10 Quirky Facts You Didn’t Know About Chairs

We sit in them every day and it’s easy to take them for granted, but did you ever wonder when the first chair as we know it was invented, how cinema seats were first introduced or where the word ‘chair’ actually comes from? Well, wonder no more, as Chair Hire is here to put your mind at rest with our fantastic, quirky and fascinating facts about chairs!

1. The Oldest Chair

The oldest chairs we know about data back to Ancient Egypt over 5,000 years ago and were used as ceremonial furniture. Kings and Queens were the only people allowed to be seated on chairs, while other loyal subjects had to perch on rocky outcrops or equally uncomfortable surfaces.

2. Chairs As We Know Them Today

Chairs, even though they existed thousands of years ago, only came into common use during the 16th century. Before that, we sat on stones and benches - not exactly the height of comfort! Most chair backs then were made from a combination of wood and metal, and often cast from one single tree trunk.

3. Where Does The Word ‘Chair’ Come From?

The word ‘chair’ actually comes from the word ‘cathedra’, a combination of Latin words that mean ‘sit’ and ‘down’. Incidentally, the word ‘cathedral’ got its name as it is the seat or chair of the bishop.

5. The Electric Chair

On a slightly more grisly note, the first electric chair was invented by Thomas Edison in 1889. At the time, it wasn’t designed to electrocute people, but to show how dangerous alternating current could be.

6. Game Of Thrones

Well, game of chairs, anyway. The first game of Musical Chairs is thought to date back to 1877.

7. Origins Of The Office Chair

The office chair as we know it today was actually invented by Charles Darwin. In the 1800s, he had the genius idea to install wheels to his favourite chair so that he could move easily between his many tables laden with papers and tools.

8. Cushions Were Essential Back In The Day

They are largely used for decorative purposes today, but in the 16th century when chairs were hard, cushions were an absolutely essential item. Just imagine having to sit on a stone or wooden chair for hours on end. It was during the 17th century that upholstered chairs with padded seating thankfully came into fashion.

9. The Cinema Seat

Have you ever thought about the origins of the cinema seat as we know it? It was actually invented in 1854 by Aaron H Allen in Boston. His patent for a self-adjusting opera seat was granted, and the rest is history.

10. Chair Hire Covers All Your Chair Hire Needs

Here at Chair Hire, we make chairs our business and we have a huge range of chairs available for hire at great prices and for as long as you need them. Hiring chairs makes a lot of sense from a cost, convenience and comfort perspective and we would be delighted to tell you more about our services, or to arrange a cost effective quote for you today.