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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.
- Who invented the Egg chair?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertApril 22, 2024Arne Jacobsen invented the Egg chair. Designed in 1958 for the SAS Royal Hotel in Copenhagen, it is a Scandinavian classic that has over the years become a fixture of corporate offices. The Egg chair is notable for its overtly organic appearance, which Jacobsen achieved with craft-based padding and upholstery finishing. Unlike the furniture maker's previous range of shell chairs designed in laminated wood for Fritz Hansen, the Egg reflected a soulful new vision of modernity. Its finished shells were made of fiberglass-reinforced polyurethane foam, padded with cast latex foam rubber and then upholstered with leather (or, in the cost-conscious hotel's case, fabric). Shop a range of Arne Jacobsen Egg chairs on 1stDibs.
- When did the Egg chair come out?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022The Egg chair came out in 1959. Danish designer Arne Jacobsen created it along with a number of other famous mid-century modern chairs, including the Series 7, the Swan and the Ant. Find a collection of Egg chairs on 1stDibs.
- What is a Parker Knoll chair?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertNovember 2, 2021A Parker Knoll chair is designed by the British furniture manufacturing company Parker Knoll. These chairs are considered to be luxurious — they are handmade in the company’s Nottinghamshire factory from high-quality wood and feature plush upholstery in leather as well as in a variety of fabrics. Find Parker Knoll chairs on 1stDibs.
- Where are Knoll chairs made?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022Knoll maintains manufacturing plants in the United States, Canada, and Italy. Countless designers have worked for Knoll over the years to create exquisite furniture that’s beloved by collectors worldwide. Shop a collection of antique and contemporary Knoll chairs from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertMay 5, 2023Whether Egg chairs are actually comfortable is largely a matter of personal opinion. However, many people find that the curved shape of the frame provides plenty of support. Shop a collection of Egg chairs on 1stDibs.
- How much is an egg chair worth?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertFebruary 22, 2021An egg chair can be worth up to $20,000. The price of an egg chair depends on the condition, upholstery material, and model.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022To tell if an Arne Jacobsen egg chair is real, check for the label. Newer models have a Republic of Fritz Hansen label attached to the fabric, older models have them attached to the base of the chair. You can also look for a sticker on the cylinder that attaches to the base with a Fritz Hansen label and a four-digit date. Shop a large collection of Arne Jacobsen and other egg chairs from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022To hang an egg chair from the ceiling, you must drill into a joist and install a hook. Then, attach a chain to the top of the chair and hang it from the hook. Having an experienced handyman tackle the job for you can help to ensure secure installation and reduce the risk of damaging your ceiling. On 1stDibs, shop a selection of egg chairs.
- 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 13, 2023The original Egg chair was designed by Arne Jacobsen for the SAS Royal Hotel in Copenhagen in 1958. It was notable for its overtly organic appearance, which Jacobsen achieved with craft-based padding and upholstery finishing. With the Egg chair, Jacobsen continued his ongoing experimentation with synthetic materials. First, he devised small-scale clay models in his garage. The prototypes' finished shells were made of fiberglass-reinforced polyurethane foam, padded with cast latex foam rubber and then upholstered with leather — or, in the cost-conscious hotel’s case, fabric. Today, the Egg chair is supported by welded steel tubing and is mounted on a lightweight aluminum base. Shop a selection of vintage Egg chairs on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022There are several different designs of egg-shaped chairs. Some of the most famous are Henrik Thor-Larsen’s Ovalia Egg Chair from 1968 and Arne Jacobsen’s Egg Chair from 1959. On 1stDibs, you’ll find a collection of egg-shaped chairs from some of the world’s top sellers.
- 1stDibs ExpertOctober 24, 2024To tell a fake Egg chair, look for its tag. Chairs produced in 2010 or later will have a red tag, while older pieces will display a brown one. Although the tag designs have changed over the years, nearly all Egg chairs show the correct “Republic of Fritz Hansen” logo. Some will also feature a serial number, which you can cross-reference with information shared on trusted online resources for authentication purposes. Next, look at the stitching on the upholstery. If you notice any creasing, folds or wrinkles, your chair is likely a knockoff. Finally, get a measuring tape or use a smartphone measuring app to check the dimensions of your chair. An authentic Egg chair will measure 42.1 inches (107 centimeters) high by 33.9 inches (86 centimeters) wide, with a seat height of 14.6 inches (37 centimeters). Chairs that don't fit these specifications are unlikely to be real. When in doubt, consider having a certified appraiser or knowledgeable antique dealer provide you with a professional opinion. Shop a range of Arne Jacobsen Egg chairs on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertSeptember 9, 2024To tell if a chair is a Parker Knoll, look for the maker's label, usually found under the seat on dining chairs and on the bases or frames on office and accent chairs. Although the company has modified its markings over the years, most pieces will at least state "Parker Knoll.” Many pieces also feature serial numbers. By cross-referencing these numbers with information published on trusted online resources, you can learn about the age, style name and other features of your chair. If you need assistance with identification, seek the opinion of a certified appraiser or knowledgeable antique dealer. Shop a collection of Parker Knoll chairs on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertOctober 15, 2024To tell if a chair is Parker Knoll, look under the seat. Most Parker Knoll chairs will be marked with the company's logo and a model number. Some may also display the designer's signature. You can cross-reference the model number with information published on trusted online resources to learn more about your chair. If you can't locate a maker's mark or run into other difficulties identifying your chair, consider enlisting the help of a certified appraiser or knowledgeable antique dealer. On 1stDibs, explore a selection of Parker Knoll chairs.
- 1stDibs ExpertAugust 26, 2024To tell if a Knoll chair is real, first look for Knoll Furniture markings, usually found under the seat. These labels have varied over the years, but by comparing what's present on your furniture to images of authentic pieces found on trusted online resources produced around the same time, you can spot any inconsistencies that might indicate a replica. Knoll Furniture has sold many different chairs since its founding in 1938. Researching the characteristics of your specific chair can help you identify signs that your piece may be a replica. A certified appraiser or knowledgeable antique dealer can also help with authentication. On 1stDibs, shop an assortment of Knoll chairs.
- 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 17, 2023Arne Jacobsen made the Egg chair for the SAS Royal Hotel in Copenhagen, Denmark, in 1958. The curvy chair was meant to contrast with the SAS Royal Hotel’s straight lines as well as showcase Jacobsen’s eye for interiors. The Egg chair was notable for its overtly organic appearance, which Jacobsen achieved with craft-based padding and upholstery finishing. On 1stDibs, shop a selection of vintage Egg chairs.
- 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 13, 2024What Florence Knoll called the Womb chair after it was created is unknown. However, its creator Eero Saarinen stated that Knoll inspired him to make the piece by asking him to design the most comfortable chair ever, saying specifically that she wanted something that felt like "a basket full of pillows." Presented with the challenge, Saarinen went primal. What, the designer figured, better signifies the very essence of comfort than the womb? "It was designed on the theory that a great number of people have never really felt comfortable and secure since they left the womb,” the designer said of his chair. Find a selection of vintage Womb chairs on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022Whether an Arne Jacobsen Egg chair supports the back adequately is largely a matter of personal perception. Jacobsen did design the chair's ergonomic, dramatic curves to correspond to the contours of the human body in order to deliver a comfortable seating experience. On 1stDibs, find a selection of Arne Jacobsen Egg chairs.
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