How do I identify a Victorian chair?

To identify a Victorian chair, focus on the frame rather than the upholstery, which might have been replaced over the years. Look under the seat and on the legs for maker's marks. If you find any, conduct online research to determine if the manufacturer was active and producing chairs similar to yours during the Victorian era, which lasted from the 1830s through the turn of the 20th century. Some chairmakers who were active at the time include Chesterfield, Charles Hindley & Sons, Heywood-Wakefield Co., Howard & Sons and Jacob and Josef Kohn. Should you be unable to locate any markings, you can examine the characteristics of your chair to determine if it reflects the Victorian style. Easily recognizable, Victorian furniture is regal, ornate and luxurious. It often features curved lines, stately proportions and highly detailed geometric and floral embellishments. A certified appraiser or experienced antique dealer can also aid you in the identification process. On 1stDibs, explore a diverse assortment of Victorian chairs.

What is a Victorian slipper chair?

A Victorian slipper chair is a chair that was made to be shorter than the average chair. The height of its seat was 15 inches from the floor, compared to the standard 17 to 18 inches. Shop a collection of Victorian slipper chairs from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.

What is a Victorian lounge chair called?

What a Victorian lounge chair is called depends on its style. A piece that is long and narrow and has a raised headrest on one end and a lower backrest on the other is a fainting couch. Upholstered chairs that have long, extended seats meant for reclining are chaise longues. Find a collection of lounge chairs on 1stDibs.

What is an antique Bergère chair?

An antique Bergère chair is a Victorian-era French armchair, often with upholstered armrests and a removable seat cushion. The curved back of this chair would be crafted with wicker. Shop a collection of Bergère chairs from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.

How do you tell if your rocking chair is an antique?

To tell if your rocking chair is an antique, search the back, rockers and the underside of the seat for a label, stamp or other marking. If you locate one, conduct online research using trusted resources to learn about the maker. By finding out when the manufacturer produced chairs similar to yours, you may be able to determine if your chair is at least 100 years old, making it an antique. If you cannot find a maker's mark, consider contacting a certified appraiser or antique dealer and asking them to date your piece for you. Explore a range of antique rocking chairs on 1stDibs.

How can you tell if a dining chair is antique?

To tell if a dining chair is antique, first look for markings that can help you identify the maker. You will normally find these under the seat. By using information published on trusted online resources, you can research the markings to learn who made the chair and when the maker was active. Any dining chair made 100 years ago or earlier is an antique. Another way to identify antique chairs is to examine their details closely. Most antique dining chairs are handmade, so you can expect to see subtle tool markings and slight irregularities. A lack of these characteristics may indicate that a dining chair is machine-made and less likely to be an antique. For assistance with dating your dining chairs, consult a certified appraiser or knowledgeable antique dealer. On 1stDibs, find a large selection of antique dining chairs.

How do I find out what my antique chair is worth?

To find out what your antique chair is worth, you can conduct research using trusted online resources. Specifically, study the sales history for pieces similar to yours in terms of maker, age, style and type. Because the condition of your chair will also impact its value, you may wish to have a certified appraiser or knowledgeable antique dealer inspect and evaluate your piece. Find a collection of antique chairs on 1stDibs.

How can you tell how old an antique chair is?

To tell how old an antique chair is, you have a few options. One is to conduct research on your own using trusted online resources and print references from your local library. If your chair has a maker's mark, learning more about the company, artisan or workshop that produced it can be a good starting point. Dating unmarked chairs can be more difficult because certain styles remained in production for long periods. In this case, you may wish to have a certified appraiser or knowledgeable antique dealer evaluate your chair for you. Shop a wide range of antique chairs on 1stDibs.

How much is an antique barber chair worth?

Depending on the quality, age, and model, Koken vintage barber chairs can sell for $500 to $6000. Older chairs will often have a higher value.

How much is my antique high chair worth?

There is no universal guideline for determining the value of antique high chairs. Typically, high chairs can cost anywhere between $50 and $500. The price of a high chair is determined by the condition of the chair, its construction, whether or not all parts are intact and its desirability.

What did antique carver chairs originally look like?

The design has changed over the years, but most antique carver chairs were made of wood . Antique carver chairs were wide chairs made in 17th century New England — with backs that featured several supporting spindles — although there were no spindles between the armrests and the seat. Antique carver chairs were typically topped with decorative ornaments.

Antique Victorian Chairs

19th Century Oak Chairs

Victorian Parlor Furniture

Library Chair Chair

Parlor Chairs

$2,250 / set

$525Sale Price|30% Off

$3,630

$2,733

Set Victorian Dining Chairs 6 Walnut Cabriole Seats 1860

Located in Potters Bar, GB

Pretty set of 6 victorian walnut cabriole leg chairs Circa 1860 These chairs are raised upon cabriole front legs and shaped back legs The chairs feature stuff over seats (very comfor...

Category

1860s Victorian Antique Victorian Chairs

Materials

Materials

Glass, Velvet

Unavailable

Unavailable

H 31 in W 52 in D 23 in

Victorian Courting Chair Tete-a-Tete

Located in Fair Oaks, CA

Beautiful chair, late Victorian age. This has one repair to a part of the spools but not structural damage and you can't tell unless you look closely.

Materials

Upholstery, Wood

17th Century Victorian Walnut Nursing Chairs

Unavailable

H 33.47 in W 22.84 in D 19.69 in

17th Century Victorian Walnut Nursing Chairs

By Momiq Design

Located in Amsterdam, Noord Holland

MOMIQ chairs 'IKIZ': this is a set of two Victorian walnut nursing chairs with carved wood on the sides.

Category

1690s Early Victorian Antique Victorian Chairs

Materials

Cotton

Early Victorian Set of Six Giltwood Dining Chairs

Unavailable

H 35.44 in W 20.87 in D 26.38 in

Early Victorian Set of Six Giltwood Dining Chairs

Located in York, GB

Truly splendid set of six early Victorian giltwood dining chairs which are of generous proportions and heavy and solid construction.

Category

19th Century European Early Victorian Antique Victorian Chairs

Materials

Giltwood

Victorian 19th Century Regency Corner Seating Chair

Unavailable

H 37 in W 25 in D 16 in

Victorian 19th Century Regency Corner Seating Chair

Located in Fair Oaks, CA

Bought from original owner over 40 years ago. Perfect condition chair. There is some surface scratches but nothing that would deter from the condition of this beautiful chair. I beli...

Category

19th Century Late Victorian Antique Victorian Chairs

Pair Victorian Carved Walnut Side Chairs, Occasional Chairs, Scotland 1890, H503

Unavailable

H 34 in W 18.5 in D 20.5 in

Pair Victorian Carved Walnut Side Chairs, Occasional Chairs, Scotland 1890, H503

Located in Vancouver, BC

Pair of Victorian Carved Walnut Side Chairs, Occasional Chairs, Scotland 1890, H503 Scotland 1890 Solid Walnut Original Finish Having a quality carved top rail Open pierced carved s...

Category

1890s Scottish Victorian Antique Victorian Chairs

Materials

Walnut

Magnificent pair of Victorian armchair

Unavailable

H 41.34 in W 24.81 in D 20.48 in

Magnificent pair of Victorian armchair

Located in Carrocera, Spain

Magnificent pair of Victorian chairs made from lacquered wood. Presents openwork decoration on top of the backrest and inlaid miniature scene at the bottom.

Victorian Walnut Button Back Chair

Unavailable

H 912 in W 62 in D 70 in

Victorian Walnut Button Back Chair

Located in Salisbury, GB

A pretty Victorian walnut button back bedroom chair later upholstered in silk, circa 1880.

Oak

Mario Bellini "CAB 413” Chairs for Cassina, Natural Leather, 1977, Set of 8

On Hold|~~$25,200 / set~~

$2,398 / set

H 10.24 in W 5.91 in D 7.09 in

Two 1990s Barovier Style Mid-Century Modern Murano Glass and Brass Wall Sconces

By Barovier

Located in Aci Castello, IT

This set of two wall sconces is a stunning example of Barovier-style Mid-Century Modern design from the 1990s. Strongly inspired by the iconic Murano glass traditions, particularly r...

Category

Late 20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Antique Victorian Chairs

Materials

Brass

Italian Baroque Rocking Chair by Pauly & Co., 19th Century Silver Leaf

$22,500

$6,625 / set

H 39.38 in W 16.93 in D 15.75 in

Exquisite Pair of Chairs by Gabriel Viardot - France, Circa 1890

By Gabriel Viardot

Located in Isle Sur La Sorgue, Vaucluse

Rare and wonderful pair of "Pagoda" side chairs by Gabriel Viardot. Mahogany, with ivory and bronze detailing. The back medallions feature a dragon. Newly reupholstered with ve...

Category

19th Century French Antique Victorian Chairs

Mae Solid Wood Nightstand and End Table by Crump and Kwash

$3,950 / item

H 21 in W 30 in D 17 in

Mae Solid Wood Nightstand and End Table by Crump and Kwash

By Crump and Kwash

Located in Baltimore City, MD

Mae nightstand by Crump and Kwash Solid wood case / hand turned legs / hand rubbed oil finish / solid brass or bronzed pulls / dovetailed solid wood drawer boxes / premium, full e...

Category

2010s North American Modern Antique Victorian Chairs

Materials

Brass

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Antique Victorian Chairs For Sale on 1stDibs

An assortment of antique victorian chairs is available at 1stDibs. Frequently made of wood, mahogany and fabric, all antique victorian chairs available were constructed with great care. There are all kinds of antique victorian chairs available, from those produced as long ago as the 18th Century to those made as recently as the 20th Century. There are many kinds of antique victorian chairs to choose from, but at 1stDibs, Victorian, Georgian and Louis XV antique victorian chairs are of considerable interest. Chesterfield, Howard & Sons Ltd and Heywood-Wakefield Co. each produced beautiful antique victorian chairs that are worth considering.

How Much are Antique Victorian Chairs?

Prices for antique victorian chairs start at $170 and top out at $65,333 with the average selling for $2,016.

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.

Questions About Antique Victorian Chairs

How do I identify a Victorian chair?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertNovember 4, 2024
To identify a Victorian chair, focus on the frame rather than the upholstery, which might have been replaced over the years. Look under the seat and on the legs for maker's marks. If you find any, conduct online research to determine if the manufacturer was active and producing chairs similar to yours during the Victorian era, which lasted from the 1830s through the turn of the 20th century. Some chairmakers who were active at the time include Chesterfield, Charles Hindley & Sons, Heywood-Wakefield Co., Howard & Sons and Jacob and Josef Kohn. Should you be unable to locate any markings, you can examine the characteristics of your chair to determine if it reflects the Victorian style. Easily recognizable, Victorian furniture is regal, ornate and luxurious. It often features curved lines, stately proportions and highly detailed geometric and floral embellishments. A certified appraiser or experienced antique dealer can also aid you in the identification process. On 1stDibs, explore a diverse assortment of Victorian chairs.
What is a Victorian slipper chair?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
A Victorian slipper chair is a chair that was made to be shorter than the average chair. The height of its seat was 15 inches from the floor, compared to the standard 17 to 18 inches. Shop a collection of Victorian slipper chairs from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.
What is a Victorian lounge chair called?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertDecember 12, 2023
What a Victorian lounge chair is called depends on its style. A piece that is long and narrow and has a raised headrest on one end and a lower backrest on the other is a fainting couch. Upholstered chairs that have long, extended seats meant for reclining are chaise longues. Find a collection of lounge chairs on 1stDibs.
What is an antique Bergère chair?
2 Answers
1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
An antique Bergère chair is a Victorian-era French armchair, often with upholstered armrests and a removable seat cushion. The curved back of this chair would be crafted with wicker. Shop a collection of Bergère chairs from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.
1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
Bergere chairs are a type of upholstered French armchair that have an enclosed design. They’re designed for lounging comfortably and usually feature deep, wide seats. On 1stDibs, shop a collection of antique Bergere chairs from some of the world’s top sellers.
How do you tell if your rocking chair is an antique?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertOctober 24, 2024
To tell if your rocking chair is an antique, search the back, rockers and the underside of the seat for a label, stamp or other marking. If you locate one, conduct online research using trusted resources to learn about the maker. By finding out when the manufacturer produced chairs similar to yours, you may be able to determine if your chair is at least 100 years old, making it an antique. If you cannot find a maker's mark, consider contacting a certified appraiser or antique dealer and asking them to date your piece for you. Explore a range of antique rocking chairs on 1stDibs.
How can you tell if a dining chair is antique?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertAugust 15, 2024
To tell if a dining chair is antique, first look for markings that can help you identify the maker. You will normally find these under the seat. By using information published on trusted online resources, you can research the markings to learn who made the chair and when the maker was active. Any dining chair made 100 years ago or earlier is an antique. Another way to identify antique chairs is to examine their details closely. Most antique dining chairs are handmade, so you can expect to see subtle tool markings and slight irregularities. A lack of these characteristics may indicate that a dining chair is machine-made and less likely to be an antique. For assistance with dating your dining chairs, consult a certified appraiser or knowledgeable antique dealer. On 1stDibs, find a large selection of antique dining chairs.
How do I find out what my antique chair is worth?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertSeptember 9, 2024
To find out what your antique chair is worth, you can conduct research using trusted online resources. Specifically, study the sales history for pieces similar to yours in terms of maker, age, style and type. Because the condition of your chair will also impact its value, you may wish to have a certified appraiser or knowledgeable antique dealer inspect and evaluate your piece. Find a collection of antique chairs on 1stDibs.
How can you tell how old an antique chair is?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertOctober 24, 2024
To tell how old an antique chair is, you have a few options. One is to conduct research on your own using trusted online resources and print references from your local library. If your chair has a maker's mark, learning more about the company, artisan or workshop that produced it can be a good starting point. Dating unmarked chairs can be more difficult because certain styles remained in production for long periods. In this case, you may wish to have a certified appraiser or knowledgeable antique dealer evaluate your chair for you. Shop a wide range of antique chairs on 1stDibs.
How much is an antique barber chair worth?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertFebruary 22, 2021
Depending on the quality, age, and model, Koken vintage barber chairs can sell for $500 to $6000. Older chairs will often have a higher value.
How much is my antique high chair worth?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertOctober 12, 2021
There is no universal guideline for determining the value of antique high chairs. Typically, high chairs can cost anywhere between $50 and $500. The price of a high chair is determined by the condition of the chair, its construction, whether or not all parts are intact and its desirability.
What did antique carver chairs originally look like?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertOctober 21, 2020
The design has changed over the years, but most antique carver chairs were made of wood. Antique carver chairs were wide chairs made in 17th century New England — with backs that featured several supporting spindles — although there were no spindles between the armrests and the seat. Antique carver chairs were typically topped with decorative ornaments.