William Morris Bench
Antique 19th Century English Victorian Armchairs
Upholstery, Walnut
Recent Sales
Antique 19th Century English Arts and Crafts Benches
Cord, Beech
20th Century English Modern Benches
Rattan, Oak
20th Century British Edwardian Armchairs
Rattan, Walnut
Antique Late 19th Century English Arts and Crafts Benches
Rush, Oak
People Also Browsed
Early 20th Century English Art Deco Armchairs
Upholstery, Wood
Antique 1860s English Aesthetic Movement Settees
Beech
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.
- Why was William Morris famous?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertAugust 8, 2024William Morris was famous for his work as an artist. He was well-known for creating beautiful floral-patterned paintings that were turned into textiles and wallpaper. In addition, Morris designed furniture and helped define the Arts and Crafts movement. Also a writer, he penned several books, including News from Nowhere and The Earthly Paradise. Find a range of William Morris art and furniture on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertMay 30, 2024William Morris was famous for his work as a designer. During the Victorian era, his intricate floral prints appeared on wallpaper and textiles and set interior design trends. Morris' work helped define the Arts and Crafts Movement. He was also a mathematician and a well-known poet. On 1stDibs, find a variety of William Morris pieces.
- What was William Morris' style?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertFebruary 13, 2024William Morris's style was Arts and Crafts. In fact, the designer was responsible for helping to define and develop the style. The history of Arts and Crafts design has roots in 1860s England, with an emphasis on natural motifs and simple flourishes. Morris became known for reviving historical techniques such as embroidery and printed fabrics in his furnishings and influenced American Arts and Crafts designers like Gustav Stickley. Shop a selection of William Morris furniture on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertAugust 8, 2024Opinions vary as to what William Morris's most famous piece is. However, art historians generally agree that the British designer's intricate floral motifs were a landmark in 19th-century design. Some contenders for the title of "most famous" work by Morris include the decorative patterns Lodden, Branch, Four Fruits, Marigold, Chrysanthemum and Larkspur. Explore a selection of William Morris art on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022Yes, William Morris made furniture. While William Morris is best known for being a textile designer, poet and artist, he also designed furniture. William Morris’s furniture was inspired by nature and his belief in socialism, with designs focused on creating affordable and long-lasting furniture that everyone could enjoy. Shop a selection of William Morris furniture on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022Yes, William Morris made some tapestries. William Morris was a true artisan and delved into a variety of different areas. He’s also credited with ushering in the Arts and Crafts movement in England. He held a lot of respect for those who could produce tapestries and made his first one in 1879. He learned more and created more tapestries but also established a small tapestry workshop where he employed tapestry weavers. Shop a collection of tapestries from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022William Morris used a variety of fabrics to produce wallpaper, floor coverings and other textiles. However, cotton and linen were the most common materials. His workshop became known for producing intricate hand-blocked prints on textiles. Find a variety of William Morris rugs and textiles on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022Yes. William Morris is one of the most prolific textile designers, and was the founder of the Arts and Crafts movement of the late 1800s. His designs incorporated elaborate floral motifs of silk and linen embroidery. On 1stDibs, shop a selection of items with William Morris’ iconic designs from some of the top sellers around the world.
- 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 7, 2024Which William Morris designs are the most famous is open for debate. However, some patterns of William Morris wallpaper have consistently remained in style since their debut in the 19th century. They include Larkspur, Jasmine, Marigold, Wreath, Willow Boughs, Acanthus, Strawberry Thief and Chrysanthemum. On 1stDibs, shop a collection of William Morris furniture and decorative objects.
Read More
20 Inviting Dining Rooms Perfectly Arranged for Entertaining
Top interior designers show — and tell — us how to create delectable spaces for hosting dinner parties.
Nobody Puts This Sunny Sofa in a Corner
With its plush cushions, cane details and dazzlingly colorful back, it’s inviting from every angle.
The 21 Most Popular Mid-Century Modern Chairs
You know the designs, now get the stories about how they came to be.
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.