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Seats were primarily three-legged stools or benches. They were primitive, crudely made, and purely functional
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Seats added backs and four legs to become chairs. Gothic styles influenced furniture, which was often carved. High-backed and very straight cathedral chairs were typical.
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As the Renaissance thrived, chairs became more refined, lighter, more comfortable and more decorative. Looks became as important as function. The church was no longer the only patron of the arts; noblemen were, too. But European kings, particularly the French line of Louis XIII, XIV, XV, wielded the greatest influence. Louis XIV introduced luxurious ornamentation, veneers, rich fabrics, exotic wood, stones, gold and silver.
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This period took that richness and formality even further. Monarchs ushered in Rococo forms, curved lines, floral decorations and even more ornamentation. Instead of owning just one kind of chair, the middle and upper classes now had several kinds of seating: stools for perching, dining chairs, side chairs, armchairs, a low bench by the fire.
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After the French Revolution, the Napoleonic Empire emerged. Heavy, straight neoclassical lines replaced Rococo frippery. Large, Empire chairs became popular. Around mid-century, the Victorian era took hold, with its opulent displays of wealth. This period became known for its heavy fabrics, like velvet, in dark colors, such as red and green. The counterpart to this style in America was the Federal movement, a colonial classical look.
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No longer associated with sovereigns, furniture design came into the hands of the people. The century started with mission and arts and craft styles. Chairs' severe lines were a reaction to Victorian excesses and reflected industrialism. Art nouveau, modernism, art deco and Bauhaus followed. After World War II, mid-century modernism took off. Its function first, forthright, minimalist look fit the nation's mood. Chairs were light,sleek and featured materials: molded plywood, plastic and chrome.
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Today, chairs have been around since 1680 B.C. and people make them in factories
