'They’re not just wood and screws. They’re memory makers' – why the iconic American Adirondack chair has stood the test of time

Better Vintage is a monthly celebration of objects that prove true style only gets better with time. Each story reveals why these pieces endure and why vintage examples carry more beauty, craft, and soul. With history, expert voices, and styling ideas alongside practical buying guidance, this is a collector’s guide to the most iconic secondhand pieces, because some things are simply better vintage.

When you think of iconic chair designs, there are likely a handful that come to mind instantly. The Togo chair for its plush pillowiness, the Egg chair for you guessed it, its egg-like shape, and of course, the Eames lounger chair, known for its ultra-slick midcentury vibe. While these are highly collectible (and highly prized) examples of iconic furniture, there's a far humbler style that's equally as original and widely recognized (everyone has likely sat on one), loved for its comfort and relaxation – the Adirondack chair.

An American household staple, it's common to see the low-slung deck chair in homes across the country. Typically found on porches and backyards, the Adirondack chair is the archetypal lounger that has been featured in homes for decades.

First designed in the early 20th century, the style is not only iconic but clever, constructed to hold a sitter comfortably even on the uneven terrain of the Adirondack mountains (hence the name). Sean Jennings, founder of antique store Original & Worn, explains, 'They just sort of wandered into American life and stayed. They started in the mountains, but before long, you’d see them at cabins, on porches, around lakes, even at the beach. Part of it is the design. It’s easy to sit back and breathe for a while.'

The history of the Adirondack chair

The Adirondack chair was first introduced by Thomas Lee in the early 1900s. Vacationing at his summer home in Westport, New York (in the Adirondack Mountains), Lee wished to create a comfortable and durable chair that he could lounge on while enjoying the scenic views of the area. During the design's development, Lee emphasized one crucial detail that made the Adirondack chair better than its earlier counterparts: it could remain upright on even the most sloped terrain.

Ann Couser Kittredge, founder of Dabbling & Decorating, explains, 'The Westport Chair originated first and was later reinvented into the Adirondack Chair with a more concave, deep backing, but the same slanted back that keeps you comfortable on a slope. And that is what most people don't know. The Adirondack chairs were designed for slope seating, like on a mountainside. Most people think they were made for coastal and seaside living.'

Barry Gregson, furniture maker and owner of Adirondack Rustics in Schoon Lake, NY, says, 'The Adirondack chair, and its predecessor, the Westport chair, were developed in one of the most beautiful regions of the nation. I believe that the Adirondack chair has endured for well over a hundred years because of its simple, yet ingenious design.'

He adds, 'Its sloped seat, along with its slanted back, creates a chair that puts the user in a somewhat reclined position. Some people say it can be difficult to get out of – but I think that’s exactly the point. The chair forces people to sit, relax, and linger a bit longer; it even has nice, wide arms so you have a place for your favorite beverage. When you’re in the Adirondacks, it’s very important to be laid back, both figuratively and literally, so that you can slow down and take in the region’s beauty.'

Why are Adirondack chairs better vintage?

It's a rare sight not to see a backyard or front porch that features a pair of Adirondack chairs. They're one of the most recognizable outdoor furniture styles that continue to be popular amongst homeowners across the country.

And as with anything so popular, it's a design that's been recreated by thousands of brands. However, a vintage Adirondack chair with age and patina is a collectible. Originals are filled with history; their signs of age are a testament to their endurance and ability to withstand years of use.

'I’ve got a soft spot for pairs of vintage Adirondack chairs,' says Sean. 'Years ago, I picked up a vintage matching set, a little rough from years of use. They creak when you lean back, just enough to remind you they’ve been around a while. My wife and I claimed them as “ours.” We’d joke about how they’d be the chairs we’d grow old in. And maybe we will. Two chairs, side by side, weathering sun and rain just like we do.'

He adds, 'That’s what I love about vintage Adirondack chairs. They’re not just wood and screws. They’re memory makers. Every little scratch, every coat of paint, every season adds another layer to the story.'

At first glance, modern Adirondack chairs appear similar to their older counterparts, but the defining difference is often their material; the original designs were carved from thick planks of wood that gave them a sturdy, block-like quality. Many of today's recreations can use several thinner slats for the backrest and seat.

Sarah Trop, interior designer at FunCycled, explains, 'Although the design of the now modern Adirondack chair is different from the original, its relaxed style and long-standing design for comfort continue to appeal to homeowners in the States.'

What to look for and where to buy vintage Adirondack chairs

There's a pared-back simplicity about the original styles. The oldest surviving examples of Adirondack chairs are the most unique, so don't be put off by their rustic appearance; the more worn, weathered, and aged, the better.

Whether it's a low-slung lounger with a little peeling paint or a traditional dark wood chair with a few scratches, these pieces are desirable due to their unique shape and composition, qualities that newer models lack. The weatherworn signs are part of their charm and can be transformed with a fresh lick of paint or some varnish.

Lauren Sullivan, Founder of Well by Design, says, 'The Adirondack embodies American leisure in a very universal way: durable, unfussy, and timeless. Even as modern composite versions offer durability, it’s the wooden chairs that carry the patina and presence most associated with nostalgia and tradition.'

Scroll through most online marketplaces and you'll find a treasure trove of Adirondacks that date back as far as the 1920s. With pristine examples fetching thousands of dollars, and designs that need some TLC going for under $50.

If you are looking for a bargain that might need some work, eBay is your best bet. For more pristine examples, Chairish and 1st Dibs offer a stellar line-up of styles, all unique in design but filled with history and charm. While prices are typically higher for these pieces, it's worth paying more if you'd rather not embark on an upcycling project.

How to style the Adirondack chair today

Styling an Adirondack chair isn't hard. In fact, the beauty of the style is its ease. Prop two up on a porch beside a fire pit, and you've got an effortless set-up that does everything it needs to.

Lauren says, 'If styling vintage Adirondack chairs today, I’d lean into juxtaposition – pairing its rustic silhouette with more refined outdoor pieces, like an iron garden table or a sculptural planter. Keeping finishes natural or weathered feels authentic, but a high-gloss black or deep green lacquer could transform it into something unexpected.'

Available in many hues, shapes, and sizes, pairing Adirondack chairs with your interior design style is easy. Sean says, 'How you style these iconic chairs depends on your taste, really. Some folks leave them plain wood and let the grain and weather tell the story. Others paint them white for that clean, coastal look. I’ve seen them in every color you can imagine (red, navy, bright yellow) popping against a backyard lawn. Throw on a cushion if you want, or a blanket over the back for when the night air gets cool.'

Sarah agrees that styling is straightforward, 'Adding a simple throw blanket over the back and a cushy lumbar pillow for additional support to me are key accessories for embracing this chair and its intended purpose: inviting calm and rest into the everyday.'

Shop vintage Adirondack chairs

If you are after an old, vintage Adirondack chair you won't be short of choice on online marketplaces. And the prices vary massively too, so you no matter what your budget you can find a piece of history to add to your own porch.

Shop new Adirondack chairs

Recreations of the Adirondack style are everywhere, so if you are after a new design in a more contemporary style, material, or color, you'll find plenty of options.

The Adirondack chair is more than a practical piece of furniture; it's a familiar friend that reminds us to sit back, relax, and enjoy the view.

'They remind people of slowing down,' Sean says. 'Of summer nights with a glass of something cold, or mornings where you sit with coffee and let the day start on its own time. Those wide arms? They’ve held drinks, fishing rods, melting popsicles, you name it. The chair isn’t just furniture. It’s a kind of symbol. A way of saying, 'I’ve got nowhere better to be right now.'

Adirondack chairs are filled with history. The further back you go, the more tales you discover. Some things are simply better vintage.