Maitland Smith Stool
Late 20th Century Country Stools
Leather, Mahogany
Vintage 1970s Colombian Mid-Century Modern Stools
Bone, Coconut
Vintage 1970s American Regency Vanities
Horn, Canvas, Mirror
Recent Sales
Late 20th Century Bohemian Stools
Leather, Faux Bamboo
Late 20th Century Philippine Post-Modern Stools
Resin, Upholstery, Wood
Vintage 1980s Philippine Campaign Stools
Brass
Vintage 1980s Philippine Campaign Stools
Brass
Vintage 1980s Philippine Mid-Century Modern Stools
Brass
Late 20th Century Philippine Neoclassical Stools
Upholstery, Cane, Mirror, Mahogany, Paint
Vintage 1970s American Stools
Bronze
20th Century American Stools
20th Century Indonesian Regency Benches
Fabric, Wood
Vintage 1980s American Modern Stools
Shell, Wood
Vintage 1980s American Late Victorian Stools
Bronze
20th Century Neoclassical Stools
Upholstery, Wood
Vintage 1970s Unknown Benches
Vintage 1970s American Side Tables
Bronze
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21st Century and Contemporary Italian Classical Greek Stone Sinks
Marble
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Art Deco Wall Lights and Sconces
Brass
Mid-20th Century French Art Deco Coffee and Cocktail Tables
Leather, Walnut, Upholstery
Vintage 1940s French Art Deco Vanities
Mirror
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Vanities
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Mid-Century Modern Chandeliers and...
Brass
2010s Chandeliers and Pendants
Metal
Vintage 1920s Art Deco Vanities
Mirror
21st Century and Contemporary European Mid-Century Modern Slipper Chairs
Mohair, Wood
21st Century and Contemporary American Mid-Century Modern Flush Mount
Brass
Vintage 1930s Dutch Art Deco Sofas
Walnut, Burl
Antique 19th Century Italian Classical Roman Stone Sinks
Marble
Vintage 1940s French Art Deco Table Mirrors
Metal
Vintage 1940s French Side Tables
Oak
Vintage 1940s European Art Deco Vanities
Upholstery, Sycamore
Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Velvet, Maple
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.
- What is Maitland-Smith?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022Maitland-Smith is a furniture company founded in 1979 in Hong Kong. The company originally produced reproductions of 17th- and 18th-century furniture and then branched out to create an eclectic range of original designs. Many of its pieces feature decorative tops with hand-applied inlays and carved details. You'll find a selection of Maitland-Smith furniture on 1stDibs.
- Who owns Maitland-Smith?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022RHF Investments owns Maitland-Smith as of December 2021. The company operates from its headquarters in Hickory, North Carolina, and gained control of numerous brands in 2018, including Maitland-Smith, Hickory Chair and Pearson. You'll find a variety of Maitland-Smith furniture on 1stDibs.
- Who is Maitland-Smith Furniture?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022Originally founded by a London-based antiques dealer, Maitland-Smith Furniture has grown its luxury furniture brand into one that is synonymous with fine-quality specialties. Its designs feature hand-carved woodwork, inlaid marquetry and painted detailing to add extra elegance to every piece. Shop a collection of Maitland-Smith furniture from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertMay 14, 2024Maitland-Smith Furniture is more than 40 years old. Paul Maitland-Smith established the company in Hong Kong in 1979 after getting his start in London in the 1950s as an antique dealer who also sold reproduction furniture, something that would become a Maitland-Smith specialty. The manufacturer's early reproductions of 17th- and 18th-century furniture included Chippendale dining chairs, and soon afterward, Maitland-Smith expanded into a range of decorative designs that often exude a whimsical spirit, whether a coffee table shaped like a stack of books or a pair of decorative obelisks. On 1stDibs, find a collection of Maitland-Smith furniture.
- 1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022To identify Maitland-Smith furniture, look for the brand's tag. Typically, the manufacturer placed a tag on the underside or back of their pieces. Wording on the tags varies, but usually says the brand name above the words "hand made in the Philippines." Shop a collection of expertly vetted Maitland-Smith furniture on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertNovember 13, 2024To identify a Maitland-Smith lamp, first check the base. Most lamps made by the British company will have a maker's mark on the bottom. However, you may need to remove the felt pad from the base to find it. Some also have a date stamp alongside the maker's name. Additionally, some Maitland-Smith lamps have a brand sticker on their bulb receptacle. For further assistance with the identification process, use the services of a certified appraiser or experienced antique dealer. On 1stDibs, find a variety of Maitland-Smith lamps.
- 1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022Maitland-Smith makes much of its furniture in Cebu, Philippines. Skilled artisans build each piece by hand and apply the intricate carvings and inlays synonymous with the brand's style. You'll find a collection of Maitland-Smith furniture on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022Yes, Maitland-Smith is still in business. RHF Investments owns the brand as of December 2021. The North Carolina-based company acquired the brand in 2018 when the previous owner, the Heritage Home Group, filed for bankruptcy. Shop a range of Maitland-Smith furniture on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022Maitland-Smith started operating in 1979. Former furniture dealer Paul Maitland-Smith launched the company in Hong Kong to produce reproductions of 17th- and 18th-century furniture. Eventually, the brand expanded to create original designs. You'll find a range of Maitland-Smith furniture on 1stDibs.
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