Captains Bow Chair
Antique Late 19th Century English Victorian Office Chairs and Desk Chairs
Ash
Antique Late 19th Century Club Chairs
Ash
Antique Late 19th Century British Late Victorian Chairs
Beech, Elm
Antique Mid-19th Century British Victorian Chairs
Beech, Elm
Antique Late 19th Century Late Victorian Chairs
Beech
Antique 19th Century English Victorian Chairs
Elm
Antique Early 1900s Country Chairs
Beech
Antique 19th Century English Armchairs
Elm, Oak
Antique 1870s British Victorian Armchairs
Elm
Antique Early 1900s English Edwardian Armchairs
Elm
Antique Early 1900s British Late Victorian Armchairs
Elm
Antique Mid-19th Century English Victorian Chairs
Ash, Elm
Antique Late 19th Century British Armchairs
Ash, Elm
Recent Sales
Antique Late 18th Century English Chairs
Elm
Antique Early 1900s British Country Chairs
Elm
Antique Late 19th Century British Edwardian Chairs
Beech, Elm
Antique Late 19th Century English Victorian Chairs
Elm
Antique Late 19th Century British Late Victorian Chairs
Beech
Antique 19th Century English Victorian Chairs
Elm
Early 20th Century English Victorian Chairs
Beech, Elm
Early 20th Century Chairs
Mahogany
Antique Late 19th Century English Chairs
Wood
Early 20th Century English Victorian Armchairs
Beech, Elm
Early 20th Century English Edwardian Armchairs
Leather, Oak
Early 20th Century European Chairs
Oak, Walnut, Wood, Bouclé
Antique 19th Century English Country Armchairs
Ash, Elm
Antique 19th Century English Armchairs
Wood, Ash, Elm, Oak
Antique Late 19th Century European Chairs
Elm
Antique Mid-19th Century English Dining Room Chairs
Beech, Elm
Antique Late 19th Century British Victorian Armchairs
Elm, Fruitwood
People Also Browsed
Antique Late 19th Century Club Chairs
Elm
Antique 1890s Victorian Armchairs
Beech, Elm
Captains Bow Chair For Sale on 1stDibs
How Much is a Captains Bow 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 captain’s chair for?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022Today, a captain's chair is typically used for providing seating at a kitchen or dining table. The name of the chair comes from the fact that furniture of this type once provided seating for a ship's officers in lounge areas. Shop a large collection of captain's chairs on 1stDibs.
- What is a captain's chair?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertOctober 12, 2021A captain's chair is an armchair with a saddle seat and low curved back, usually upholstered in leather or cloth. It has vertical spindles that create the appearance of extra height for more formal settings. On 1stDibs, find a variety of antique and vintage chairs.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022Captain’s chairs are called that because early versions of the armchairs were used aboard boats to provide seating for high-ranking officers. These chairs date back to the 19th century and usually featured all-wood construction. Find a selection of antique and vintage captain's chairs on 1stDibs.
- 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.
Read More
20 Inviting Dining Rooms Perfectly Arranged for Entertaining
Top interior designers show — and tell — us how to create delectable spaces for hosting dinner parties.
Nobody Puts This Sunny Sofa in a Corner
With its plush cushions, cane details and dazzlingly colorful back, it’s inviting from every angle.
The 21 Most Popular Mid-Century Modern Chairs
You know the designs, now get the stories about how they came to be.
Fred Rigby’s Modular Seating Can Be Configured in So Many Handy Ways
The plush Cove Slipper 2.5 Seater sofa is just one of many convenient combinations from the London-based maker.
This Chubby-Chic Quilted Stool Stands on Its Own Two Feet
Sam Klemick's cool stool is edgy, cozy and environmentally sustainable all at once.
Is Lionel Jadot the Willy Wonka of Upcycled Belgian Design?
From his massive collaborative workshop in a former paper factory, the designer concocts funky furniture from disused materials, as well as luxe hotel interiors like the new Mix Brussels.
Rock Your Cares Away on This Sunny Hand-Crocheted Swing
The boho-chic Enchanted Forest Swing, handmade by marginalized women from Turkey and Syria, is uplifting in every way.
Learn Why Designer Maarten Baas Set This Charles Rennie Mackintosh Chair on Fire
What happens when you do something to a piece of furniture that you shouldn’t? It becomes an entirely new object.