It may be one of the most ubiquitous pieces of furniture today, but the humble chair has royal beginnings and an enduring history. From ancient civilizations to modern times, chairs have witnessed the evolution of societies, cultures, designs, and architecture. Here is a brief history of how the chair became the universal seat known today.

What Were the Earliest Chairs Like?

Primitive people used whatever materials they could find to serve as their seats. These were usually stumps, rocks, logs, or anything else within reach. 

Ancient Greek art and Egyptian tomb paintings were the first to depict the earliest versions of chairs. In 3,000 B.C., a Greek sculpture portrayed a four-legged seat used by a harpist. Chairs remained rare throughout this period and  were mainly set aside for royalty and other notable individuals. Pharaohs were often illustrated sitting on thrones, four-legged chairs with high backs covered in leather or cloth.

Similarly, in ancient Rome, only emperors and priests sat on thrones. Later, the general Roman populace found an excellent use for bench-style seating, and this trend spread in churches and among the ordinary citizens of the Western world. Until the beginning of the Renaissance era, chairs or thrones were used mostly by nobles. 

How Did the Chair Enter the Mainstream?

As soon as the chair stopped being a symbol of privilege and royalty during the Renaissance, it was made available to anyone who could afford it. By the 1800s, almost all American families had a dining chair for each member. 

As technological innovations boosted chair production in the 20th century, manufacturers released more designs and utilized diverse materials. Today, chairs have evolved from being merely convenient pieces of furniture to seats with ergonomic or medical features and even massage functions.

If you're shopping for chairs for your home or office, Jaya Furniture in Honolulu, HI, is your one-stop-shop for elegant and unique pieces. Whether you need dining tables, home decor, or custom pieces, they are happy to discuss their exceptional designs with you. Call them today at (808) 829-4296 to inquire about a custom order, or visit their website to browse their extensive list of products.