Evoking rusticity and relaxation through simple and elegant designs, vintage Adirondack furniture originated in the Adirondack Mountains of northeastern New York. The most famous piece is the Adirondack chair, which dates to 1903.
With its ample armrests and sturdy but comfortable slanted seat, the reclined Adirondack chair was designed by Thomas Lee for his own country home. The postwar golden age of modern patio and garden furniture production — led by the likes of Brown Jordan, Knoll, Salterini and Woodard — was decades away at the time, and there were few pieces of furniture specifically created for outdoor use.
Lee, a Massachusetts-born Harvard graduate raised in a wealthy family, was no furniture designer. He merely needed a durable, rugged chair for afternoons in the sun while he was vacationing on Lake Champlain in Westport, New York, in the summer. The amateur woodworker used just one wooden plank cut into 11 segments that were jointed together for his now-legendary seat, which is said to have been made of hemlock, hickory or basswood.
The story of the Adirondack chair continues with Lee’s friend, carpenter Harry Bunnell, covertly patenting the chair and going on to produce it as the Westport Plank chair for a growing audience over the next two decades. Over a century later, the Adirondack chair has gone through several design evolutions while maintaining its popularity and basic form with slats of wood such as pine offering comfort both indoors and out.
The widespread demand for rustic Adirondack outdoor furniture was bolstered by the turn-of-the-century establishment of rural escapes to treat diseases such as tuberculosis. The low-slung Adirondack chair became common in these places of convalescence, allowing patients to recline and breathe in the country air. It also complemented the camp-style architecture that was prevalent in the Adirondacks for recreation as well as restoration, where rugged furniture with exposed wood and minimal carving filled interiors and wide porches.
Today, Adirondack chairs are made in a range of materials and can be found around the world, from ski resorts to lakeside piers, their durability and classic form making them an enduring favorite for spending time in nature.
Find vintage Adirondack chairs, benches, lounge chairs, decorative objects, folk art and other furniture on 1stDibs.
18Thc Original Painted ;Ladder Back Chair
Located in Los Angeles, CA
18Thc Original black painted ladder back chair with original hand made rush seats.The condition is very good.
Wood
Bar Harbor Style Wicker Chairs-Pair
Located in Los Angeles, CA
These fine double wrapped wicker arm chairs are in great condition.They have a grey washed paint on them too.Ready to go on your porch or beach house.
Wicker
$2,850
30s Old Hickory Chairs
By Old Hickory Furniture Company
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Pair of 1930s old hickory Barrel Back Chairs with Cane Seating. Strong and wonderful chairs that are very comfortable. These seating and backing to these chairs contours to the body ...
Wood
Signed Old Hickory Rocking Chair
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This early signed Old Hickory rocking chair is in fine condition with an amazing patina.This sturdy rocker is so comfortable with fine condition to the hand woven seat & backing.
Hickory
20Thc Wicker Child's Bar Harbor Settee & Chaise & Rocker Set
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This three piece matching set of Bar Harbor wicker child's set is in fine condition.It comes with custom made with ( out door fabric ) cushions included.Sold individually or as a ma...
Wicker
1940s Haywood Wakefield Rattan Child's Chair
Located in Los Angeles, CA
20Thc Rattan / bamboo child's chair in fantastic condition.This chair will also come with a custom made suede ( leather ) cushion.
Bamboo, Wicker
Handcrafted Adirondack Branch Armchair, Solid Wood, USA, Ca. 1970s
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Very unique and one-of-a-kind hand crafted solid wood branch armchair.
Wood
$3,495 / set
Old Hickory Barrel Back Chairs -Pair
Located in Los Angeles, CA
20Thc Old Hickory signed Old Hickory Furniture Company ,Martinsville,Indiana this pair of barrel back chairs are in pristine condition.The hand woven cane seating and back side have...
Hickory
$2,495 / set
18thc Pair of Stenciled pair of Cane Seat Chairs
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Amazing pair of comfortable chairs. Original stencil work to the frame of the body showing a fruit bowl with cherries to each side of the fruit bowl. The stem of the chair where the ...
Wood
1940s Old Hickory Arm Chair With Cane Seating
Located in Los Angeles, CA
1930s Old Hickory Arm Chair With Cane Seating. Great sturdy chairs with amazing patina to the varnishes surface. This item has been coated with an all ...
Wood
19Thc Original Paint Decorated Step Down Windsor Chairs -4
Located in Los Angeles, CA
19Thc Original sour apple green painted step down New England Windsor chairs in fine condition.The chairs have fine little floral design on the top splash of each chair. All chairs a...
Wood
$900Sale Price|25% Off
Antique Twig Adirondacks Chair
Located in New York, NY
Antique Twig Adirondacks Chair. Very well made example of a rustic Twig Adirondack style chair. Comfortable to sit in ergonomically, the design...
Twig
Old Hickory Arm Chairs with Patchwork Leather - Set of Four
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This set of Old Hickory Arm chairs are in fine, and in sturdy condition. These chairs were made by the Old Hickory Furniture Company from Martinsville, Indiana. They have been uphols...
Leather, Hickory
Early 20Thc French Small Chairs in Linen
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Early 20Thc French small chairs covered in fine plaid linen.The finish is original white washed painted surface.The chairs are very sturdy and strong.Great...
Pine
Pair of Old Hickory Leather Covered Chairs
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Old Hickory chairs covered in leather both seats and backings.The chairs have a great fine patina. The pair of chairs are heavy and sturdy.The leather is a top quality Italian leather.
Leather, Wood
19Thc Original Paint Decorated Writing Arm Windsor Chair
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Title - American Windsor arm Chair all original paint decoration.Super strong and sturdy condition.Very rare to find in such unused condition. medium - wood caning Artist - unknown C...
Wood
19thc Original Painted Extended Arm Windsor Chair
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This fine red painted 19thc Windsor arm chair is in fine and sturdy condition.The later painted surface has been on there for many years and is a fun red color. This chair is very co...
Wood
19Thc Ladder back Chair With Hand Woven Seat
Located in Los Angeles, CA
19Thc New England ladder back arm chair with hand woven seat.This chair has most unusual cut outs and wonderful aged patina.
Rattan, Wood
$1,495
19thc Ladder back Chair
Located in Los Angeles, CA
19thc Ladder back natural colored chair. Wonderful patina and age. The rattan seat is in great condition. Chair is strong and sturdy.
Wood
19th Century Firehouse Windsor Armchairs
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This pair of natural surface Firehouse Windsor chairs are in good sturdy condition. They are the look of the 18th century Windsor chair rail chairs f...
Wood
Pair of Rittenhouse Side Chairs
Located in Los Angeles, CA
These very hard to find side chairs are in good condition and maintain the original hand woven rawhide webbing and are very sturdy.Sold as a pair of matching side chairs.Rittenhouse ...
Wood
Early 19th C Delaware River Valley Ladder Back Chairs, 2
Located in Los Angeles, CA
These ladder back chairs are from Delaware River Valley and have the original woven seats. Selling as a pair.
Wood
Pair of Studio Adirondack Southwest Chairs and Table
Located in Palm Springs, CA
Pair of Studio Adirondack chairs and table. A skyscraper and southwest pattern. The table has an incised lizard on the front and can be used for storage as well as a table. All 3 pie...
Wood
Bar harbor Wicker Child's Chair W/Leather Seat
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This fine child's wicker rocking chair is in fine condition and has a newly ulpholstered in leather with a little leather pillow.The condition is very good.
Wicker
19thc Ladder Back Chairs From Pennsylvania -Set of Three
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This set of three matching ladder back chairs are in very good condition and fine patina.Great for at a round kitchen table for that fine country look ! ...
Cane, Wood
19Thc High Back Windsor Arm Chair
Located in Los Angeles, CA
19thc Plank seat Windsor arm chairs in fine condition and with an amazing patina.This arm chair was found in New England estate.
Wood
18thc Hand Carved English Bow Back Windsor Chair
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This early 18thc hand carved & crafted Bow back Windsor chair in fine condition and sturdy.
Wood
19th Century Extended Arm Windsor Chair
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This fine 19thc extended arm Windsor chair is in fine condition.Has a nice mello patina.This is an English Windsor chair.
Wood
Old Hickory Tall-Back Paddle-Arm Chair W/Slat Seats
By Old Hickory Furniture Company
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Old Hickory tall-back paddle-arm chair with slat seat and back, circa 1940. Stamped Old Hickory Furniture Co., Martinsville, this side chair is in ...
Wood
Old Hickory Arm Chair W/ Leather Seat & Rattan Backing
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Signed Old Hickory Arm chair with a newly replace leather seat.Hand woven backing and the chair is in great condition.
Hickory
E. 19thc New England Ladder back Chairs
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Early 29th hand Made English Ladder Back. Wonderful Condition. Honest wear to the knuckle arms. the rattan seats are in wonderful condition. This Ladder back is very strong and sturdy.
Wood
Early 19Thc Original Paint Decorated Windsor Chairs
Located in Los Angeles, CA
19Thc Step down Windsors in original paint decorated chairs.These very fine red painted chairs have mustard floral decoration with an amazing patina...
Wood
18Thc Banister Back Chair From New England
Located in Los Angeles, CA
18Thc Banister back chair from New England with hand woven early seat .The condition is very good and sturdy.
Rush, Wood
$2,895 / set
Old Hickory Chairs in Brown Suede Leather - Pair
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Pair of Old Hickory Chairs newly upholstered in brown suede seats & backing.These amazing barrel back Old Hickory chairs are super comfortable and ...
Suede, Hickory
19thc Ranch Style Pressed Back Chairs, Set of Four
Located in Los Angeles, CA
19thc original old surface pressed back chairs in fine sturdy condition. The set of a great cowboy or Ralph Lauren Double RL look !!! Fantastic condition and...
Wood
Early 19Thc Original Painted Child's Height Chair From New England
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Early 19Thc Original Painted Child's Height Chair From New England - Circa 1840s Wonderful wooden child's chair in amazing condition. This chair is a high chair meant to be level a...
Wood
Early 20Thc Old Hickory Child's Chair
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Early 20Thc Old Hickory child's chair with a hand woven replaced seat.
Hickory
19Thc Child's Ladder Back Chair
Located in Los Angeles, CA
19Thc Ladder Back child's chair with suede / leather seat cushion.The condition is very good.
Leather, Wood
19thc Original Decorated Hitchcock Chair Company
Located in Los Angeles, CA
19thc Original Decorated Hitchcock Chair Company In Connecticut. Highly Paint decorated with comb painted background. With all original silvering and gilt decoration. Pristine Cond...
Wood
$1,895 / set
Hickory Child's Set W/ Leather Seats -3 Pcs.
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Set of Three Hickory Children's Chairs W Suede / Leather Seats and Backing. Rocking chair measures - 21 x 21 x 25 Pair of chairs measure - 20 x 21 x 25 Each chair/Rocker may be sol...
Leather, Hickory
19Thc Original Painted & Decorated NE Chairs
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This set of four paint decorated chairs have a Rufus Potter top rail all hand painted, Amazing !!! The mustard paint is secondary coat over the 19thc original blue base. All in very ...
Wood
19Thc Bird Cage Windsor Chairs in Original Black Paint
Located in Los Angeles, CA
These 19thc Original black painted Windsor chairs were found in Pennsylvania and in great condition.They have a fine worn patina and very strong & sturdy.
Wood
$1,495 / set
20Thc Children's Windsor Chairs, Pair
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Early 20Thc Original black painted bow back Child's Windsor chairs in fine condition. These fun Children's Windsor chairs are so unusual and hard to find.
Wood
19thc Original Paint Decorated Windsor Arm Chair
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This fine 19thc New England original paint decorated Windsor arm chair in fine as found condition.The back splash has fruit painted in it.
Wood
$3,450 / set
Old Hickory Barrel Back Chairs -Pair
By Old Hickory Furniture Company
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Early hand made bentwood Old Hickory high back chairs covered in calf skin/leather.The condition are very good and sturdy.The pair are in fine condition and coated with marine varnis...
Hickory
Early 20thc Pair of Ladder Back Charis with Rattan Seats
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Pair of hand made ladder back chairs with rattan seats. The finial tops add a wonderful look to the entire design. The rattan seats are wonderful to sit on as the contour to the pers...
Wood
Early 19th Century Child's Chair with Original Rush Seat
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This early form strong and very sturdy child's ladder back chair from New England is in fine and worn condition. The rush seat is very strong and sturdy with a fantastic patina.
Wood, Cane
19Thc Windsor High Back Side Chair
Located in Los Angeles, CA
19Thc High back Windsor arm chair with bamboo turnings.This chair is very comfortable and sturdy.A great desk or side chair.
Wood
Early 20thc Wooden Bar Stool
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Early 20thc wooden hand made bar stool in very good condition. wooden peg construction. Very strong and sturdy. great patina to the normal wear areas.
Wood
1920s Wooden Arts And Crafts Childs Chair with Leather Seat
Located in Los Angeles, CA
1920s arts and crafts wooden child's chair with original leather seat and brass tacks around the seat.
Leather, Wood, Beads
Late 18Thc Child's Windsor Chair
Located in Los Angeles, CA
18Thc Hand crafted Child's Windsor chair with original red painted surface.This bow back Windsor is from New England in very good condition.This chair came from a fifty year old coll...
Paint
19th Century High Chair with Lift Top Seat
Located in Los Angeles, CA
19th century lift top high chair for children with beautiful cane lift top seat.
Wood
19th Century Original Red Painted Child's Chair
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This fantastic undisturbed original red painted children's ladder back chair. The seat is a hand woven original seat.
Pine
19Thc Original Red Painted Child's Chair w/ Suede Cushions
Located in Los Angeles, CA
19Thc Original red painted child's chair with custom made suede cushions.The chair has a grungy surface and in fantastic condition.Such a great combo !!!
Suede, Wood
$3,600 / set
Pair of Adirondack Arts & Crafts Plank Chairs
Located in Cambridge, US
USA, ca. 1930s. A stylish pair of occasional chairs from the Adirondacks. Each features handmade construction fashioned from six cuts of wood - most likely by a local craftsman or ca...
Wood