Biedermeier Recliner
Antique Late 19th Century German Biedermeier Armchairs
Cane, Wood
Early 20th Century North American Biedermeier Armchairs
Walnut, Cedar
20th Century American Bauhaus Stools
Chrome
People Also Browsed
21st Century and Contemporary British Industrial Armchairs
Iron
21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Western European Rugs
Natural Fiber, Synthetic, Wool
Vintage 1980s Italian Mid-Century Modern Stools
Chrome
Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs
Upholstery, Walnut
Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Stools
Chrome
Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs
Faux Leather, Wood
Early 20th Century Arts and Crafts Office Chairs and Desk Chairs
Oak
Early 20th Century Industrial Industrial and Work Tables
Iron
Antique 1890s French Industrial Apothecary Cabinets
Oak
Antique Late 19th Century Austrian Art Nouveau Armchairs
Bentwood, Upholstery
Antique 19th Century Italian Baroque Armchairs
Leather, Walnut
Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Stools
Lucite
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Chairs
Chrome
Vintage 1950s Italian Armchairs
Brass
Mid-20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Armchairs
Brass, Iron
Antique 19th Century British Arts and Crafts Patio and Garden Furniture
Cane
Recent Sales
Antique 1830s German Biedermeier Wingback Chairs
Iron
Antique 1820s Austrian Biedermeier Wingback Chairs
Antique 1830s Austrian Biedermeier Chaise Longues
Fabric, Walnut
Antique 1820s German Biedermeier Armchairs
Cherry
20th Century American Bauhaus Stools
Chrome
Antique 1850s German Biedermeier Wingback Chairs
Iron
Antique 19th Century German Biedermeier Lounge Chairs
Mahogany
Antique 19th Century German Biedermeier Wingback Chairs
Walnut, Upholstery
Antique 19th Century Danish Chaise Longues
Fabric
Antique 19th Century German Biedermeier Armchairs
Vintage 1960s Biedermeier Chairs
Brass
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.