Vintage Chair Backs
1990s British Georgian Vintage Chair Backs
Upholstery, Acrylic, Wood
Mid-20th Century American Regency Vintage Chair Backs
Mahogany
1970s Dutch Mid-Century Modern Vintage Chair Backs
Birch, Teak
20th Century Vintage Chair Backs
Iron
1960s Danish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Chair Backs
Upholstery, Wood
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Chair Backs
Iron, Wire
Late 20th Century Belgian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Chair Backs
Suede, Rattan
1940s American Hollywood Regency Vintage Chair Backs
Upholstery, Mahogany
Mid-20th Century Swedish Vintage Chair Backs
Wood
1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Chair Backs
Upholstery, Cane, Walnut
1940s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Chair Backs
Wood, Fabric
20th Century Danish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Chair Backs
Wood, Teak
1980s Dutch Mid-Century Modern Vintage Chair Backs
Aluminum
Mid-20th Century Italian Art Deco Vintage Chair Backs
Wood
1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Chair Backs
Wood
Mid-20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Chair Backs
Leather, Rosewood
20th Century American Modern Vintage Chair Backs
Lucite, Upholstery, Fabric
1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Chair Backs
Brass
Late 20th Century Mid-Century Modern Vintage Chair Backs
Fabric, Wood
1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Chair Backs
Brass
1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Chair Backs
Aluminum
1970s German Mid-Century Modern Vintage Chair Backs
Teak
20th Century Georgian Vintage Chair Backs
Fabric, Walnut
1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Chair Backs
Steel
1960s American Regency Vintage Chair Backs
Leather, Cane, Mahogany
20th Century Vintage Chair Backs
Leather
Mid-20th Century Danish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Chair Backs
Papercord, Ash, Teak
1960s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Chair Backs
Oak
Mid-20th Century Danish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Chair Backs
Papercord, Ash, Teak
20th Century Vintage Chair Backs
Fabric, Wood
Mid-20th Century Finnish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Chair Backs
Aluminum
Late 20th Century American Louis XIV Vintage Chair Backs
Fruitwood, Leather
1960s Norwegian Scandinavian Modern Vintage Chair Backs
Rosewood
1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Chair Backs
Steel
Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Vintage Chair Backs
Upholstery, Wood
1960s German Mid-Century Modern Vintage Chair Backs
Teak
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Chair Backs
Iron
Mid-20th Century American Modern Vintage Chair Backs
Leather, Wood
1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Chair Backs
Aluminum, Steel
1940s Unknown Regency Vintage Chair Backs
Fabric, Walnut, Down
Late 20th Century Italian Vintage Chair Backs
Wood, Oak
1990s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Chair Backs
Chrome
1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Chair Backs
Aluminum, Steel
1950s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Chair Backs
Teak
1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Chair Backs
Aluminum, Steel
Mid-20th Century William and Mary Vintage Chair Backs
Fabric, Fruitwood
1940s American Art Deco Vintage Chair Backs
Steel
1960s Mid-Century Modern Vintage Chair Backs
Mahogany
1970s North American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Chair Backs
Steel
1980s Italian Post-Modern Vintage Chair Backs
Leather, Wood, Lacquer
1960s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Chair Backs
Fabric, Rosewood
1980s Norwegian Brutalist Vintage Chair Backs
Steel
Mid-20th Century North American Vintage Chair Backs
Wool
1980s American Hollywood Regency Vintage Chair Backs
Chrome
1970s North American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Chair Backs
Stainless Steel
1950s European Hollywood Regency Vintage Chair Backs
Linen, Mahogany
1950s French Vintage Chair Backs
Iron
Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Vintage Chair Backs
Metal
1930s Danish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Chair Backs
Beech, Wool
Mid-20th Century French Vintage Chair Backs
Rush, Wood
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Vintage Chair Backs For Sale on 1stDibs
How Much are Vintage Chair Backs?
Finding the Right seating for You
With entire areas of our homes reserved for “sitting rooms,” the value of quality antique and vintage seating cannot be overstated.
Fortunately, the design of side chairs, armchairs and other lounge furniture — since what were, quite literally, the early perches of our ancestors — has evolved considerably.
Among the earliest standard seating furniture were stools. Egyptian stools, for example, designed for one person with no seat back, were x-shaped and typically folded to be tucked away. These rudimentary chairs informed the design of Greek and Roman stools, all of which were a long way from Sori Yanagi's Butterfly stool or Alvar Aalto's Stool 60. In the 18th century and earlier, seats with backs and armrests were largely reserved for high nobility.
The seating of today is more inclusive but the style and placement of chairs can still make a statement. Antique desk chairs and armchairs designed in the style of Louis XV, which eventually included painted furniture and were often made of rare woods, feature prominently curved legs as well as Chinese themes and varied ornaments. Much like the thrones of fairy tales and the regency, elegant lounges crafted in the Louis XV style convey wealth and prestige. In the kitchen, the dining chair placed at the head of the table is typically reserved for the head of the household or a revered guest.
Of course, with luxurious vintage or antique furnishings, every chair can seem like the best seat in the house. Whether your preference is stretching out on a plush sofa, such as the Serpentine, designed by Vladimir Kagan, or cozying up in a vintage wingback chair, there is likely to be a comfy classic or contemporary gem for you on 1stDibs.
With respect to the latest obsessions in design, cane seating has been cropping up everywhere, from sleek armchairs to lounge chairs, while bouclé fabric, a staple of modern furniture design, can be seen in mid-century modern, Scandinavian modern and Hollywood Regency furniture styles.
Admirers of the sophisticated craftsmanship and dark woods frequently associated with mid-century modern seating can find timeless furnishings in our expansive collection of lounge chairs, dining chairs and other items — whether they’re vintage editions or alluring official reproductions of iconic designs from the likes of Hans Wegner or from Charles and Ray Eames. Shop our inventory of Egg chairs, designed in 1958 by Arne Jacobsen, the Florence Knoll lounge chair and more.
No matter your style, the collection of unique chairs, sofas and other seating on 1stDibs is surely worthy of a standing ovation.
- What is a bow back chair?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022A bow back chair refers to a silhouette of a chair with a curved back and is usually made with high-quality wood. Bow back chairs were popular during the colonial period and are representative of American-Amish heritage. Browse a range of vintage bow back chairs on 1stDibs.
- What is a lyre back chair?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022A lyre back chair is a type of furniture used for seating that originated during the early 18th century. It features a square back embellished with wood shaped like a lyre, an ancient stringed musical instrument. On 1stDibs, find a variety of lyre back chairs.
- What is a channel back chair?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022A channel back chair is a chair that features deep channels in the upholstery along the back. These can create a seashell-like effect. This kind of back may also be called a fluted back. On 1stDibs, find a collection of vintage and new channel back chairs.
- What is a splat back chair?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertFebruary 22, 2021A splat back chair is a chair with a vertical central element on its back. Splat back chairs have more of a formal feel to them compared to other types of chairs and seating. Splat back Windsor chairs are popular on 1stDibs.
- What is a yoke back chair?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022Yoke back chairs are those that feature a curved top rail and a single central splat. The style of chair originated in China during the 10th century and was a common feature in Chinese homes by the 12th century. On 1stDibs, shop a range of yoke back chairs.
- What is a Windsor back chair?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022A Windsor back chair is a solid wooden chair with an arched spindle back. Most designs have curved arms positioned on angled stands and carved legs connected by a cross stretcher. The chair gets its name from the English city of Windsor, where the chairs were first made in the 18th century. On 1stDibs, shop a collection of Windsor back chairs.
- 1stDibs ExpertMarch 15, 2024The back of a chair is called a chair back. In some cases, you may see people use modifiers to describe the styles of chair backs. For example, a chair with two crisscrossing cross rails is an X-back or cross back, while a chair with a series of horizontal cross rails positioned parallel to one another is a ladder back. Explore a wide range of chairs on 1stDibs.
- What is a low back chair?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertNovember 2, 2021A low-back chair is designed to provide lumbar support to the lower back and mid-back. These chairs have a small backrest that reaches till the middle of one's back. Shop a collection of antique, vintage and contemporary low back chairs from some of the world’s top dealers on 1stDibs.
- What is a spoon back chair?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022A spoon back chair is an accent chair that features a deep curved back that forms arms along the sides of the furniture by sloping downward. Most spoon back chairs have wooden backs and upholstered seats. Find a variety of spoon back chairs on 1stDibs.
- What is a sling back chair?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertFebruary 22, 2021A sling chair is usually made up of a framework connected by ropes or fabric hanging between the poles or frame. This design results in a structure quite similar to a sling stretcher.
- What is a comb back chair?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022A comb back chair is a style of chair featuring a back resembling a comb. Comb back chairs are also known as Windsor chairs and are typically crafted with a cage-like backing. Shop a selection of comb back chairs on 1stDibs.
- What is a balloon back chair?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022A balloon back chair is a specific type of seat that became popular during the Victorian era. It features a curved back that tapers as it travels down to the seat. Many balloon back chairs are armless, and nearly all examples feature upholstered seats. You'll find a range of balloon back chairs on 1stDibs.
- Are screw back earrings vintage?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022Screw back earrings were most popular during the first half of the 20th century, before clip earrings increased in popularity. However, screw back earrings have never gone out of style. On 1stDibs, you’ll find a collection of antique screw back earrings from some of the world’s top sellers.
- 1stDibs ExpertOctober 12, 2021A high back office chair has a tall backrest to provide support to both your back and neck. It helps minimize the risk of chronic neck and back problems. These chairs also come with wheels attached for ease of mobility. Shop a range of antique and vintage high back office chairs on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022Countless chair styles have incorporated rounded backs over the centuries, including the famous club chair. Some interior designers favor round-back chairs for their sleek curvatures. Shop a collection of rounded back chairs from some of the world’s top sellers Oon 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022Reupholster a barrel back chair by first removing the old upholstery from the chair. Use the old pieces of material as a guide to help you cut the new upholstery into properly sized pieces. Reupholster the chair by using a furniture stapler to re-secure the new upholstery in the same manner that the old upholstery was attached. Shop a range of vintage and contemporary barrel back chairs on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022While cane back chairs have been made around the globe for thousands of years, it was in the 1970s that this style took the world by storm and became a must for many households. It’s the organic, natural look of a cane back chair that made it so desirable and that makes it a modern furniture element as well, with its tropical vibe and vacation attitude. Shop a collection of cane back chairs from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022Balloon back chairs were made mostly in the Victorian era, as they were highly popular at this time in the 19th century. It is generally regarded as a classic antique dining room chair. Browse an array of authentic antique balloon back chairs on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertMay 5, 2023Balloon back chairs are from the Victorian era, which lasted from the late 1830s to the turn of the 20th century. These chairs get their name from their rounded backrests and narrow waists, which make it seem like their tops have ballooned or grown in size. On 1stDibs, shop a range of balloon back chairs.
- 1stDibs ExpertMay 5, 2023Cross back chairs are sometimes called X-back chairs because of the crisscrossing design. However, cross back chair is a commonly used name in its own right. Since couples often rent these types of chairs for seating during wedding ceremonies, some people call cross back chairs wedding chairs. Shop an assortment of cross back chairs on 1stDibs.
Read More
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