Velvet Folding Chair
Vintage 1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Chairs
Chrome
Antique 1860s French Napoleon III Chairs
Wood, Velvet
21st Century and Contemporary Indian Chairs
Brass
Mid-20th Century Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Chairs
Metal
Vintage 1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Chairs
Chrome
21st Century and Contemporary Brazilian Modern Chairs
Steel
Vintage 1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Chairs
Velvet, Walnut
21st Century and Contemporary Brazilian Modern Chairs
Steel
Vintage 1960s American Hollywood Regency Swivel Chairs
Velvet
Early 20th Century Chairs
Bentwood
21st Century and Contemporary Brazilian Modern Lounge Chairs
Metal
Late 20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Side Chairs
Velvet, Cane, Cherry
20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Side Chairs
Brass
21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Dining Room Chairs
Brass
21st Century and Contemporary Brazilian Modern Chairs
Steel
21st Century and Contemporary Brazilian Modern Chairs
Steel
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs
Metal
Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Swivel Chairs
Upholstery
2010s Italian Modern Chairs
Brass
Vintage 1910s Italian Mid-Century Modern Rocking Chairs
Beech, Velvet
21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Club Chairs
Brass
21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Club Chairs
Brass
21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Club Chairs
Brass
21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Club Chairs
Brass
Mid-20th Century German Space Age Chairs
Velvet, Fiberglass
2010s Italian Modern Chairs
Brass
21st Century and Contemporary Brazilian Post-Modern Lounge Chairs
Metal
2010s Portuguese Modern Lounge Chairs
Wool
2010s Italian Modern Chairs
Leather, Wood
21st Century and Contemporary Dutch Modern Wingback Chairs
Upholstery
21st Century and Contemporary Dutch Modern Wingback Chairs
Upholstery
Vintage 1980s Italian Post-Modern Lounge Chairs
Metal
21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Club Chairs
Brass
21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Club Chairs
Brass
Vintage 1970s French Scandinavian Modern Armchairs
Velvet, Wood
Antique Late 19th Century Italian Classical Roman Canapes
Iron
Antique Late 19th Century French Renaissance Armchairs
Velvet, Oak
Vintage 1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Armchairs
Metal
Vintage 1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Sofas
Steel
20th Century American Campaign Armchairs
Brass
Antique Early 1900s British Arts and Crafts Chaise Longues
Fabric, Velvet, Wood
Early 20th Century European Louis XVI Armchairs
Velvet, Nutwood
Vintage 1920s French Art Deco Chaise Longues
Fabric, Wood
2010s Italian Modern Armchairs
Metal, Brass
Vintage 1960s French Armchairs
Velvet, Glass, Teak
Antique 1870s Italian Renaissance Armchairs
Velvet, Walnut
Vintage 1970s French Mid-Century Modern Armchairs
Velvet, Foam
Vintage 1970s French Mid-Century Modern Living Room Sets
Velvet, Foam
Vintage 1970s French Mid-Century Modern Chaise Longues
Metal
21st Century and Contemporary Dutch Modern Armchairs
Upholstery
21st Century and Contemporary Dutch Modern Armchairs
Upholstery
Antique 1870s French Louis XVI Armchairs
Brass
Vintage 1980s Italian Mid-Century Modern Chaise Longues
Metal
2010s Portuguese Post-Modern Stools
Brass
2010s Portuguese Post-Modern Stools
Brass
Antique Early 19th Century Japanese Edo Historical Memorabilia
Textile, Silk, Rattan, Rope, Wood
Antique Early 19th Century Russian Empire Dressers
Bronze
Antique 1860s French Napoleon III Chairs
Velvet, Wood
Vintage 1960s French Mid-Century Modern Chairs
Brass
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Chairs
Chrome
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Velvet Folding Chair For Sale on 1stDibs
How Much is a Velvet Folding Chair?
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.
- Who invented the folding chair?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertFebruary 13, 2023Nathaniel Alexander invented the folding chair in 1911. During the 1950s, demand for the chairs skyrocketed with furniture makers like the Fredric Arnold Company in Brooklyn, New York, producing thousands every day. Find a variety of folding chairs on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertAugust 17, 2021The most comfortable folding chair is really a matter of preference. When shopping for folding chairs, you’ll want to think about how you’ll use them, how often you’ll be using them and if you have a preference with respect to materials. Shop antique, vintage and new folding chairs on 1stDibs.
- Who designed the folding chair?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertApril 22, 2024Opinions vary on who designed the folding chair. Chairs designed to fold have existed since the ancient world, with examples found in the tomb of Tutankhamun. Some people argue that the original designer of the modern-day folding chair was John Cram, who patented an idea for a folding chair in 1855. However, others believe that Philip E.G. Harrison should get the credit because his 1931 design more closely resembles the modern-day folding chair. Nathaniel Alexander also contributed to the development of the folding chair with his 1911 chair that included a book rest, as did Frederic Arnold, who created the first folding aluminum chair in 1947. Shop a selection of folding chairs on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 16, 2024Chairs that fold up are usually called folding chairs. However, people may refer to them as collapsible chairs as well. Other names for folding chairs designed for outdoor use include deck chairs, beach chairs, lawn chairs, camping chairs and patio chairs. Shop a collection of folding chairs on 1stDibs.
- Do butterfly chairs fold up?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022Whether or not a butterfly chair will fold will depend on the make and model. The butterfly chair was originally designed with metal hairpin legs without hinges or joints. Collector versions of the butterfly chair will not be foldable, however, foldable designs are a popular silhouette for recreational seating.
Read More
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