French Empire Gondola Chair
Recent Sales
Antique Mid-19th Century French Empire Side Chairs
Wool, Walnut
Antique Mid-19th Century French Napoleon III Dining Room Chairs
Walnut
Antique 1890s French Empire Dining Room Chairs
Upholstery, Mahogany
Antique Mid-19th Century European Chairs
Wood
Antique 19th Century French Empire Revival Dining Room Chairs
Antique 19th Century French Empire Revival Dining Room Chairs
Wood
Early 20th Century French Empire Chairs
Antique 19th Century French Empire Chairs
Upholstery, Mahogany
Early 20th Century French Empire Chairs
Cotton, Walnut
Antique 19th Century French Empire Dining Room Chairs
Mahogany, Velvet
Vintage 1910s French Empire Dining Room Chairs
Velvet, Mahogany
Antique 1880s French Empire Dining Room Chairs
Linen, Mahogany
Vintage 1930s French Empire Dining Room Chairs
Burlap, Mahogany
Antique 19th Century French Empire Dining Room Chairs
Antique Late 19th Century French Empire Side Chairs
Fabric, Upholstery, Velvet, Mahogany
Antique 19th Century French Dining Room Chairs
Linen, Mahogany
Antique 19th Century French Empire Dining Room Chairs
Fabric, Mahogany
Antique Late 19th Century French Empire Dining Room Chairs
Fabric, Linen, Mahogany, Upholstery
Early 20th Century French Empire Dining Room Chairs
Cherry
Antique 19th Century French Empire Side Chairs
Mahogany
Antique Late 19th Century French Empire Chairs
Bronze
Antique 1880s French Empire Dining Room Chairs
Upholstery, Wood
Vintage 1970s French Empire Revival Dining Room Chairs
Walnut
Antique 19th Century French Empire Dining Room Chairs
Upholstery, Wood
Vintage 1920s French Empire Dining Room Chairs
Mahogany
Early 20th Century French Side Chairs
Mahogany, Velvet
Mid-20th Century French Empire Dining Room Chairs
Fabric, Upholstery, Oak, Walnut
Antique Mid-19th Century French Empire Chairs
Fabric, Walnut
Vintage 1910s French Modern Dining Room Chairs
Mahogany
Antique 1880s French Empire Dining Room Chairs
Upholstery, Mahogany
20th Century French Empire Dining Room Chairs
Linen, Fruitwood
Antique 1880s French Empire Dining Room Chairs
Burlap, Mahogany
Vintage 1920s French Empire Dining Room Chairs
Mahogany
Antique 1830s French Dining Room Chairs
Linen, Mahogany
Mid-20th Century French Empire Armchairs
Silk, Wood
Antique 19th Century Slipper Chairs
Mahogany, Silk
Antique 1810s French Empire Chairs
Mahogany
Antique Early 1900s French Empire Dining Room Chairs
Antique 1870s French Napoleon III Armchairs
Fabric, Wood
French Empire Gondola Chair For Sale on 1stDibs
How Much is a French Empire Gondola Chair?
Finding the Right Seating for You
With entire areas of our homes reserved for “sitting rooms,” the value of quality antique and vintage seating cannot be overstated.
Fortunately, the design of side chairs, armchairs and other lounge furniture — since what were, quite literally, the early perches of our ancestors — has evolved considerably.
Among the earliest standard seating furniture were stools. Egyptian stools, for example, designed for one person with no seat back, were x-shaped and typically folded to be tucked away. These rudimentary chairs informed the design of Greek and Roman stools, all of which were a long way from Sori Yanagi's Butterfly stool or Alvar Aalto's Stool 60. In the 18th century and earlier, seats with backs and armrests were largely reserved for high nobility.
The seating of today is more inclusive but the style and placement of chairs can still make a statement. Antique desk chairs and armchairs designed in the style of Louis XV, which eventually included painted furniture and were often made of rare woods, feature prominently curved legs as well as Chinese themes and varied ornaments. Much like the thrones of fairy tales and the regency, elegant lounges crafted in the Louis XV style convey wealth and prestige. In the kitchen, the dining chair placed at the head of the table is typically reserved for the head of the household or a revered guest.
Of course, with luxurious vintage or antique furnishings, every chair can seem like the best seat in the house. Whether your preference is stretching out on a plush sofa, such as the Serpentine, designed by Vladimir Kagan, or cozying up in a vintage wingback chair, there is likely to be a comfy classic or contemporary gem for you on 1stDibs.
With respect to the latest obsessions in design, cane seating has been cropping up everywhere, from sleek armchairs to lounge chairs, while bouclé fabric, a staple of modern furniture design, can be seen in mid-century modern, Scandinavian modern and Hollywood Regency furniture styles.
Admirers of the sophisticated craftsmanship and dark woods frequently associated with mid-century modern seating can find timeless furnishings in our expansive collection of lounge chairs, dining chairs and other items — whether they’re vintage editions or alluring official reproductions of iconic designs from the likes of Hans Wegner or from Charles and Ray Eames. Shop our inventory of Egg chairs, designed in 1958 by Arne Jacobsen, the Florence Knoll lounge chair and more.
No matter your style, the collection of unique chairs, sofas and other seating on 1stDibs is surely worthy of a standing ovation.
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Fred Rigby’s Modular Seating Can Be Configured in So Many Handy Ways
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This Chubby-Chic Quilted Stool Stands on Its Own Two Feet
Sam Klemick's cool stool is edgy, cozy and environmentally sustainable all at once.
Is Lionel Jadot the Willy Wonka of Upcycled Belgian Design?
From his massive collaborative workshop in a former paper factory, the designer concocts funky furniture from disused materials, as well as luxe hotel interiors like the new Mix Brussels.
Rock Your Cares Away on This Sunny Hand-Crocheted Swing
The boho-chic Enchanted Forest Swing, handmade by marginalized women from Turkey and Syria, is uplifting in every way.
Learn Why Designer Maarten Baas Set This Charles Rennie Mackintosh Chair on Fire
What happens when you do something to a piece of furniture that you shouldn’t? It becomes an entirely new object.