Antique Chairs Collecting and Styling Ideas

Join us on a journey into the world of antique chairs. Explore the history, beauty, and tips for collecting and decorating with old chairs.

Antique Chairs

Antique chairs are not just pieces of furniture, but they hold a special charm and character that adds a touch of elegance to any space. These chairs have withstood the test of time and carry with them a rich history and unique craftsmanship. From intricately carved wooden chairs to ornate upholstered seats, antique chairs come in various styles, each reflecting the design influences of its era. Whether it’s a Queen Anne chair with its graceful curves and cabriole legs, a Chippendale chair adorned with intricate carvings, or a Windsor chair with its simple yet sturdy design, antique chairs offer a glimpse into the past and provide a connection to bygone eras. Owning an antique chair is like owning a piece of art, as they are not just functional but also stand as a testament to the skill and artistry of the craftsmen who created them.

Decorative Antique Chairs Ideas

Antique chairs can be a stunning addition to any room, adding a touch of timeless elegance and sophistication. Here are a few ideas on how to decorate with antique chairs:

Antique chairs are not only functional but also serve as decorative pieces that can add character and charm to any space. The key is to balance preserving their historical value and incorporating them into your existing decor style.

Vintage Doll Chairs

Not all antique chairs are for the dining room table. One summer, while vacationing in Rockport, Maine, I found a few vintage doll chairs, which I later became obsessed with.

About vintage doll chairs

Vintage doll chairs are adorable miniature versions of antique chairs that were made specifically for dolls. These tiny chairs are often crafted with exquisite attention to detail and replicate the design and craftsmanship of full-sized chairs from different eras. They come in a variety of styles, such as Victorian, Renaissance, or even mid-century modern. Vintage doll chairs can be used as charming decorative pieces, displayed on shelves or in dollhouses, adding a touch of nostalgia and whimsy to any room. They also make delightful collectibles for doll enthusiasts and can be handed down as cherished heirlooms. These miniature chairs are a testament to the artistry and craftsmanship of the past, and they continue to captivate both children and adults alike with their timeless charm.

Vintage Spindle Doll Chair

The first doll chair I found in an antique shop was this vintage spindle chair.

Whether used as a display piece or as a seat for dolls or small toys, the vintage spindle doll chair evokes a sense of whimsy and nostalgia. It is a reminder of simpler times and a testament to the enduring appeal of vintage aesthetics.

So, if you come across a vintage spindle doll chair, be sure to appreciate its unique design and craftsmanship. It represents a piece of history and adds a touch of vintage charm to any space.

There’s so much to love about old doll chairs, and I was even happier when I found three more doll chairs to go with this one. It was the beginning of my first-ever vintage doll chair collection. See all these antique doll chairs displayed in the Decorating with White Pumpkins Ideas post.

Free Antique Cane Chairs

What Are Antique Cane Chairs?

Antique cane chairs feature seats and backs woven from cane or rattan. Cane is derived from the outer bark of the rattan palm, a vine-like plant native to tropical regions. These chairs gained popularity in the 18th and 19th centuries and continue to be sought after by collectors and vintage furniture enthusiasts.

Antique cane chairs come in various styles, such as ladder-back, French bistro, and rocking chairs. The frames of these chairs are typically made from wood, often featuring ornate designs and carvings. The cane is then woven onto the frame, creating a visually appealing and functional seating surface.

Antique cane chairs not only serve as functional seating options but also add a touch of vintage charm and character to any space. They can be used as accent chairs in living rooms, dining chairs in traditional settings, or even as decorative pieces displayed in entryways or corners of a room.

A Church Bazaar

During one of my recent routine drives from Vermont to our Home in Maine, I stopped in at a pop-up roadside church bazaar. Do you ever do this?

And these two antique cane chairs were out on the lawn with a FREE sign on them.

What? The antique chair’s cane seating was also in perfect condition. When thrifting or antiquing for old cane chairs, be sure to check the cane seating and backing, as many have broken canes that will need repairing.

I packed up these free antique cane chairs, and today, they sit beautifully scattered throughout our Maine home dining room.

You may also enjoy seeing This Season’s Thrifting Trends post.

My friend, Courtney at French Country Cottage, talks about cane chairs in her post What to know about French Style Cane Dining Chairs if you want to learn more.

Do you follow Marian over at Miss Mustard Seed? I adore her blog posts like this one: A Sled, Ski Poles & French Wing Chairs. Once you check out Marian’s blog, just search for chairs, and you will find yourself immersed in the wonders and possibilities of decorating and styling with all things in antique chairs.

Antique Chairs Dining Ladder Backs

What are Antique Ladder Back Chairs?

Antique ladder back chairs are a type of chair with a distinctive backrest design resembling a ladder. They have been popular for centuries and are considered a classic and timeless furniture style.

The defining feature of antique ladder back chairs is the backrest, which consists of multiple horizontal slats or rungs that are evenly spaced and connected to vertical supports. This design resembles the rungs of a ladder, hence the name “ladder back.” The number of rungs can vary, typically ranging from three to six, depending on the chair’s size and style.

Antique ladder back chairs were commonly found in country homes, farmhouses, and taverns throughout history. They were popular due to their simple yet functional design, sturdiness, and reliability. Ladder back chairs were often used as dining chairs, but they were also found in kitchens, living rooms, and other home areas.

Antique Ladder Back Family Heirlooms

This leads me to the ladder back chairs surrounding our Maine dining room table.

I inherited this collection of antique chairs from my parents. I grew up with them around our dining room table. You may enjoy learning more about growing up in Maine in the Coastal Maine Heritage | Embracing My Roots post.

These antique ladder back chairs were used daily and remain in great condition to this day. I’m not sure exactly how old they are, but I know for certain they are old enough to be antique.

I was left with four antique ladder back chairs. I then got lucky and found two more exact matches while Thrifting with the Gals for just $25.00 a chair to complete this table’s sixth seating.

Table Settings Ideas with Antique Ladder Back Chairs

Antique Shaker Style Chairs

“These are some of the most recognizable pieces of American Furniture.”

Pamela Wiggins, a highly regarded antique and collectible costume jewelry expert and designer in per piece Identifying Shaker Chairs.

“Some of the most enduringly popular American antique furniture, known as Shaker style, was made not by a single designer, but by a group of people who shared a set of beliefs and an aesthetic. At its height, the Shaker movement included some 6,000 members living in 19 villages stretching from Maine to Indiana—yet this tiny group of people had an impressive impact on American style and design.” – Source: Pamela Wiggins, The Spruce Crafts.

Learn more about The Shakers and Their Furniture here.

Kitchen Shaker Chairs

I was fortunate enough to discover these three Shaker kitchen stools at a second-hand shop for $35 a stool. I’ve never seen another set quite like these anywhere.

The beautiful brown wood frame pairs so well with the white Shaker-style seating.

The shaker stools sit so pretty around our open kitchen island. The size is nice and lean, accommodating this space beautifully.

See more of these Shaker-style chairs in the Winter White Farmhouse Kitchen post.

You may also check out Shaker Workshops for their shaker furniture kits.

You may also enjoy the post Vintage Braiding Rug Stand | A Mother’s Day Reflection with a recently found antique captain’s chair.

You may also enjoy this Colonial House Plans: From Attic to Wall post.

Boston Rockers

Boston Rockers were popular in the Boston area during the 19th century and were commonly found in Victorian parlors and sitting rooms. They symbolized style and refinement and were often used by the upper class for relaxation and socializing. Boston rockers were also favored by nursing mothers, as the rocking motion provided comfort to both the mother and the baby.

Today, Boston rockers are appreciated for their classic design and timeless elegance. They can be a charming addition to various interiors, ranging from traditional and Victorian-style homes to more eclectic or contemporary settings. Many modern reproductions of Boston rockers are available, allowing individuals to enjoy the beauty and comfort of these chairs in their own homes.

Today, I cherish this black Boston Rocker that was once my mother’s and a thrifted Boston Rocker that I found for just $35. See more in the Vintage Weekend Finds Thrifting in Maine post.

Antique Chairs Guide to Collecting

Collecting and looking for antique chairs can be a fascinating and rewarding hobby. Here are some steps to help you get started:

Collecting antique chairs can require patience, research, and a discerning eye. Enjoy the process of hunting for unique pieces and building a collection that reflects your personal taste and passion for history.

Thanks so much for dropping by today, and I hope you found the inspiration you sought!

Antique Chairs Blog Hop

Next up on today’s tour is my friend Lora from Create and Ponder. You won’t want to miss Lora’s ideas on how to enjoy stools in your home. She’s one of my thrifting buddies, too!