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Chairs

The chairs of today developed from primitive benches and stools. Very popular at auction, they range from antique chair styles to modern chairs that wrap the sitter in an organic embrace.

Antique chairs that remain sought- after by collectors and interior designers are the Queen Anne, Georgian, and American Regency styles. One of the earliest chair designs was the Savonarola, or “scissors” chair, which became important to collectors from the 18th century onward. An Italian walnut Savonarola chair dating from the 15th or 16th century in the Cloisters Collection at the Metropolitan Museum of Art is a simple yet lavish example. Another collector’s item is the prie dieu, or “prayer chair,” which has been used for centuries in churches and for personal devotion. The prayer chair features a seat for kneeling and a shelf for devotional texts and items. Catalan architect and sculptor Antoni Gaudi created an extreme decorative example of the chair. Carved from thuya wood, the chair stands at 9 feet and is crowned by a stained glass light fixture.

Antique dining chairs may be simple American vernacular pieces or influenced by the excesses of French Rococo and Baroque design. A modern dining room chair may be a replica of more traditional styles or as sleek and unorthodox as the valuable George Nakashima Conoid chairs. Antique barrel chairs can be used either as side chairs or dining chairs. The history of this shape is uncertain, but the barrel chairs designed by architect Frank Lloyd Wright for the Darwin Martin and Herbert Johnson residences are the most famous. The George Nelson Pretzel Chair made of curved laminated wood became a rare collector’s piece when it was removed from the market for insufficient manufacturing techniques. The Pretzel Chair is a fine example of mid-century modern design.

Recommended Items at Auction

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George Smith Brown Leather Armchair
Jul 10, 11:00 AM EDT
George Smith Brown Leather Armchair
by Auctions at Showplace
Est: $1,500- $2,500
$95013 Bids
Threshold Soft Woven Polyester Hanging Chair
Jun 21, 10:00 AM MST
Threshold Soft Woven Polyester Hanging Chair
by EJ'S Auction & Appraisal
Est: $0- $0
$6510 Bids
An antique pink upholstered button back arm chair H: 95 W: 60 cm
Jun 17, 7:00 PM AEST
An antique pink upholstered button back arm chair H: 95 W: 60 cm
by Lawsons
Est: AUD150- AUD250
AUD11010 Bids
Moran brown leather wingback armchair (107 x 85 x 77cm)
Jun 19, 10:00 AM AEST
Moran brown leather wingback armchair (107 x 85 x 77cm)
by Lawsons
Est: AUD500- AUD600
AUD2809 Bids
Parker Furniture pair of vinyl armchairs (82 x 62 x 57cm)
Jun 19, 10:00 AM AEST
Parker Furniture pair of vinyl armchairs (82 x 62 x 57cm)
by Lawsons
Est: AUD300- AUD400
AUD1209 Bids
Modern office swivel armchair in bronzed finish & brown aniline leather (99 x 70 x 60cm)
Jun 19, 10:00 AM AEST
Modern office swivel armchair in bronzed finish & brown aniline leather (99 x 70 x 60cm)
by Lawsons
Est: AUD60- AUD80
AUD1007 Bids
Stressless Admiral Mcm Recliner Chair & Ottoman
Jun 21, 10:00 AM MST
Stressless Admiral Mcm Recliner Chair & Ottoman
by EJ'S Auction & Appraisal
Est: $0- $0
$1507 Bids
Louis XVI Style Giltwood Black Leather Bergeres, 2
Jun 19, 11:00 AM EDT
Louis XVI Style Giltwood Black Leather Bergeres, 2
by Auctions at Showplace
Est: $600- $800
$1505 Bids
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LE CORBUSIER, CHARLOTTE PERRIAND UND PIERRE JEANNERET, LIEGE "LC4"
Jun 18, 9:00 AM CEST
LE CORBUSIER, CHARLOTTE PERRIAND UND PIERRE JEANNERET, LIEGE "LC4"
by Schuler Auktionen
Est: CHF1,000- CHF2,000
CHF1,5005 Bids
PAIRE DE FAUTEUILS, VIENNE 19ÈME SIECLE, 0
Jun 16, 2:30 PM CEST
PAIRE DE FAUTEUILS, VIENNE 19ÈME SIECLE, 0
by Accademia Fine Art
Est: €100- €200
€1205 Bids
Set four modern natural rattan chairs (85 x 44 x 42cm)
Jun 19, 10:00 AM AEST
Set four modern natural rattan chairs (85 x 44 x 42cm)
by Lawsons
Est: AUD300- AUD400
AUD355 Bids
REGINA PORTEN (B. 1943), PAIR OF BRONZE "PELVIS" CHAIRS
Jun 26, 10:00 AM EDT
REGINA PORTEN (B. 1943), PAIR OF BRONZE "PELVIS" CHAIRS
by Potomack Company
Est: $600- $1,200
$3755 Bids
Pair of English Style Faux Bamboo Carved and Caned Slipper Chairs
Jun 15, 12:00 PM EDT
Pair of English Style Faux Bamboo Carved and Caned Slipper Chairs
by Locati LLC
Est: $300- $500
$3004 Bids
PR VERMONT TUBBS SNOWSHOE FORM ROCKING CHAIRS
Jun 27, 11:00 AM EDT
PR VERMONT TUBBS SNOWSHOE FORM ROCKING CHAIRS
by Thomaston Place Auction Galleries
Est: $500- $700
$1754 Bids
An oak captains chair H: 88 W: 60 cm
Jun 17, 7:00 PM AEST
An oak captains chair H: 88 W: 60 cm
by Lawsons
Est: AUD300- AUD500
AUD304 Bids
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Rattan Armchair
Jun 18, 6:00 PM EDT
Rattan Armchair
by Apple Tree Auction Center
Est: $0- $0
$74 Bids
Modern wicker tub chair on swviel pedestal base (75 x 72 x 83cm)
Jun 19, 10:00 AM AEST
Modern wicker tub chair on swviel pedestal base (75 x 72 x 83cm)
by Lawsons
Est: AUD60- AUD80
AUD304 Bids
Pair Custom Upholstered Wingback Chairs
Jun 19, 12:00 PM EDT
Pair Custom Upholstered Wingback Chairs
by Greenwich Auction
Est: $200- $400
$1003 Bids
A leather Chesterfield armchair by Thomas Lloyd
Jun 18, 9:30 AM BST
A leather Chesterfield armchair by Thomas Lloyd
by Martel Maides
Est: £200- £300
£1603 Bids
A leather Chesterfield armchair by Thomas Lloyd
Jun 18, 9:30 AM BST
A leather Chesterfield armchair by Thomas Lloyd
by Martel Maides
Est: £200- £300
£1603 Bids
New Mexican, Chair
Jun 18, 9:30 AM MDT
New Mexican, Chair
by Santa Fe Art Auction
Est: $20- $999
$1003 Bids

Sellers Who Sell Chairs


Kamelot Auctions

Kamelot Auctions

Setdart Auction House

Setdart Auction House

Quittenbaum Kunstauktionen GmbH

Quittenbaum Kunstauktionen GmbH

Public Sale Auction House

Public Sale Auction House