Welsh Stick Chair
Antique 18th Century English Chairs
Elm
Antique 1780s Welsh Chairs
Wood
Antique 19th Century Welsh Chairs
Elm
Antique 19th Century English Chairs
Elm
2010s American Folk Art Armchairs
Oak, Walnut
2010s American Folk Art Armchairs
Walnut, Oak
Recent Sales
21st Century and Contemporary English Chairs
Oak
Antique Late 18th Century British Georgian Armchairs
Wood
Antique 18th Century and Earlier British Windsor Chairs
Wood
Antique 19th Century Welsh Folk Art Chairs
Elm
2010s American Folk Art Armchairs
Walnut
Antique Late 18th Century Welsh Folk Art Armchairs
Wood
Antique Early 19th Century Welsh Victorian Chairs
Elm
Antique 18th Century Welsh Rustic Windsor Chairs
Elm, Walnut
Antique Early 18th Century Welsh Folk Art Chairs
Oak, Ash
Antique Early 18th Century Welsh Folk Art Chairs
Ash, Elm
Antique 1740s Welsh Folk Art Windsor Chairs
Ash, Elm, Paint
Antique 18th Century English Folk Art Primitives
Ash, Elm
Antique Early 19th Century Welsh Folk Art Painted Furniture
Elm
Antique Early 19th Century Welsh Folk Art Painted Furniture
Elm
Antique 18th Century Welsh Primitive Windsor Chairs
Ash, Pine
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21st Century and Contemporary Swedish Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps
Textile
Antique Mid-18th Century Spanish Cupboards
Iron
Antique 18th Century Irish Rustic Chairs
Ash
Antique 1820s English Windsor Chairs
Ash
Antique 19th Century French Tables
Wood
Antique 1820s English Georgian Chairs
Pine
Antique 19th Century English Tables
Elm
Antique 19th Century Swedish Chairs
Wood
Antique 1790s English Windsor Chairs
Elm
Antique 18th Century Welsh Rustic Armchairs
Walnut
Antique Early 19th Century Swedish Gustavian Benches
Pine
20th Century Swedish Gustavian Buffets
Wood
Antique Mid-18th Century English Chairs
Antique 1760s English George III Armchairs
Yew
Antique Early 1700s English Folk Art Sofa Tables
Elm
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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This Chubby-Chic Quilted Stool Stands on Its Own Two Feet
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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.