17th Century Carolean Chairs
Antique 17th Century Chairs
Walnut
Antique Late 17th Century British Baroque Armchairs
Walnut
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Early 20th Century Dutch Country Corner Chairs
Cane, Wood
20th Century French Other Stools
Oak
Antique Late 19th Century European Stools
Rattan, Walnut
Antique Late 19th Century Victorian Benches
Bentwood
Antique 17th Century Belgian Paintings
Canvas
Antique 19th Century Baroque Paintings
Canvas, Paint
Early 20th Century Tudor Stools
Upholstery, Oak
Antique Mid-17th Century Paintings
Copper
Early 20th Century American American Classical Tables
Wood
Vintage 1930s German Folk Art Stools
Wood
20th Century English Tudor Benches
Brass
Antique 19th Century Victorian Center Tables
Marble, Brass
Antique Early 18th Century German Baroque Paintings
Canvas
Mid-20th Century European Mid-Century Modern Stools
Wood, Oak
Antique Late 19th Century British Arts and Crafts Armchairs
Wood
Antique Late 19th Century English Stools
Wood
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Antique 18th Century and Earlier British Dining Room Chairs
Walnut, Cane
Early 20th Century English Windsor Chairs
Ash, Elm
Antique Mid-17th Century Swedish Baroque Wingback Chairs
Oak, Leather
Antique 1880s British Armchairs
Antique 1890s English Victorian Armchairs
Walnut
Early 20th Century English Dining Room Sets
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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