
Bas Van Pelt (1900 Dordrecht (NL) - 1945 Sandbostel (DE) was a well-known Dutch interior and furniture designer, known for the clarity and quality of his designs. His works created in the 1930s and 1940s are regarded for their progressive design and quality.
While he is most well-known for his chair designs, van Pelt was also active as an interior designer. He also designed fabrics for window coverings...
Category
1940s Dutch Mid-Century Modern Vintage Armchairs
Materials
Wood, Bouclé
Antique French Louis XVI Style Mahogany Armchair With Brass Mounts
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
Dimensions: Height: 30 3/4 in Width: 24 in Depth: 23in Seat Height: 19 1/4 in
This antique 19th century Louis XVI style armchair club chair is made of the highest quality! This cha...
Category
Early 20th Century French Louis XVI Armchairs
Materials
Brass
c1900 Antique Sheraton Style Highly/ Expertly Carved Armchair
Located in Opa Locka, FL
c1900 Antique Heavily and Masterfully Carved Armchair in the Sheraton Style. Incredibly beautiful carving.
Category
Early 1900s Sheraton Antique Armchairs
Materials
Wood
French Black Leather Armchair/ Desk Chair
Located in Stamford, CT
Louis XV style walnut and black leather armchair or desk chair. Arm height is 27 inches.
Category
1940s French Louis XV Vintage Armchairs
Materials
Leather, Wood
French Club Chairs in Red Upholstery
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Club chairs, red fabric, beech, brass, France, 1940s.
These classically sculpted armchairs feature seatings that are designed as a shell, which embraces the sitter wonderfully. The ...
Category
1940s French Art Deco Vintage Armchairs
Materials
Brass
French Art Deco Salon Chairs Manner of Ruhlman c1925
Located in Paddock Wood Tonbridge, GB
FRENCH ART DECO SALON CHAIRS
These exquisite French Art Deco Salon Chairs and stools are reminiscent of the iconic style of Ruhlman. With...
Category
1920s French Art Deco Vintage Armchairs
Materials
Oak
Pair of Haagse School High Back Armchairs
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Unique set of two 1920s Haagse School high back armchairs with white linen upholstery, designed by influential architect Hendrik Wouda for the firm H. Pander & Zonen. Dramatic and in...
Category
1920s Dutch Vintage Armchairs
Materials
Fabric, Linen, Wood
Elegant Queen Anne Style Library Desk Chair in Walnut
Located in Fraser, MI
Please feel free to reach out for accurate shipping to your location.
Elegant Claw Foot Armchair.
Walnut construction.
Category
Early 20th Century Armchairs
Materials
Fabric, Walnut
Le Corbusier & Cassina - Set of 3 Armchairs LC3 Brown Leather
Located in Boulogne Billancourt, FR
Authentic LC3 armchair, designed by Le Corbusier, Perriand and Jeanneret in 1928.
Cassina edition in brown leather.
Engraved serial number and Cassina signature.
Very nice condition...
Category
1920s French Art Deco Vintage Armchairs
Materials
Stainless Steel
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.
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