As we like to say, the best things happen around dining room tables. Nine years ago, that’s how Chairish was created, when our co-founders Anna and Gregg Brockway envisioned a marketplace for buying and selling the most unique furniture in the world. In the years since, something quite extraordinary has happened. We’ve “re-Chairished” over 590,000 fabulous products, keeping them circulating and contributing to a more sustainable economy. We’ve supported 10,000 small businesses that list items on our site, keeping the dream of entrepreneurship alive for many. And, in the spirit of our name, we’ve fallen in love with many, many exquisite chairs.
True, chairs are just one category of product we have on Chairish… but hey, we love a good theme. With that in mind, we gathered together nine iconic types of chairs to celebrate each of our nine incredible years. To all our sellers and buyers, we want to thank you, congratulate you, and invite you along for the many years to come in our journey. Now kick back, relax, and find even more favorites in our selections below.
Swivel Chairs
They spin us round, right round. Like a catchy song, swivel chairs have evolved and updated over the years, but have never really gone out of style. We love everything from chunky barrel-style chairs that practically beg you to sit and get comfy to sleeker seats on a more pronounced, narrow base. And whether they look like a Deco treasure or a floating Postmodern pillow, there’s a swivel chair for everyone.
Slipper Chairs
Varied and versatile, slipper chairs come in practically every style, with just one basic rule: no arms allowed. This frequently makes them the rovers of a seating arrangement, able to be moved into different positions to accommodate groups of people and conversation needs. And since they typically have a wide base and are generously upholstered, they’re a comfy, inviting style for any visitor.
Club Chairs
With their origins as leather-adorned status symbols from men’s social clubs (hence the name), you would think club chairs would be stuffy and singular in their purpose. To that we say, “rubbish.” Today, club chairs can come in any material, color, or pattern — we see you, hot pink and florals — and are a welcome idea for any kind of guest, whether dues-paying or not.
Chippendale Chairs
Named after the 18th-century designer credited for inventing the style, Chippendale chairs have been redesigned, remade, and remixed too many times to count. And we love every version. With their intricate open-patterned backs, ornate legs, and cushioned seats (usually), Chippendale chairs are a versatile option everywhere from the dining room to the patio. They’re as eye-catching in a dining set of six as they are solo.
Louis-Style Furniture
Like Chippendale chairs, Louis-style furniture started in one place style-wise — Versailles — and ended up somewhere totally different — Studio 54. Okay, that’s a bit of an exaggeration: Versailles and Studio 54 aren’t that different at all. But the not-at-all-humble furniture of Louis XV and XVI has morphed its way around the world, seducing us with curved backs, ornate woodwork, and plush upholstery. You’ll find iterations in every shape and shade around the world, whether you’re touring palaces or discos (or both).
Mid-Century Icons
Not to brag, but we run with a pretty famous crowd. Hansen. Eames. Breuer too. Herman Miller, we love you. Mid-century icons, all of them, who crafted delightfully curved, swooping, and sleek furniture that’s still being produced today. Every designer out there has their favorites of the bunch, with the original vintage pieces being snapped up by collectors around the world as the mid-century mania of the last several years shows no signs of slowing down.
Klismos Chairs
Invented by the ancient Greeks and revived by the European obsession with all things neoclassical in the late 18th century, Klismos chairs are primarily known for their most Mediterranean feature: gorgeous legs. Their swooping, elegant curves make them excellent statement chairs, and can today be found in every metal, wood, and type of upholstery imaginable to our modern minds.
Wingback Chairs
Compared to our other styles, there’s something about the high, broad backs of wingback chairs that can stand a bit aloof but also most assuredly says, “look at me.” With their tendency to envelop the sitter and literal wings to block noise at the top, they may not be the most conversational piece in our posse, but there’s simply nothing better for a soothing evening by the fire. Wingbacks can be formal or fun, with iterations for every type of home.
Unexpected and Iconic Chairs
Because every greatest hits list needs a wild card. We compiled a curation of some of our favorite unexpected and iconic chairs, ranging from Postmodern to purely avant-garde, including Ligne Roset’s Togo lounge chair, pieces from Cassina and Castelli, and many more. These chairs truly represent furniture as art, with iconic, groundbreaking forms that still break the mold today.
