Roman Sella
Antique Early 19th Century French Neoclassical Armchairs
Mahogany
Antique Early 19th Century Belgian Empire Armchairs
Bentwood
Antique Early 19th Century Belgian Empire Armchairs
Cane, Bentwood
Antique Late 19th Century Belgian Neoclassical Revival Benches
Wood, Cane, Upholstery
20th Century French Empire Chairs
Metal, Ormolu
Recent Sales
2010s Portuguese Greco Roman Stools
Upholstery, Hardwood
2010s Portuguese Greco Roman Stools
Upholstery, Hardwood
2010s Portuguese Greco Roman Stools
Upholstery, Hardwood
Antique Early 1800s French Directoire Stools
Wood
Antique Late 19th Century Belgian Neoclassical Armchairs
Bronze
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Vintage 1950s German Mid-Century Modern Stools
Metal
2010s South African Minimalist Night Stands
Wood
2010s British Scandinavian Modern Ottomans and Poufs
Velvet, Mohair, Oak
Vintage 1930s French Art Deco Settees
Velvet, Beech
Antique Early 1900s French Chinoiserie Armchairs
Velvet, Giltwood, Lacquer
20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Chairs
Steel
2010s Chandeliers and Pendants
Metal
21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Benches
Velvet, Wood, Lacquer, Fabric
Early 20th Century Egyptian Revival Stools
Oak
Antique Early 1800s English Georgian Beds and Bed Frames
Upholstery, Mahogany
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Cabinets
Wood, Birch
21st Century and Contemporary Spanish Minimalist Side Tables
Marble, Travertine
Mid-20th Century Finnish Mid-Century Modern Dining Room Sets
Birch
2010s American Armchairs
Oak
Antique 18th Century British Edwardian Settees
Cane, Wood
18th Century Old Masters Figurative Paintings
Canvas, Oil
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.
Read More
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The 21 Most Popular Mid-Century Modern Chairs
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Fred Rigby’s Modular Seating Can Be Configured in So Many Handy Ways
The plush Cove Slipper 2.5 Seater sofa is just one of many convenient combinations from the London-based maker.
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.