Bentwood Cantilever Chair
Late 20th Century Swedish Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs
Leather, Rope, Bentwood
Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Chairs
Chrome
Mid-20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Chairs
Rope, Wood
Vintage 1980s Danish Post-Modern Chairs
Metal
Vintage 1960s American Dining Room Chairs
Chrome
Late 20th Century Swedish Scandinavian Modern Lounge Chairs
Leather, Bentwood
Mid-20th Century Finnish Mid-Century Modern Armchairs
Fabric, Birch, Bentwood
Mid-20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Armchairs
Rope, Bentwood
20th Century American Lounge Chairs
20th Century Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs
Leather, Bentwood
Vintage 1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs
Leather, Rosewood
Vintage 1950s Finnish Scandinavian Modern Lounge Chairs
Elm, Plywood
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Dining Room Chairs
Metal
Vintage 1970s Norwegian Scandinavian Modern Lounge Chairs
Beech, Bentwood
Vintage 1920s German Bauhaus Chairs
Cane, Bentwood
Mid-20th Century Finnish Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs
Birch, Bentwood
Vintage 1980s Norwegian Post-Modern Dining Room Chairs
Leather, Bentwood
Vintage 1940s Italian Mid-Century Modern Armchairs
Rush, Bentwood
Mid-20th Century Norwegian Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs
Leather, Canvas, Wood
Vintage 1970s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Armchairs
Leather, Wood
Vintage 1970s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Armchairs
Leather, Wood
Vintage 1970s Scandinavian Lounge Chairs
Leather, Bentwood, Plywood
Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Dining Room Chairs
Cane, Birch, Plywood
Vintage 1930s Finnish Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs
Birch, Bentwood
Late 20th Century Swedish Scandinavian Modern Lounge Chairs
Leather, Bentwood
Mid-20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Armchairs
Rope, Beech, Bentwood
Vintage 1930s Finnish Organic Modern Armchairs
Bentwood
Vintage 1980s Mid-Century Modern Dining Room Chairs
Upholstery, Oak, Bentwood
Vintage 1950s Italian Bauhaus Chairs
Metal, Chrome, Steel
20th Century Colombian Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs
Leather, Bentwood
Vintage 1960s Czech Art Deco Lounge Chairs
Chenille, Mahogany
20th Century Unknown Art Deco Lounge Chairs
Leather, Bentwood
Bentwood Cantilever Chair For Sale on 1stDibs
How Much is a Bentwood Cantilever 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 bentwood chair?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertFebruary 22, 2021A bentwood chair is a chair made out of wood that has been steamed and formed into its desired shape. The iconic No. 14 chair made by Thonet is a well-know chair made in this technique. There are many bentwood chairs for sale on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertJune 6, 2024The history of the cantilever chair dates back to 1926. It was then that Mart Stam created a sketch of a new idea for a chair on the back of a dinner napkin at a cocktail party. His drawing inspired Ludwig Mies van der Rohe to create his own version of the chair. This led to a legal battle between the two. Other designers, such as Marcel Breuer, began experimenting with the cantilever design, and today, many manufacturers continue to employ the cantilever design in their pieces. Explore a large collection of cantilever chairs on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 21, 2024How a cantilever chair works comes down to its unique design. Instead of having four legs, a cantilever chair features a single leg or pair of legs in an L shape. The leg or legs attach to the seat in the front and then travel along the floor to provide stability. When a person sits down, their weight becomes distributed across the entire base. On 1stDibs, find a range of cantilever chairs.
- 1stDibs ExpertJune 6, 2024Here are some characteristics of a cantilever chair: Most feature two front legs and no back legs. The legs bend at the bottom, creating a stable base for the chair. Typically, cantilever chairs feature tubular metal frames and have two arms. However, you can find some armless examples. The seats and backrests often have a boxy appearance and can feature a range of materials, such as wicker, leather, fiberglass, molded plastic or fabric upholstery. Explore a variety of cantilever chairs on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022A cantilever chair typically features a frame of tubular metal. Most often, tubular steel is used, though tubular chrome has also been used. The seat and back can be crafted of many materials, from rattan to leather or fabric. Browse 1stDibs to find an array of cantilever chairs from top sellers.
- 1stDibs ExpertNovember 4, 2024To identify a bentwood chair, look closely at its back. With a real bentwood chair, an artisan achieves the curved effect by steaming or soaking wood and then bending it. As a result, you won't normally see any tool marks that indicate carving, and each curved component will be an individual piece that is screwed, glued or bolted together. If you spot the “Thonet” name on the seat, it's another good indication that your chair is bentwood, as the maker was famous for this type of seating. If you're still unsure about the type of chair you have, consider seeking the opinion of a certified appraiser or experienced antique dealer. Explore a selection of bentwood chairs on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertAugust 15, 2024To identify a bentwood chair, search the piece for a maker's mark. Most often, you will find it under the seat. Once you have located the marking, consult trusted online resources to learn more about the maker. From there, you can find chairs similar to yours in online catalogues to gain more information about your piece. Another option is to have a certified appraiser or knowledgeable antique dealer assist you with the identification process. On 1stDibs, shop a diverse assortment of bentwood chairs.
- When were Bentwood chairs made?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022The Bentwood Chair was made by German-Austrian cabinetmaker Michael Thonet in the mid-19th century. His design is still popular with interior designers and homeowners worldwide. Shop a collection of Bentwood chairs from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.
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