French Arm Chairs
20th Century American French Provincial Lounge Chairs
Upholstery, Walnut
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs
Upholstery
Antique 1880s French Armchairs
Fabric, Wood
20th Century North American Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs
Walnut
20th Century American French Provincial Armchairs
Hardwood
Vintage 1950s French Chairs
Upholstery, Wood, Paint
Vintage 1930s French Louis XVI Armchairs
Giltwood
Early 20th Century French Renaissance Chairs
Upholstery, Oak
Vintage 1940s French Art Deco Office Chairs and Desk Chairs
Fabric, Walnut
Vintage 1930s Chairs
Mahogany
Antique 19th Century French Armchairs
Upholstery, Walnut
Antique 19th Century French Louis XV Armchairs
Walnut
Antique Late 19th Century French French Provincial Armchairs
Upholstery, Oak
20th Century Louis XV Bergere Chairs
Wood
Antique 19th Century French Louis XV Armchairs
Upholstery, Walnut
Antique Mid-19th Century French Armchairs
Upholstery, Wood
20th Century French Armchairs
Walnut
20th Century French Baroque Armchairs
Walnut
Antique 1840s French Provincial Armchairs
Walnut
Vintage 1920s French Provincial Chairs
Giltwood
Mid-20th Century Louis XVI Bergere Chairs
Wood
Antique 19th Century French Armchairs
Bamboo, Upholstery
Vintage 1930s Art Nouveau Armchairs
Hardwood
Early 20th Century French Provincial Armchairs
Rush, Walnut
Antique 19th Century French Armchairs
Upholstery, Wood, Paint
1990s American French Provincial Chairs
Leather, Mahogany
21st Century and Contemporary Vietnamese French Provincial Dining Room C...
Wood
Antique 19th Century French Louis XV Chairs
Walnut
Vintage 1940s French Chairs
Metal
Early 20th Century French Side Chairs
Fruitwood
21st Century and Contemporary Vietnamese French Provincial Dining Room C...
Wood
Vintage 1920s Rococo Chairs
Fabric
Vintage 1960s French Louis XVI Chairs
Wood
Vintage 1950s French Chairs
Metal, Brass
Antique 19th Century French Empire Bergere Chairs
Leather
Vintage 1950s French Chairs
Metal, Brass
Early 20th Century French Art Deco Bergere Chairs
Silk, Fruitwood
Antique Late 19th Century French Renaissance Revival Chairs
Upholstery, Oak
Vintage 1940s European Office Chairs and Desk Chairs
Upholstery, Wood
Vintage 1980s Chairs
Fabric
Vintage 1920s French Neoclassical Armchairs
Linen, Wood, Paint
Antique Mid-19th Century French Louis XIV Bergere Chairs
Rosewood
Antique 19th Century French Louis XV Chairs
Upholstery, Walnut
Antique 19th Century French Art Nouveau Bergere Chairs
Walnut, Upholstery
20th Century Side Chairs
Wood
Antique 19th Century European Baroque Armchairs
Leather, Walnut
Antique 19th Century French Louis XIII Side Chairs
Walnut, Giltwood
Antique 1890s French Louis XVI Side Chairs
Wood
Antique 1870s French Renaissance Revival Lounge Chairs
Fabric, Oak
21st Century and Contemporary Side Chairs
Wrought Iron
Antique Early 1900s French Art Nouveau Chairs
Upholstery, Walnut
Vintage 1950s Bergere Chairs
Wood
Antique 18th Century Bergere Chairs
Fabric, Wood
Mid-20th Century French Machine Age Chairs
Steel
Vintage 1940s French Side Chairs
Steel
Antique 19th Century French Louis XVI Side Chairs
Leather
1990s American Rustic Chairs
Wood
20th Century Louis XVI Chairs
Upholstery, Wood
Antique Late 19th Century French Bergere Chairs
Upholstery, Walnut
Early 20th Century Unknown Louis XV Chairs
Walnut
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French Arm Chairs For Sale on 1stDibs
How Much are French Arm Chairs?
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.
- 1stDibs ExpertSeptember 25, 2019
A chair with arms is an armchair.
- 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 13, 2023Chairs with arms are called armchairs, and there are many styles of them. Examples include club, wingback and roll arm chairs. Find a collection of armchairs on 1stDibs today.
- 1stDibs ExpertSeptember 25, 2019
Dining room chairs with arms require more space than armless ones.
- 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 ExpertFebruary 13, 2023An accent chair with no arms is typically called a slipper chair. These upholstered chairs originated in Europe during the 18th century and often served as seating in bedrooms. Today, people place slipper chairs in seating areas as well as bedrooms. Find a variety of slipper chairs on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022Dining chairs without arms are called side chairs. Their counterpart, the armchair, is often found at the head of the table, with the side chairs filling in the seats along the side of the table. Shop a collection of side chairs from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertNovember 13, 2024No one knows for sure why some dining chairs with arms are called carvers. However, it likely relates to the historical use of these chairs. Technically, carver is the nickname for a specific type of dining chair with arms, not for all dining armchairs. A Colonial American design, a carver chair features a backrest that wraps around the sides and forms arms. Traditionally, the carver chair went at the head of the table, and often the family member responsible for carving the primary entrée sat at this place. As a result, the chair's purpose for seating the carver of the meal is one potential explanation for the nickname. Another is that the name comes from John Carver, the governor of the Plymouth Colony. Reportedly, Carver owned one of these chairs, and people began referring to them by his name as a result. On 1stDibs, find an assortment of carver 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.
- What is a French-style chair?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertMay 5, 2023The term French-style chair usually refers to one of two styles of chairs. The first is an upholstered armchair with an exposed wood frame, and the other is a cane chair with loose seat cushions. Both types of French-style chairs are also called bergères. On 1stDibs, find an assortment of bergères from some of the world’s top boutiques.
- What is a French berère chair?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022A French berère chair is a style of chair with an upholstered back and armrests. These French-style chairs are crafted to be wider than standard chairs with comfort in mind. You’ll find a variety of French berère chairs on 1stDibs.
- What are French chairs called?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022French chairs are called bergère. Bergères have an upholstered back and armrests with wooden exposed framing. Bergère continues to be a popular style that adds an elegant touch to any room. You’ll find a selection of antique chairs on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 13, 2023What French bistro chairs are made of varies. Introduced during the 19th century, many French bistro chairs feature a frame made of aluminum or wrought iron, while the seat cushions and backrests of these furnishings are frequently made of rattan. This type of chair became especially popular in the busy cafes of Paris during the 1920s. On 1stDibs, find a selection of bistro chairs.
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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
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