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.
Amazing Amish Hickory & Twig Barrel Back Rocking Chair
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Amazing hand made hickory and oak slats barrel back rocking chair in fine condition.Not only is this chair great looking it has a wonderful undisturbed surface.The rocking chair is i...
Wood
Early 20Thc Barrel Back Old Hickory Rocking Chair
By Old Hickory Furniture Company
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This fine example of a hand made Old Hickory Furniture Co. barrel back rocking chair in fine as found condition.The woven web seating and backing is in original fine condition with a...
Hickory
Vermont Tubbs Oak Bentwood Snowshoe Rawhide Lacing Rocking Chair Rocker
Located in Dayton, OH
Vintage Vermont Tubbs snowshoe rocking chair featuring an oak frame with rawhide lacing. Dimensions: 36" x 20.5" x 33"h, seat 17.5" to 14"
Hide, Oak, Bentwood
1920s PA Hand Made Rustic Hickory & Twig Rocking Chair
Located in Los Angeles, CA
20Thc Amish Twig rocking chair from Pennsylvania in good working condition and rustic surface.
Hickory
20Thc Bar Harbor Wicker Child's Rocking Chair W/ Cushions
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This fine 1930's Bar Harbor child's wicker rocking chair is in fine condition and comes with a cushion.
Wicker
Old Hickory Rocking Chair W/Leather Back & Cowhide Seat
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This signed Old Hickory rocking chair is in fine condition with a leather backing & cowhide seat.The condition is very good and comfortable.
Leather, Hickory
Childs Bar harbor Wicker Rocking Chair
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Fan back Early 20thc Bar Harbor Wicker Child Rocker. Wonderful blue painted wicker. The seat cushion was custom made for this child's rocker. Very strong and sturdy piece.
Wicker
19thc Childs Bentwood Rocker W/Suede Seat Cushion
Located in Los Angeles, CA
19thc Bentwood / twig child's rocking chair from Pennsylvania in fine condition.The custom made seat cushion in suede / leather.
Suede, Wood
19Thc Platform Rocking Chair in Leather / Oil Cloth
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This amazing platform rocking chair was found on a Ranch and it has amazing undisturbed original surface.The seat and backing are in oil cloth -leather like upholstery which is all ...
Walnut
19thc Ornate Hickory Bent Wood Rocker
Located in Los Angeles, CA
19thc Hickory bent wood rocker. The backing is a wonderfully crafted turned/bent wood that extend to the arms. The seat is made from slats that are held up by the rockers potion of t...
Hickory
19Thc Original Apple Green Ladder Back Rocking Chair
Located in Los Angeles, CA
19Thc Original apple green ladder back rocking chair with a hand woven rush seat in a salmon paint. This early New England rocking chair is in amazing condition and very sturdy. The ...
Rattan, Wood
Folk Art Bent Twig Hand Crafted Adirondack Arts & Crafts Rocking Chair C1900
Located in Port Jervis, NY
Amazing original condition, so we'll taken care of and preserved. 125 years ago John Wiltout built this chair from hickory branches and a pine seat. Square head nails were used and t...
Hickory, Pine
$320Sale Price|20% Off
Old Hickory Adirondack Style Rocking Chair
Located in Freehold, NJ
This old Adirondack style chair features rustic bent hickory wood construction, caned seat, and rocking base. Dimensions: 27w 31d 33h 17sh 27ah Condition notes: Chair itself is in ...
Rush, Hickory
19Thc Ladder Back Rocking Chair
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This natural pine ladder back rocking chair is in good sturdy condition with a mustard painted rush seat.The chair has a soft nice patina.
Rush, Wood
Vintage Adirondack Style Bent Hickory And Oak Rocker, 20th C.
Located in Bridgeport, CT
A 20th century Adirondack style oak and bent hickory rocker with exposed nailheads, lattice and scrolled back, solid joinery with nice patina. Dimensio...
Hickory, Oak
19Thc Ladder Back Rocking Chair W/ Leather Seat
Located in Los Angeles, CA
19Thc Early New England tall ladder back rocking chair with leather seat.This amazing rocking chair has a fine aged patina. and is very comfortable.The condition is very good.
Leather, Wood
18Thc New England Ladder Back Rocking Chair
Located in Los Angeles, CA
18Thc New England ladder back rocking chair in fine condition.This chair has an amazing replaced tan leather seat in fine condition.
Leather, Wood
19thc Original Blue Painted Childs Rocker
Located in Los Angeles, CA
19Thc Original blue painted rocking chair from New England.The condition is very good and sturdy. The seat is a newly made hand woven rush seat.The condition is very good with a gre...
Wood
18Thc New England Rocking Chair W/ Original Rush Seat
Located in Los Angeles, CA
18Thc Spindle back early & worn New England rocking chair has such wonderful patina.This rocking chair was found in a estate from Maine and i...
Rattan, Wood
Amish Children's Rocking Chairs From Lancaster, Pa.-3
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Amish hand made children's rocking chairs in fine condition. These rocking chairs are marked Amish 1988 from Lancaster County, Pennsylvania. These children's rocking chairs are all in great condition and very sturdy. Sold as a collection of three. Largest rocker measures - 18w x 27d x 32h seat height 12. medium rocker measures - 13.5w x 18d x 22h x seat height 9 small rocker...
Wood
Child's Bent Wood /Twig Wood Chair
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Early 20thc hand made folky twig Child's chair with leather seat.This chair is in very sturdy condition.The trim of the twigs are painted original orange paint.This is a very strong...
Bentwood
19th Century Original Painted Sage Green Windsor Rocking Chair
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This paint decorated 19th century Pennsylvania Windsor rocking chair has great form and in good condition. The saddle seat and fiddle back has a great painted surface with an apple p...
Wood
New Vineyard Rocking Chair
Located in Coeur d'Alene, ID
Adirondack rocker from New Vineyard, Maine. Original paint, sculptural with adjustable back. Original brown and forest green paint. Much sought after. A beautiful piece for continued...
Wood
American Victorian Wicker Woven Rocking Chair
Located in Queens, NY
American Victorian natural wicker ornate high back platform rocking chair with woven rolled arms and finials & swag chain link on back (HEYWOOD BROS.)
Wicker
Bentwood rocking chair by Thonet
By Thonet
Located in Banská Štiavnica, SK
Bentwood rocking chair by Thonet in excellent original codnition.
Rattan, Beech, Bentwood
Mid 20th Century American Snocraft Snowshoe Woven Rocking Chair
By SnoCraft
Located in Memphis, TN
A Snocraft snowshoe rocking chair crafted in Norway, Maine, likely dating to the 1960s or 70s. The chair was crafted using traditional snowshoe...
Bentwood
Child’s Thonet Rocking Chair
By Thonet
Located in New York, NY
Stylish child’s bentwood rocking chair attached to Thonet. This example is in very good original condition showing only light wear normal and consistent with age. Measures: Total H ...
Cane, Bentwood
Brazilian Designer, Rocking Chair, Wood, Cowhide, Brazil, 1970s
Located in High Point, NC
A wood and beige cowhide rocking lounge chair designed and produced in Brazil, c. 1970s. Wear to wood frame consistent with age and moderate use. Reupholstered in brand new cowhide...
Cowhide, Wood
$895
H 39.5 in W 24 in D 30.5 in
Antique Eastlake Victorian Oak Wood Paw Foot Platform Rocker Rocking Chair
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Antique Eastlake Victorian Oak Wood Paw Foot Platform Rocker Rocking Chair with Newer Brown Naugahyde Upholstery. Circa 19th Century. Measurements: 39.5" H x 24" W x 30.5" D x 14" Se...
Oak
Beautfully Made Rattan and Double Caned Rocking Chair
Located in Hopewell, NJ
Great looking comfortable rattan rocking chair having double caned back and seat and handsome curlicue design. arm height 24.5
Cane, Rattan
Vintage Thonet Caner Bentwood Rocking Chair
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Bring a touch of Old World charm to your home with this elegant Thonet-style bentwood rocking chair, a vintage piece that captures the romance and craftsmanship of 19th-century Europ...
Cane, Bentwood
$1,695
H 39 in W 20.5 in D 40 in
1970’s Bauhaus Style Chrome Tube Bentwood & Cane Rocking Chair or Rocker
Located in Topeka, KS
Marvelous vintage Bauhaus style rocking chair or rocker comprised of a chrome tube frame and bentwood trim surrounding a cane seat & back. Beautiful condition, keeping in mind that t...
Chrome
Big Kids Maple Windsor Rocking Chair Rocker
Located in Germantown, MD
Elegant Classic Windsor style rocking chair for big kids. Optional cushion available. Great vintage condition. Measures 21.75W at the arms, 22.75"D x 32"H. Seat height is 11" and ...
Maple
$3,800
H 33.5 in W 30 in D 34.5 in
Heywood-Wakefield Wicker Rocking Chair, French Green Finish, C. 1920
Located in Nashua, NH
A beautiful close woven wicker rocking chair beautifully woven and decorated from all sides as pictured in a French green finish with black and red accent trim. This American made, C...
Upholstery, Wicker, Reed, Wood
$1,668
H 38.59 in W 31.5 in D 37.41 in
Brutalist pine rocking lounge chair with leather seat by Wasa 1984
Located in Zaandam, NL
Pine rocking chair originally designed in the 1970s according to some but this one is Cleary marked 1984 by Wasa ( Germany ). The chair is ingrate condition with only some minimal we...
Leather, Pine
19thc Original Painted Turquoise Bentwood Rocker
Located in Los Angeles, CA
19Thc Original turquoise painted bentwood or twig painted rocking chair from a cabin in Pennsylvania.The condition is very good and sturdy.
Wood
1940s Amish Bent Wood Rocker
Located in Los Angeles, CA
These 20Thc Amish bentwood rocking chairs were found in Lancaster County , Pennsylvania. They are made from willow & slatted oak and some hickory.Th...
Bentwood
hand Carved Arts And Crafts Dog & Veterinarian Rocking Chair
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Hand carved dog and veterinarian rocking chair. Early 20th Century. Design shows veterinarian looking at dogs paw or potentially a dog grooming. Very beautiful design would be grea...
Wood
Pair of Signed Old Hickory Barrel Back Rocking Chairs
By Old Hickory Furniture Company
Located in Los Angeles, CA
These barrel back rocking chairs are made by the Old Hickory Furniture Company in Martinsville,Indiana. The rockers are in fine condition and are both signed by the maker.They are bo...
Wood
Signed Old Hickory Hickory Rocking Chair
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This fine signed Old Hickory Furniture Company barrel back bentwood rocking chair is in pristine condition.This rocker was in a cabin private collection for over fifty years.The roc...
Wood
1920's Amish Red Painted Rocking Chair
Located in Los Angeles, CA
1920-1930's Amish Lancaster County,Pennsylvania original tomato red bentwood rocking chair in great condition.These Amish bentwood rocking chairs...
Wood
Early 20Thc Original Green Painted Child's Wicker Rocking Chair
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This original apple green painted child's wicker rocking chair is in fine condition.It has been coated with all weather protector varnish and has a dark green suede seat cushion.
Wicker
20Thc Painted Child's Toy Rocking Chair
Located in Los Angeles, CA
20Thc Original white painted child's toy rocking chair for a doll or teddy bear. This is a chair in fine condition.
Wood
1930's Old Hickory Barrel Back Rocking Chair
Located in Los Angeles, CA
20Thc Old Hickory Rocking chair with vintage leather seating and backing.The condition is very good and sturdy.This rocking chair is signed Old Hickory Furniture Company.
Hickory
Sold
H 34.25 in W 31 in D 32 in
Antique Old Hickory Rocking Arm Chair Adirondack Wagon Wheel Back Lodge Rocker
By Old Hickory Furniture Company
Located in Dayton, OH
Rocking armchair by Old Hickory Furniture Company of Martinsville, Indiana. Features a primitive Adirondack style with flared arms and rattan seat. History In the 1800's as pioneers traveled West across America, they discovered the useful and remarkable hickory tree. This small diameter tree grew throughout the Midwest in groups of twenty to thirty, surrounded by much larger trees. As the saplings struggled towards the sunlight above, they grew straight and tall - yet the diameter did not exceed two to three inches - even after twenty to thirty years of growth. The hardwood saplings were used for many different things (e.g. wagon wheel spokes, tool handles and furniture). The hickory saplings could be bent to fit the contours of the body, so the furniture was incredibly comfortable and strong. The inner bark strips could be woven together in a herringbone pattern to make soft yet durable chair seats and backs. In the 1890s Billy Richardson started selling hickory chairs and rockers on Saturdays on the town square in Martinsville, Indiana. Legend has it that Richardson and his father had made hickory chairs and rockers for the President Andrew Jackson's home, The Hermitage many years earlier. Others in the Martinsville area studied Richardson's products and banded together in 1892 in an abandoned church, producing hickory sapling furniture as a full-time business. They chose the name ""Old Hickory"" for the new company, the same nickname as the late President Jackson. When the company incorporated in 1899, a full line of products were available for shipping across the country to homes and resorts. Old Hickory furniture became so poplar that it was going to the new National Park Lodges in the West as well as Great Camps and resorts in the Adirondack Park. The most famous installation was the Old Faithful...
Rattan, Hickory
Primitive Rustic Hickory Rocking Arm Chair Adirondack Lodge Rocker
Located in Dayton, OH
Primitive Rustic Adirondack lodge chair. Handmade from hickory with woven seat and back. Dimensions: 24" w x 28" d x 34.5" h; seat 17"
Rush, Hickory
1930s Amish Hickory and Bentwood Rockers and Side Table
Located in Los Angeles, CA
1930s Amish Hickory and Bentwood Rockers - Pair of 1930s Old Hickory and Bent Wood Amish Rockers. Wonderful patina strong and sturdy rockers. A coat of...
Wood