From ancient civilizations to the modern day, chairs have always been a part of our lives, following and shaping trends in design. From simple wooden stools to bejeweled thrones, every kind of chair imaginable exists. Some are made for comfort, some for their looks, and some are the perfect blend of both. Take a seat and get ready to ‘chairish’ the history of the most iconic chairs ever created.
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Windsor Chair
Circa: 18th Century
Provenance: England
While its exact origins are unknown, the Windsor Chair is synonymous with the craftsmanship and tradition of the old world. It is thought to have been first created in Windsor, England, and then brought to the United States by the early settlers, where it quickly grew in popularity. This chair is characterized by a slightly reclined back that is composed of many turned wooden spindles. A sculpted solid wood seat and splayed legs balance its timeless design.
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Louis XVI Chair
Circa: 1774
Provenance: France
Named after the last king of France, the Louis XVI Chair is a neoclassical masterpiece that is still produced and admired today. The chair was originally designed for Marie Antoinette for her new apartments at Versailles and other royal palaces. And like everything the family touched, it is opulent. Ornate detailing, fluted legs reminiscent of Greek or Roman columns, plush seats, and an upholstered back reflect the grandeur of the time.
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Cesca Chair
Circa: 1928
Provenance: United States
Hungarian-American designer and architect Marcel Breuer’s Cesca Chair is a quintessential example of Bauhaus design. One of many mass-produced chairs in the 1900s, it is also frequently called B32. The Cesca features a cane seat and cantilevered metal base, marrying traditional craftsmanship with modern materials. Besides being a design marvel, its flexible, cantilevered structure makes for a particularly comfortable perch.
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Barcelona Chair
Circa: 1929
Provenance: Germany
Designed by Ludwig Mies van der Rohe for the German Pavilion at the 1929 International Exposition in Barcelona, the Barcelona Chair is a modernist masterpiece. Mies van der Rohe wanted his chair to be ‘a monumental object’ that was ‘fit for a king’ as he knew King Alfonso XIII of Spain would be at the exposition. It is inspired by classical forms and it features a sleek, scissor-shaped design that will never go out of style.
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Womb Chair
Circa: 1948
Provenance: United States
Challenged to create the ‘world’s most comfortable chair,’ designer Eero Saarinen created the fabulous Womb Chair. This mid-century modern beauty features a large, organic shape reminiscent of a womb. It envelops the sitter in comfort.
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Wishbone Chair
Circa: 1949
Provenance: Denmark
The iconic Wishbone chair was designed by Hans J. Wegner as a part of a series inspired by Ming Dynasty chairs. Originally dubbed ‘CH24’ by Wegner, it is also called the ‘Y’ chair because of its back shape. With its organic, flowing lines and ergonomic shape, the chair embodies the best Scandinavian design principles, blending form and function.
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Series 7 Chair
Circa: 1955
Provenance: Denmark
After creating his popular Ant Chair, Danish designer Arne Jacobsen created Series 7 inspired by Charles and Ray Eames’ experiments with molded plywood. This chair, also known as the Model 3107 features a minimalist and stackable design.
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Tulip Chair
Circa: 1956
Provenance: United States
Another iconic mid-century modern creation, the Tulip Chair was created by Finnish-American designer Eero Saarinen. He famously despised the cluttered look that chair legs created under a table and sought to design a more streamlined solution. The single pedestal base and botanical form of the Tulip Chair challenged conventional design aesthetics and earned it a place among the most iconic designs of all time.
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Eames Lounger and Ottoman
Circa: 1956
Provenance: United States
The Eames Lounge Chair and Ottoman by Charles and Ray Eames is widely regarded as a symbol of mid-century modern design. The iconic silhouette of the lounger, with its sleek lines and inviting seat followed in the footsteps of previous Eames designs, which were also incredibly popular. Molded from plywood, shaped, and upholstered in leather, the chair is as luxurious as it is comfortable.
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Ghost Chair
Circa: 2002
Provenance: Italy
Conceived by renowned designer Philippe Starck for Kartell, the Ghost Chair is a modern reinterpretation of the classic Louis XVI Chair. It is constructed of transparent polycarbonate, blending a traditional silhouette with a contemporary material.
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There’s More to Chairish – Bring These Iconic Seats Home
Bridging art, history, science, and design, these chairs are a reminder of the limitless potential of human creativity. Not only did these iconic designs make a splash in their own time, but we are now fortunate enough to be able to enjoy them in our homes. Whether you’re looking for that perfect statement piece or a complete set of distinctive chairs for your dining area, explore our comprehensive collection of chairs today – available at up to 90% off retail.
