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European Linen Chairs

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Modern Timeless Chairs, Cotton-Wool Bouclé, Handmade in Portugal by Greenapple
By Greenapple, Rute Martins
Located in Lisboa, PT
Greenapple Chair, Contemporary Collection, Handcrafted in Portugal - Europe by Greenapple. The Timeless bouclé office chair was designed and crafted to endure the passage of time, s...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Chairs

Materials

Brass

Set of Eight Mid Century Butterfly Dining Chairs, Peony Cotton, Poland, 1960s
Located in 05-080 Hornowek, PL
Dining chair called "Butterfly" with medium light stained beech legs and fully upholstered seat and back in beautiful Ian Mankin fabric (70% Cotton, 20% Viscose, 10% Linen). This...
Category

20th Century Polish Mid-Century Modern Chairs

Materials

Fabric, Bouclé, Cotton, Linen, Beech

1st Century Rattan Spencer Dining Chair Walnut Wood
Located in RIO TINTO, PT
Member of one of the most exquisite gentlemen’s clubs in London, the Brook’s, Spencer Cavendish has the distinction of having served as leader of three political parties. The 8th Duk...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Dining Room Chairs

Materials

Linen, Rattan, Walnut

Swedish Barrel Back Chair
By Anders Hellman
Located in Salisbury, GB
A superb Swedish period gustavian barrel back chair by Anders Hellman (1793-1825) in pale original paint with fine hand carved details and lions head decoration - elegant rear splaye...
Category

Antique Late 18th Century Swedish Gustavian Chairs

Materials

Linen, Wood

Swedish Barrel Back Chair
Swedish Barrel Back Chair
H 34 in W 23.5 in D 23.5 in
Unique Bouclé Verner Panton C1 Chair
By Verner Panton
Located in Dronten, NL
Verner Panton C1 armchair reupholstered in beautiful high end linen/wool boucle in off white natural tones. We have another set of 8 chairs that are available for reupholstery in the...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Danish Scandinavian Modern Chairs

Materials

Stainless Steel

Pair of 19th Century Swedish Chairs in the Style of Ephriam Stahl
Located in Tetbury, Gloucestershire
Pair of 19th Century Stockholm made chairs in the style of Ephraim Stahl. A fine pair of armchairs with Egyptian head decoration. Made in Stockholm around 1810; in the manor of Ephr...
Category

Antique 19th Century Swedish Chairs

Materials

Linen, Wood

'M Series' Tubular Polished Stainless Steel Chair, Navy Fabric Seat
By Studio James Stickley
Located in London, GB
The M Series chair is a progression of James Stickley's 'B Series' chairs. Now the tubular stainless steel has been beautifully polished and a soft seat added for extra comfort. Gr...
Category

2010s British Modern Chairs

Materials

Stainless Steel

Set of Four No.811 Chairs, Josef Hoffmann, 1960s
By Josef Hoffmann
Located in London, GB
A vintage set of four beech Model 811 chairs designed by Austrian architect Josef Hoffmann in the mid to late 1920s. The chair was featured on the front cover of Thonet-Mundus' catal...
Category

Vintage 1960s Italian Modern Chairs

Materials

Linen, Beech

Set of Four No.811 Chairs, Josef Hoffmann, 1960s
Set of Four No.811 Chairs, Josef Hoffmann, 1960s
H 31.89 in W 20.08 in D 20.87 in
Pair of small vintage chairs
Located in Brea, CA
Pair of vintage petite chairs, great for a kids room. Nailhead trim and thick vintage stripe linen make these simple chairs a great choice to add a vintage charm to any room. Dimensi...
Category

20th Century European Chairs

Materials

Linen

Pair of small vintage chairs
Pair of small vintage chairs
H 29 in W 23 in D 19 in
Reclining Library Armchair
Located in Culver City, CA
England circa 1830 Antique frame, reupholstered in de Le Cuona wool / linen blend. 27"w x 30.5”d x 41”h x 16”seat Ref. CHAIR1221
Category

Antique 1830s English Victorian Chairs

Materials

Wool, Linen

Reclining Library Armchair
Reclining Library Armchair
H 41 in W 27 in D 30.5 in
Vintage Louis XVI Style Painted and Upholstered chair
Located in Brea, CA
Antique Louis XVI style painted and upholstered chair Painted in an oyster french gray washed finished, with subtle distressed edges, and upholstered in a standard cotton muslin. Sol...
Category

Antique 19th Century French Louis XVI Chairs

Materials

Linen, Walnut

A Lovely Pair of Early 19th Century French Salon Chairs
Located in Oak Park, MI
A truly delightful and charming pair of early 19th century French salon chairs. With original caned back splats. Newly upholstered in fresh Kravet 100% linen. The silhouettes are st...
Category

Antique Early 19th Century British French Provincial Chairs

Materials

Linen, Wood

Pair of Early 19th century Swedish Chairs
Located in Charleston, SC
Pair of early 19th century Swedish chairs with reeded chair back supports, reeded front rail and tapered turned legs. The seat pads covered in linen.
Category

Antique Early 19th Century Swedish Chairs

Materials

Linen, Pine, Paint

Contemporary Chair 'Duo Seat' by Muller Van Severen, Green + Blue
By Muller Van Severen, Valerie Objects
Located in Paris, FR
Duo Set Contemporary Seating by Muller Van severen Model: laquered steel mustard + frame blue seat left + green seat right Dimensions: H. 61 cm x 182 cm x 62 cm Unlike a massive so...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Belgian Organic Modern Chairs

Materials

Steel

Contemporary Chair 'Duo Seat' by Muller Van Severen, Red + Pink
By Muller Van Severen, Valerie Objects
Located in Paris, FR
Duo Set Contemporary Seating by Muller Van severen Model: laquered steel mustard + frame red seat left + pink seat right Dimensions: H. 61 cm x 182 cm x 62 cm Unlike a massive sofa...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Belgian Organic Modern Chairs

Materials

Steel

Set of 6TK1 & 2TK9 Betty Chairs, L Oak/Natural Webbing by Thau & Kallio for &T
By &Tradition
Located in Dubai, AE
Named after the Betty Nansen theatre in Copenhagen, the stackable chairs come in two versions: one with a seat made from exposed webbing crafted from natural linen fibres, and anothe...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Danish Scandinavian Modern Chairs

Materials

Linen, Oak

Double-caned Hand-carved & Painted French Chair with New Linen Upholestry
Located in Malibu, CA
Antique French carved armchair with double caned back and side panels. Floral rosettes at the top, bottom, apron & legs. Double-caned, hand-carved with new paint. New linen upholst...
Category

Early 20th Century French French Provincial Chairs

Materials

Linen, Walnut

Four Chairs by Carlo Enrico Rava with Beech Frame and Linen Patterned Fabric
By Carlo Enrico Rava
Located in Bresso, Lombardy
Made in Italy, 1950s. This high-quality set features a hand-modeled solid beech frame with their original flower patterned linen fabric upholstery.. Their design is by the architec...
Category

Vintage 1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Chairs

Materials

Linen, Beech

Mid-Century Modern Mackintosh "292 Hill House 1" Italian Pair of Ashwood Chairs
By Charles Rennie Mackintosh
Located in Ibiza, Spain
Pair of chairs model "292 Hill House 1" designed by Mackintosh. Made of black lacquered ashwood structure and upholstered in Pierre Frey fabric, Italy, 1960s. Charles Rennie Mackint...
Category

Vintage 1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Chairs

Materials

Linen, Ash

Pair of 18th Century Swedish Gustavian Chairs
By Melchior Lundberg
Located in Huntington, NY
A pair of Gustavian chairs made in Stockholm by noted maker Johan Melchior Lundberg (active 1774 - 1812). One chair is signed MLB. Scraped to its well preserved original cream color....
Category

Antique Late 18th Century Swedish Gustavian Chairs

Materials

Linen, Wood, Paint

1940s Santa Barbara-Style Side Chair in Lavender, Taupe, Brown with Walnut Frame
Located in Austin, TX
A stunning side chair or accent chair that is classic Santa Barbara chic! The proportions are perfect, and the color palette is spot-on with neutral color trends for 2024. This Spa...
Category

Early 20th Century Spanish Spanish Colonial Chairs

Materials

Brass

French Louis XVI Style Armchair Carved Walnut with Caned Backrest
Located in Frankfurt am Main, DE
A Louis XVI style cabriolet armchair of solid walnut finely carved with caned backrest, France, 1900-1910. The chair has been reupholstered in off-white 100% linen, original finish v...
Category

Early 20th Century French Louis XVI Armchairs

Materials

Linen, Cane, Walnut

Le Roi Dark Smoked Ash Chair With Cushion by NORR11
Located in Geneve, CH
Le Roi Dark Smoked Ash Chair With Cushion by NORR11 Dimensions: D 76 x W 84,5 x H 72 cm. SH 35 cm. Materials: Dark smoked ash, ratan and Nina Linen Sand 37. Available in different w...
Category

2010s Danish Post-Modern Chairs

Materials

Linen, Rattan, Ash

Le Roi Natural Ash Chair With Cushion by NORR11
Located in Geneve, CH
Le Roi Natural Ash Chair With Cushion by NORR11 Dimensions: D 76 x W 84,5 x H 72 cm. SH 35 cm. Materials: Natural ash, ratan and Nina Linen Sand 37. Available in different wood fini...
Category

2010s Danish Post-Modern Chairs

Materials

Rattan, Ash, Linen

Le Roi Natural Ash Chair With Cushion by NORR11
Le Roi Natural Ash Chair With Cushion by NORR11
H 28.35 in W 33.27 in D 29.93 in
Louis Philippe Style Pair Of Chairs With Italian Armrests Model King
Located in Prato, Tuscany
Fascinating and rare pair of Italian chairs with armrests model "King" or "Antique Master"; they are made of the best quality walnut; the comfortable backrest has an elaborate and re...
Category

Antique Late 19th Century Italian Louis Philippe Chairs

Materials

Linen, Walnut

Pair of 19th Century Swedish Gustavian Chairs
Located in Huntington, NY
A pair of Swedish Gustavian chairs made in Stockholm by master craftsman Melker Falkberg (1746 - 1822). Stamped with Stockholm chairmaker's seal and maker signature. Scraped to their...
Category

Antique Late 18th Century Swedish Gustavian Chairs

Materials

Linen, Wood, Paint

Pair of French Late 18th Century Carved & Original Painted Directoire Armchairs
Located in London, GB
A wonderful pair of French late eighteenth century with their original patina dating from Directoire period circa 1790. Recently reupholstered in a grey/beige linen fabric. The fra...
Category

Antique Late 18th Century French Directoire Armchairs

Materials

Linen, Wood, Paint

Undulating Méandre Chair by Design Frères
By Design Frères
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Undulating dark bronze 'Méandre' chair by Design Frères. Chic and understated.
Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Modern Chairs

Materials

Steel

Two Similar 18th Century Swedish Gustavian Chairs
By Johan Hammarström
Located in Huntington, NY
Two similar Swedish Gustavian chairs made in Stockholm. One chair by Johan Erik Hollander (1748-1813) and signed IEH. The other chair by John Hammarstrom (active 1794-1812) and signe...
Category

Antique Late 18th Century Swedish Gustavian Chairs

Materials

Paint, Wood, Linen

Pair of 18th Century Swedish Gustavian Lyre Chairs
Located in Huntington, NY
An unusual pair of intricately hand-carved provincial Swedish Gustavian Lyre chairs. Featuring decorative leaf cut raised backs atop tapered, fluted and elongated leaf cut sides and ...
Category

Antique Late 18th Century Swedish Gustavian Chairs

Materials

Linen, Wood, Paint

Library Chairs in Embroidered Linen by Pierre Frey, England circa 1900
By La Maison Pierre Frey
Located in Culver City, CA
Library Chairs in Embroidered Linen by Pierre Frey England circa 1900 Antique oak frame and newly upholstered in embroidered linen by Pierre Frey. Measures 30.5”w x 29”d x 35”h x ...
Category

Early 20th Century English Chairs

Materials

Linen, Upholstery, Wood, Oak

19th Century Set of Four Swedish Gustavian Caned Dining Chairs
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Gorgeous weathered set of four painted 19th century dining chairs made in the Swedish Gustavian taste. The chairs feature a carved frame with an arched caned back. The seats have a b...
Category

Antique 19th Century Swedish Gustavian Dining Room Chairs

Materials

Linen, Cane, Wood

19th-C. English Red Chinoiserie Child’s Bergere Chair in Linen
Located in Kennesaw, GA
This is wonderful! It is a late 19th century red chinoiserie child’s chair newly upholstered in a flax linen. Note the exquisite detail to the back and arms!
Category

Antique Late 19th Century English Chinoiserie Chairs

Materials

Linen, Wood

Set of Ten 19th Century Swedish Late Gustavian Chairs
Located in Huntington, NY
A rare and stunning set of ten Swedish Late Gustavian chairs made in Lindome. Rectangular back with leaf cut detailing on three sides. The top has a floral motif leading to a crown o...
Category

Antique Early 19th Century Swedish Gustavian Chairs

Materials

Linen, Wood, Paint

Pair of Swedish Neoclassical Gustavian Style Painted Hall Chairs
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Gorgeous pair of Swedish hall chairs or dining chairs made in the 18th century neoclassical Gustavian taste. The beech frames feature an intentionally distressed painted finish with ...
Category

20th Century Swedish Gustavian Dining Room Chairs

Materials

Linen, Beech

18th Century Swedish Egyptian Chair
Located in New Orleans, LA
Beautiful Gustavian chair with a surprise. Two Egyptian faces carved into the back rest. Soft grey painted wood is set off by black upholstery.
Category

Antique 18th Century Swedish Gustavian Chairs

Materials

Wood, Linen

Dig It Chair by Gio Pagani
Located in Geneve, CH
Dig It Chair by Gio Pagani Dimensions: D 54 x W 56 x H 74 cm. SH: 47 cm. Materials: Loro Piana Linen and black wild leather. In a fluid society capable of mixing infinite social and...
Category

2010s Italian Post-Modern Chairs

Materials

Leather, Linen

Dig It Chair by Gio Pagani
Dig It Chair by Gio Pagani
H 29.14 in W 22.05 in D 21.26 in
Loro Piana Linen Souvenir Chair With Armrest by Gio Pagani
Located in Geneve, CH
Loro Piana Linen Souvenir Chair With Armrest by Gio Pagani Dimensions: D 55 x W 50 x H 88 cm. SH: 48 cm. Materials: Black elm wood and Loro Piana linen. In a fluid society capable o...
Category

2010s Italian Post-Modern Chairs

Materials

Elm, Linen

Pair of Safari Chair « Diana » by Karin Mobring
Located in Bruxelles, BE
Karin Mobring Safari chair « Diana » 1970 Leather, linen, Pine 70 x 63 x 60 cm The frame is made in wood and upholdery is made in Swedish ecru linen. These Safari chairs ar...
Category

Vintage 1970s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Chairs

Materials

Leather, Linen, Wood

Pair of Chic 'Méandre' Bronze Chairs by Design Frères
By Design Frères
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Pair of Méandre™ dark bronze side chairs by DESIGN FRÈRES®. Chic and understated.
Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Modern Chairs

Materials

Steel

Louis XVI French Neoclassical Armchair
Located in Middletown, MD
Incorporate a hint of French provincial style and class. Original solid wood frame artisan crafted with rich, sturdy walnut. Professionally reupholstered in a clean, crisp white dama...
Category

Antique 18th Century French Louis XVI Chairs

Materials

Fabric, Linen, Walnut

Vintage Regency Louis XVI Style Painted Fauteuils - Set of 4
By Maison Jansen
Located in west palm beach, FL
A spectacular set of four French Jansen card chairs. Unmarked. Gorgeous Louis XVI style with Demi-arms and tight seats and backs. Upholstered in Glant “Liquid Leather” and a double w...
Category

Early 20th Century French Louis XVI Chairs

Materials

Leather, Linen

Set of 4 Chairs in Chrome and Black Linen 1970
Located in JASSANS-RIOTTIER, FR
Set of 4 chairs from Italy Cantilevered chrome tubular structure, wooden shell forming seat and backrest covered with black linen Some lack of chrome on the structure Nice patina.
Category

Late 20th Century European Chairs

Materials

Chrome

Set of 4 Chairs in Chrome and Black Linen 1970
Set of 4 Chairs in Chrome and Black Linen 1970
H 29.14 in W 20.48 in D 19.3 in
21st Century Home Collection Ivory Leather Chair by Patrizia Garganti
Located in Sesto Fiorentino, IT
An incomparable artisan mastery typical of our land is the distinguishing feature of this collection. The Home collection by Patrizia Garganti includes chairs, armchairs, sofas, cof...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Chairs

Materials

Cotton, Linen

19th C. French Pair Carved-Wood Fauteuil Armchairs, Newly Upholstered in Linen
Located in Atlanta, GA
A French pair of timeless and elegant Louis XVI style armchairs from the 19th century. This antique pair of chairs from France each features a shapely, upholstered back, with elegant...
Category

Antique 19th Century French Louis XVI Armchairs

Materials

Linen, Wood

21st Century Home Collection Grey Linen & Cotton Chair by Patrizia Garganti
Located in Sesto Fiorentino, IT
An incomparable artisan mastery typical of our land is the distinguishing feature of this collection. The Home collection by Patrizia Garganti includes chairs, armchairs, sofas, cof...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Chairs

Materials

Cotton, Linen

21st Century Home Collection White Braided Leather Chair by Patrizia Garganti
Located in Sesto Fiorentino, IT
An incomparable artisan mastery typical of our land is the distinguishing feature of this collection. The Home collection by Patrizia Garganti includes chairs, armchairs, sofas, cof...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Chairs

Materials

Leather, Linen

21st Century Home Collection Red Linen and Cotton Chair by Patrizia Garganti
Located in Sesto Fiorentino, IT
An incomparable artisan mastery typical of our land is the distinguishing feature of this collection. The Home collection by Patrizia Garganti includes chairs, armchairs, sofas, cof...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Chairs

Materials

Cotton, Linen

21st Century Home Collection Brown Braided Leather Chair by Patrizia Garganti
Located in Sesto Fiorentino, IT
An incomparable artisan mastery typical of our land is the distinguishing feature of this collection. The Home collection by Patrizia Garganti includes chairs, armchairs, sofas, cof...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Chairs

Materials

Leather, Linen

Mid-Century Modern Mackintosh "292 Hill House 1" Italian Pair of Ashwood Chairs
By Charles Rennie Mackintosh
Located in Ibiza, Spain
Pair of chairs model "292 Hill House 1" designed by Mackintosh. Made of black lacquered ashwood structure and upholstered in linen with black and white rectangular patterned design, ...
Category

Vintage 1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Chairs

Materials

Linen, Ash

Set of 2 Maurice Pre Chairs, 1950
By Maurice Pré
Located in JASSANS-RIOTTIER, FR
Set of 2 armchairs/chairs by Maurice Pre in the fifties. Structure with armrests in beech, seat and back in black linen Minimalist design.
Category

Mid-20th Century French Chairs

Materials

Linen, Beech

Set of 2 Maurice Pre Chairs, 1950
Set of 2 Maurice Pre Chairs, 1950
H 32.68 in W 21.26 in D 21.66 in
Modern Timeless Office Chairs, Cotton-Linen, Handmade in Portugal by Greenapple
By Greenapple
Located in Lisboa, PT
Timeless Chair, Contemporary Collection, Handcrafted in Portugal - Europe by Greenapple. The Timeless modern office chair was designed and crafted to endure the passage of time, ser...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Chairs

Materials

Brass

Pair of French Painted Fauteuils in Louis XV Style
Located in Charleston, SC
A pair of French painted fauteuils in Louis XVI style carved solid wood frame with fauteuils raised on four fluted tapering legs accented with carved rosettes on the joints - showing...
Category

Antique 19th Century French Louis XVI Armchairs

Materials

Linen, Wood, Giltwood, Paint

A Pair of Vintage Armchairs, in Style of Jean Prouvé, Scandinavia 1960s
By Jean Prouvé
Located in Hønefoss, 30
A pair of armchair by unknown designer from 1960s, in style of Jean Prouvé. Arms and legs of dark stained wood with new linen cushions. A simple and fuctional design made comfortab...
Category

Mid-20th Century Norwegian Mid-Century Modern Chairs

Materials

Linen, Wood

Pair of Antique British Elbow Office Chairs circa 1920
Located in London, GB
Antique British Elbow desk chairs in solid Wood dating to the early 20th century, circa 1920. This office chairs are beautifully proportioned, featuring a rounded fan-shaped backre...
Category

Early 20th Century English Edwardian Office Chairs and Desk Chairs

Materials

Linen, Wood

Pair of 19th Century French Fauteuils / Armchairs
Located in Charleston, SC
A pair of 19th century French armchairs à la reine with flat back and richly carved armrest with acanthus and rosettes on fluted tapered legs, showing in original worn finish. Uphol...
Category

Antique Late 19th Century French Louis XVI Armchairs

Materials

Linen, Wood, Paint

'M Series' Tubular Polished Stainless Steel Chair, Soft Fabric Seat
By Studio James Stickley
Located in London, GB
The M Series chair is a progression of James Stickley's 'B Series' chairs. Now the tubular stainless steel has been beautifully polished and a soft seat added for extra comfort. ...
Category

2010s British Modern Chairs

Materials

Stainless Steel

Matta Armchair by LK Edition
Located in Geneve, CH
Matta armchair by LK Edition Dimensions: 170 x 105.5 x H 94.5 cm Materials: Upholstered in linen, black metal base. It is with the sense of detail and requirement, this researc...
Category

2010s French Modern Armchairs

Materials

Metal

Matta Armchair by LK Edition
Matta Armchair by LK Edition
H 37.21 in W 41.54 in D 66.93 in
Danish Safari Directors Chair by Mogens Koch for Interna, 1960
By Mogens Koch, Interna
Located in Stuttgart, DE
High quality build folding safari chair from around the 1960s. These rare to find chairs were designed by danish architect Mogens Koch for the manufacturer Interna, these chairs set...
Category

Vintage 1960s Danish Scandinavian Modern Armchairs

Materials

Brass

Dining Chair 092022 by Arno Declercq
By Arno Declercq
Located in Geneve, CH
Dining Chair 092022 by Arno Declercq Dimensions: D 50 x W 60 x H 73 cm. Materials: Burned African Walnut, burned steel Belgium Linen. Arno Declercq Belgian designer and art dealer ...
Category

2010s Belgian Modern Chairs

Materials

Linen, Walnut

Dining Chair 092022 by Arno Declercq
Dining Chair 092022 by Arno Declercq
H 28.75 in W 23.63 in D 19.69 in
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European Linen Chairs For Sale on 1stDibs

An assortment of european linen chairs is available at 1stDibs. We have 343 antique and vintage european linen chairs in-stock, while there are 37 modern editions to choose from as well. European linen chairs have been made for many years, and versions that date back to the 18th Century alongside those produced as recently as the 21st Century. There are many kinds of european linen chairs to choose from, but at 1stDibs, Mid-Century Modern, Louis XVI and Louis XV european linen chairs are of considerable interest. Many european linen chairs are appealing in their simplicity, but Gio Ponti, Hans J. Wegner and Molteni & C produced popular european linen chairs that are worth a look.

How Much are European Linen Chairs?

European linen chairs can differ in price owing to various characteristics — the average selling price at 1stDibs is $3,848, while the lowest priced sells for $495 and the highest can go for as much as $38,000.

Finding the Right Chairs for You

Chairs are an indispensable component of your home and office. Can you imagine your life without the vintage, new or antique chairs you love?

With the exception of rocking chairs, the majority of the seating in our homes today — Windsor chairs, chaise longues, wingback chairs — originated in either England or France. Art Nouveau chairs, the style of which also originated in those regions, embraced the inherent magnificence of the natural world with decorative flourishes and refined designs that blended both curved and geometric contour lines. While craftsmanship and styles have evolved in the past century, chairs have had a singular significance in our lives, no matter what your favorite chair looks like.

“The chair is the piece of furniture that is closest to human beings,” said Hans Wegner. The revered Danish cabinetmaker and furniture designer was prolific, having designed nearly 500 chairs over the course of his lifetime. His beloved designs include the Wishbone chair, the wingback Papa Bear chair and many more.

Other designers of Scandinavian modernist chairs introduced new dynamics to this staple with sculptural flowing lines, curvaceous shapes and efficient functionality. The Paimio armchair, Swan chair and Panton chair are vintage works of Finnish and Danish seating that left an indelible mark on the history of good furniture design.

“What works good is better than what looks good, because what works good lasts,” said Ray Eames

Visionary polymaths Ray and Charles Eames experimented with bent plywood and fiberglass with the goal of producing affordable furniture for a mass market. Like other celebrated mid-century modern furniture designers of elegant low-profile furnishings — among them Ludwig Mies van der Rohe and Finn Juhl — the Eameses considered ergonomic support, durability and cost, all of which should be top of mind when shopping for the perfect chair. The mid-century years yielded many popular chairs.

The Eameses introduced numerous icons for manufacturer Herman Miller, such as the Eames lounge chair and ottoman, molded plywood dining chairs the DCM and DCW (which can be artfully mismatched around your dining table) and a wealth of other treasured pieces for the home and office. 

A good chair anchors us to a place and can become an object of timeless appeal. Take a seat and browse the rich variety of vintage, new and antique chairs on 1stDibs today.