Highback Dining Chair
Vintage 1960s European Mid-Century Modern Dining Room Chairs
Teak
Vintage 1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Dining Room Chairs
Metal
Late 20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Dining Room Chairs
Upholstery, Wood
Vintage 1970s Danish Mid-Century Modern Dining Room Chairs
Upholstery, Rosewood
21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Dining Room Chairs
Cotton, Upholstery, Velvet
Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Dining Room Chairs
Wood, Rosewood
Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Dining Room Chairs
Upholstery, Walnut
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Dining Room Chairs
Metal
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Dining Room Chairs
Naugahyde, Walnut
Mid-20th Century Danish Mid-Century Modern Dining Room Chairs
Fabric, Teak
Mid-20th Century Danish Mid-Century Modern Dining Room Chairs
Teak
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Dining Room Chairs
Oak
Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Dining Room Chairs
Upholstery, Wood
Mid-20th Century Danish Mid-Century Modern Dining Room Chairs
Oak
Mid-20th Century Danish Baroque Dining Room Chairs
Fabric, Oak
20th Century Danish Mid-Century Modern Dining Room Chairs
Leather, Rosewood
Vintage 1980s Italian Post-Modern Dining Room Chairs
Leather, Wood
Late 20th Century Unknown Mid-Century Modern Dining Room Chairs
Metal
Vintage 1960s Danish Mid-Century Modern Dining Room Chairs
Textile, Walnut
1990s American Dining Room Chairs
Brass
Mid-20th Century British Mid-Century Modern Dining Room Chairs
Chrome
Early 20th Century Austrian Vienna Secession Dining Room Chairs
Cane, Rattan, Oak
Mid-20th Century Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Dining Room Chairs
Cane, Rosewood
Vintage 1980s North American Modern Dining Room Chairs
Aluminum
Antique 19th Century English Dining Room Chairs
Wood
Early 20th Century Austrian Vienna Secession Chairs
Cane, Rattan, Oak
21st Century and Contemporary Asian Modern Dining Room Chairs
Wood
Early 20th Century German Mid-Century Modern Dining Room Chairs
Rattan, Wood
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Dining Room Chairs
Mahogany
Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Dining Room Chairs
Upholstery, Walnut
Mid-20th Century Danish Mid-Century Modern Dining Room Chairs
Oak
Antique 19th Century English Dining Room Chairs
Wood
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Dining Room Chairs
Teak
Vintage 1960s Danish Mid-Century Modern Dining Room Chairs
Fabric, Oak
Vintage 1960s Danish Mid-Century Modern Dining Room Chairs
Fabric, Oak
Mid-20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Dining Room Chairs
Wool, Oak
Vintage 1930s Austrian Jugendstil Dining Room Chairs
Velvet, Beech
Vintage 1960s Danish Scandinavian Modern Dining Room Chairs
Oak
Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Dining Room Chairs
Chrome
Mid-20th Century Danish Baroque Dining Room Chairs
Wool, Oak, Bouclé
Vintage 1960s French Mid-Century Modern Dining Room Chairs
Cane, Elm
Mid-20th Century Unknown Mid-Century Modern Dining Room Chairs
Wood, Cane, Upholstery
Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Dining Room Chairs
Chrome
Mid-20th Century French Louis XIII Dining Room Chairs
Velvet, Oak
1990s English Dining Room Chairs
Mahogany, Linen
Mid-20th Century French Louis XIII Dining Room Chairs
Tapestry, Beech
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Chairs
Velvet, Walnut
Vintage 1930s European Art Deco Lounge Chairs
Wood, Fabric
Mid-20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Dining Room Sets
Bamboo, Rattan
21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Side Chairs
Metal, Aluminum
Vintage 1960s Belgian Mid-Century Modern Chairs
Oak
Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs
Metal
Mid-20th Century German Mid-Century Modern Chairs
Fabric, Walnut
20th Century Spanish Renaissance Revival Chairs
Oak
Vintage 1960s North American Mid-Century Modern Side Chairs
Velvet, Wood, Lacquer
Vintage 1980s Belgian Scandinavian Modern Dining Room Sets
Oak
Mid-20th Century North American American Colonial Windsor Chairs
Leather, Wood
Vintage 1980s American Modern Office Chairs and Desk Chairs
Metal
1990s Swiss Modern Office Chairs and Desk Chairs
Leather, Plastic
Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Patio and Garden Furniture
Steel
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Highback Dining Chair For Sale on 1stDibs
How Much is a Highback Dining 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.
- What is a dining chair?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2024A dining chair is a chair used to provide seating while dining at a table. There are two main types: side chairs and armchairs. As the name suggests, armchairs feature integrated arms, and they typically go along the short ends of rectangular tables. Free of arms, side chairs are usually arranged along the sides of rectangular tables. On 1stDibs, shop a large selection of dining chairs.
- 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 22, 2021Dining chairs should be around 18 inches tall. Since most dining tables are 30 inches high, 18 inch tall dining chairs allow for a comfortable amount of legroom. As a general rule of thumb, there should be around 12 inches between a dining table and a seat.
- What is a carver dining chair?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertOctober 12, 2021A carver dining chair is a kind of spool chair with legs rising above the seat level to frame the back and support the armrests. A theory about how carver chairs got their name is that the “master of the household” would sit at the head of the dining table and carve the meat that would be served for dinner. A widely reported origin story for the carver chair is that the name references a Pilgrim named John Carver, who was the founder of the Plymouth colony of Massachusetts in the United States. On 1stDibs, shop a range of antique and vintage carver chairs.
- 1stDibs ExpertNovember 6, 2023The difference between an accent chair and a dining chair comes down to function and design. An accent chair usually goes in a seating area, and makers craft them with comfort in mind. As a result, most accent chairs feature cushioning and upholstery and are characterized by generous proportions. The purpose of a dining chair is to provide a place to sit while enjoying a meal. Usually, dining chairs are lighter and smaller than accent chairs for easy maneuvering. While they may have padded seats and backrests, dining chairs generally aren't as abundantly cushioned as accent chairs. Explore a large selection of chairs on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertAugust 26, 2024The difference between dining chairs and accent chairs is primarily their function. Generally, dining chairs are used in dining areas, where they provide comfortable seating for people to use while eating at tables. You'll normally find accent chairs in seating areas and other parts of the home, where users can sit on them while they read, make conversation or enjoy other relaxing activities. Shop a wide variety of antique, vintage and contemporary chairs on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertOctober 24, 2024Many furniture lovers feel that leather dining chairs are worth it. Due to its natural beauty, leather can elevate dining rooms and add interest to interior designs by bringing in a new texture. Leather is also fairly easy to wipe clean, and top-grain and full-grain upholstery often hold up well to the effects of frequent use. Keep in mind that other factors contribute to the overall quality of a chair, such as its frame materials and construction methods. On 1stDibs, shop a wide variety of leather dining chairs.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022A dining chair with arms is called a carver chair or elbow chair. It is a traditional dining chair with arms added to it for a more structured look and is a popular option for dining seats for a spot to comfortably rest your arms. Shop a selection of dining chairs on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertAugust 15, 2024To tell if a dining chair is antique, first look for markings that can help you identify the maker. You will normally find these under the seat. By using information published on trusted online resources, you can research the markings to learn who made the chair and when the maker was active. Any dining chair made 100 years ago or earlier is an antique. Another way to identify antique chairs is to examine their details closely. Most antique dining chairs are handmade, so you can expect to see subtle tool markings and slight irregularities. A lack of these characteristics may indicate that a dining chair is machine-made and less likely to be an antique. For assistance with dating your dining chairs, consult a certified appraiser or knowledgeable antique dealer. On 1stDibs, find a large selection of antique dining chairs.
- 1stDibs ExpertMarch 3, 2023Whether leather is good for dining chairs is largely a matter of personal opinion. However, many people find leather to be easy to wipe clean and appreciate its texture and appearance. On 1stDibs, shop a collection of leather dining chairs.
- 1stDibs ExpertSeptember 25, 2019
Dining room chairs and dining tables do not necessarily have to match.
- 1stDibs ExpertOctober 30, 2024Yes, it may be worth recovering dining chairs. If the upholstery on your chairs is worn or stained, but the frames are in good condition, recovering them can restore their appearance and allow you to continue using your furniture for more years. However, there may be some downsides to recovering. Sometimes, the material and labor costs may be more than what you might pay for new chairs. Recovering some vintage or antique dining chairs may also diminish their value. If your chairs are vintage or antique, you may wish to consult a certified appraiser or antique dealer to learn about the potential impact of replacing the fabric before you proceed with the recovery process. It is also a good idea to get estimates from a few professional furniture repairers to see how much the project will cost. Shop a large collection of dining chairs on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertSeptember 25, 2019
Dining room chairs with arms require more space than armless ones.
- 1stDibs ExpertSeptember 23, 2024What the head dining chairs are called varies. With many dining room sets, the chairs designed to go at the heads or ends of the tables are flanked by arms. As a result, people often refer to them as dining armchairs or dining end chairs. If the chairs lack arms, they're usually described as end chairs. On 1stDibs, shop a diverse assortment of dining chairs.
- 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 13, 2023A good width for a dining chair is generally considered to be 16 to 20 inches. Chairs within this size range typically provide enough space for most people to sit comfortably. Shop a collection of dining chairs on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertSeptember 25, 2019
The seat of a dining room chair is typically 18 inches from the floor and 16 to 20 inches wide.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022No, your dining room table and chairs do not need to match. Coordinated colors and styles can add visual flair to a space, and is a great way to show off your personal style. Shop a collection of dining room tables and chairs from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertJune 15, 2023To protect your woven dining chairs, try a fabric protection spray designed for the specific type of material. Follow the application directions printed on the bottle for best results. Also, wipe your chairs clean after every meal with a slightly damp cloth to reduce the risk of stains. On 1stDibs, find a range of woven dining chairs.
- 1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022Dining room chairs with arms are simply called armchairs. They are not to be confused with armchairs used in seating areas. A dining chair without arms is a side chair. You'll find a collection of antique and vintage dining chairs on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertNovember 2, 2021To pick a fabric for dining room chairs, one should consider durable, easy to maintain or stain-resistant materials. While choosing a fabric is a personal choice, the most commonly preferred upholstery materials include cotton and linen — both are prone to staining, however — as well as leather and synthetic fabrics such as polyester. Shop a collection of antique, vintage, and contemporary dining chairs from some of the world’s top dealers on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertOctober 15, 2024To tell how old a dining room chair is, look for a stamp, brand, tag or label under its seat or on its legs. Some makers include dates of manufacture in their markings for easy reference. If your chair doesn't display a date, conduct research using online resources to try and determine its age. The model number, line name and maker's name can all provide useful starting points for researching a dining chair. Alternatively, you can have a certified appraiser or knowledgeable antique dealer date your piece. Explore a wide variety of dining chairs on 1stDibs.
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