Ladder Back Chairs
Antique Late 19th Century English Victorian Dining Room Chairs
Rush, Oak
Mid-20th Century French Chairs
Rush, Wood
Early 20th Century Spanish Dining Room Chairs
Wood
20th Century Spanish Spanish Colonial Side Chairs
Wood
Vintage 1970s American Dining Room Chairs
Leather, Wood
Early 20th Century American Arts and Crafts Side Chairs
Upholstery, Oak
Vintage 1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Chairs
Walnut
Antique 19th Century American Folk Art Chairs
Rattan, Wood
Antique 1860s American Adirondack Chairs
Cane, Wood
Antique 19th Century American Adirondack Chairs
Wood
Early 20th Century American Adirondack Chairs
Leather, Wood
Vintage 1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Side Chairs
Brass
Vintage 1950s Italian Side Chairs
Brass
21st Century and Contemporary American American Craftsman Chairs
Wood
Antique Early 18th Century American American Colonial Side Chairs
Pine
Antique Late 19th Century American Adirondack Chairs
Wood
Vintage 1960s French Chairs
Rush, Oak
Early 20th Century Spanish Chairs
Rush, Walnut
Antique Early 1800s Welsh Folk Art Dining Room Chairs
Elm
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Chairs
Brass
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Side Chairs
Wood, Upholstery
20th Century European Modern Dining Room Chairs
Fabric, Wood
Vintage 1940s Italian Chairs
Straw, Wood, Beech
Antique Early 19th Century American Adirondack Side Chairs
Hardwood
Antique Late 19th Century French Chairs
Straw, Fruitwood
Antique Late 19th Century British Victorian Dining Room Chairs
Mahogany
Antique Late 19th Century French French Provincial Dining Room Chairs
Rush, Wood
Vintage 1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Dining Room Chairs
Walnut
Mid-20th Century British Chairs
Wood
21st Century and Contemporary British Georgian Chairs
Oak, Rush
Antique Late 18th Century American American Colonial Chairs
Wood
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Dining Room Chairs
Wood
Mid-20th Century French Brutalist Dining Room Chairs
Oak
Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Dining Room Chairs
Walnut
Antique 1820s American Folk Art Chairs
Wood
Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Chairs
Teak
Antique 1860s American Adirondack Chairs
Rattan, Wood
Antique Early 19th Century American Country Dining Room Chairs
Cane, Wood
Antique Mid-19th Century English Victorian Armchairs
Rush, Wood
21st Century and Contemporary Indonesian French Provincial Dining Room C...
Wood
20th Century American Organic Modern Dining Room Chairs
Leather, Fabric, Rattan
Antique 1890s American Adirondack Chairs
Wood
Early 20th Century Unknown Arts and Crafts Chairs
Oak
Antique 19th Century English Armchairs
Wood, Rush
21st Century and Contemporary Indonesian French Provincial Dining Room C...
Wood
Vintage 1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Dining Room Chairs
Rush, Wood
21st Century and Contemporary Belgian French Provincial Dining Room Chairs
Oak
Antique 15th Century and Earlier American Victorian Side Chairs
Upholstery, Mahogany
Vintage 1970s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Chairs
Rope, Pine
Antique Early 19th Century American Rustic Chairs
Wood
Antique 1820s American Primitive Chairs
Wood
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Side Chairs
Velvet, Giltwood
Early 20th Century Unknown Dining Room Chairs
Fabric, Wood, Oak
Vintage 1960s Belgian Mid-Century Modern Dining Room Chairs
Oak
Early 2000s French Country Dining Room Chairs
Rush, Oak
Vintage 1920s American Arts and Crafts Side Chairs
Rush, Wood
Vintage 1950s Dutch Rustic Chairs
Fabric, Oak
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Dining Room Chairs
20th Century American American Craftsman Chairs
Rush, Wood
Early 20th Century Dutch Shaker Side Chairs
Wicker, Wood
- 1
- ...
Ladder Back Chairs For Sale on 1stDibs
How Much are Ladder Back 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.
- What is a Windsor back chair?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022A Windsor back chair is a solid wooden chair with an arched spindle back. Most designs have curved arms positioned on angled stands and carved legs connected by a cross stretcher. The chair gets its name from the English city of Windsor, where the chairs were first made in the 18th century. On 1stDibs, shop a collection of Windsor back chairs.
- 1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022Round back chairs are often called barrel chairs or barrel back chairs. This is because the curvy shape makes the back look similar to half of a barrel. Often, this type of chair has an upholstered seat and exposed wood legs. You'll find a selection of barrel chairs on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022Ladder back chairs have a timeless design that was popular in several eras. Early examples date back to the Middle Ages. The wooden chairs became very popular in colonial America and England during the 17th century. Shop a range of antique and vintage ladder back chairs on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertMarch 15, 2024The back of a chair is called a chair back. In some cases, you may see people use modifiers to describe the styles of chair backs. For example, a chair with two crisscrossing cross rails is an X-back or cross back, while a chair with a series of horizontal cross rails positioned parallel to one another is a ladder back. Explore a wide range of chairs on 1stDibs.
- What is a yoke back chair?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022Yoke back chairs are those that feature a curved top rail and a single central splat. The style of chair originated in China during the 10th century and was a common feature in Chinese homes by the 12th century. On 1stDibs, shop a range of yoke back chairs.
- What is a splat back chair?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertFebruary 22, 2021A splat back chair is a chair with a vertical central element on its back. Splat back chairs have more of a formal feel to them compared to other types of chairs and seating. Splat back Windsor chairs are popular on 1stDibs.
- What is a lyre back chair?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022A lyre back chair is a type of furniture used for seating that originated during the early 18th century. It features a square back embellished with wood shaped like a lyre, an ancient stringed musical instrument. On 1stDibs, find a variety of lyre back chairs.
- 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.
- What is a channel back chair?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022A channel back chair is a chair that features deep channels in the upholstery along the back. These can create a seashell-like effect. This kind of back may also be called a fluted back. On 1stDibs, find a collection of vintage and new channel back chairs.
- What is a balloon back chair?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022A balloon back chair is a specific type of seat that became popular during the Victorian era. It features a curved back that tapers as it travels down to the seat. Many balloon back chairs are armless, and nearly all examples feature upholstered seats. You'll find a range of balloon back chairs on 1stDibs.
- What is a low back chair?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertNovember 2, 2021A low-back chair is designed to provide lumbar support to the lower back and mid-back. These chairs have a small backrest that reaches till the middle of one's back. Shop a collection of antique, vintage and contemporary low back chairs from some of the world’s top dealers on 1stDibs.
- What is a comb back chair?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022A comb back chair is a style of chair featuring a back resembling a comb. Comb back chairs are also known as Windsor chairs and are typically crafted with a cage-like backing. Shop a selection of comb back chairs on 1stDibs.
- What is a sling back chair?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertFebruary 22, 2021A sling chair is usually made up of a framework connected by ropes or fabric hanging between the poles or frame. This design results in a structure quite similar to a sling stretcher.
- What is a spoon back chair?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022A spoon back chair is an accent chair that features a deep curved back that forms arms along the sides of the furniture by sloping downward. Most spoon back chairs have wooden backs and upholstered seats. Find a variety of spoon back chairs on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022Reupholster a barrel back chair by first removing the old upholstery from the chair. Use the old pieces of material as a guide to help you cut the new upholstery into properly sized pieces. Reupholster the chair by using a furniture stapler to re-secure the new upholstery in the same manner that the old upholstery was attached. Shop a range of vintage and contemporary barrel back chairs on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022While cane back chairs have been made around the globe for thousands of years, it was in the 1970s that this style took the world by storm and became a must for many households. It’s the organic, natural look of a cane back chair that made it so desirable and that makes it a modern furniture element as well, with its tropical vibe and vacation attitude. Shop a collection of cane back chairs from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022Balloon back chairs were made mostly in the Victorian era, as they were highly popular at this time in the 19th century. It is generally regarded as a classic antique dining room chair. Browse an array of authentic antique balloon back chairs on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertOctober 12, 2021A high back office chair has a tall backrest to provide support to both your back and neck. It helps minimize the risk of chronic neck and back problems. These chairs also come with wheels attached for ease of mobility. Shop a range of antique and vintage high back office chairs on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022Countless chair styles have incorporated rounded backs over the centuries, including the famous club chair. Some interior designers favor round-back chairs for their sleek curvatures. Shop a collection of rounded back chairs from some of the world’s top sellers Oon 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertMay 5, 2023Balloon back chairs are from the Victorian era, which lasted from the late 1830s to the turn of the 20th century. These chairs get their name from their rounded backrests and narrow waists, which make it seem like their tops have ballooned or grown in size. On 1stDibs, shop a range of balloon back chairs.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022To upholster a channel back chair, you will need to remove the seat and back of the chair, measure for new padding and upholstery and make specialized cuts and patterns for the channels. Upholstering channel back chairs is challenging, so if you’re not experienced in upholstering furniture, it’s best to take it to someone who is. Shop a selection of upholstered channel chairs from top sellers on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 17, 2023Shield back chairs were first made during the 18th century. However, the timeless design of these dining chairs continues to appeal to many people, so many furniture makers continue to produce chairs with distinctive shield backs. Shop a variety of shield back chairs on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertMay 5, 2023Cross back chairs are sometimes called X-back chairs because of the crisscrossing design. However, cross back chair is a commonly used name in its own right. Since couples often rent these types of chairs for seating during wedding ceremonies, some people call cross back chairs wedding chairs. Shop an assortment of cross 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.