19th Century Daybed Adjustable
Antique 1870s British Early Victorian Daybeds
Rattan, Walnut
Antique 1810s Chinese Chinese Export Daybeds
Bamboo
Antique 19th Century French Modern Chaise Longues
Metal
Antique Late 19th Century Chaise Longues
Wrought Iron
Antique Mid-19th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Chaise Longues
Metal, Chrome
Antique Early 1900s English Baroque Revival Settees
Velvet
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Antique Mid-19th Century English High Victorian Taxidermy
Other
Vintage 1970s Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Sofas
Velvet, Wood
Antique 17th Century Italian Baroque Bookcases
Spruce
Antique 19th Century English Victorian Chaise Longues
Leather
Vintage 1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Daybeds
Bamboo, Rattan
Antique 1810s French Empire Daybeds
Linen, Walnut, Wood
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Shelves
Bamboo, Wicker, Cane, Rattan
Antique 1890s French Art Nouveau Daybeds
Iron
2010s British Louis XVI Beds and Bed Frames
Wood
Antique 19th Century English Campaign Desks
Brass, Metal
Early 20th Century Neoclassical Screens and Room Dividers
Wood, Paper
Vintage 1930s French Art Deco Lounge Chairs
Wicker, Rattan
Early 20th Century French Neoclassical Beds and Bed Frames
Iron
Antique 19th Century French Louis XVI Chaise Longues
Paint, Walnut
Antique Late 19th Century French Napoleon III Chaise Longues
Upholstery, Beech
Early 20th Century Italian Daybeds
Cane, Mahogany, Silk
Recent Sales
Antique 19th Century English Daybeds
Antique 1870s English Victorian Daybeds
Cane, Mahogany
Antique Late 19th Century English Campaign Daybeds
Metal, Iron
Antique 19th Century English Victorian Daybeds
Linen, Mahogany
Antique Late 19th Century English Victorian Daybeds
Antique 19th Century British Daybeds
Mahogany
Antique 19th Century English Victorian Daybeds
Antique Late 19th Century English Victorian Daybeds
Upholstery, Mahogany
Antique 19th Century English Daybeds
Cane, Mahogany
Antique 19th Century Turkish Daybeds
Antique 19th Century Swedish Beds and Bed Frames
Vintage 1980s American Mid-Century Modern Chaise Longues
Chrome
Antique 19th Century French Canapes
Wood
Antique Early 1900s English Baroque Revival Settees
Velvet
Antique 1880s French Louis XVI Daybeds
Linen, Wood
Antique 19th Century Indian Anglo-Indian Daybeds
Rosewood, Cane
Antique Mid-19th Century English Victorian Daybeds
Calico, Walnut
Antique 19th Century French Daybeds
Antique 19th Century French Daybeds
Iron, Steel
Antique 19th Century Daybeds
Mahogany
20th Century French Daybeds
Early 20th Century Armchairs
Antique 19th Century Sri Lankan Chaise Longues
Antique 19th Century British Victorian Chaise Longues
Fabric, Walnut
Antique 19th Century Indian Chaise Longues
Brass
Antique 19th Century Indian Chaise Longues
Brass
Antique 19th Century Sri Lankan Anglo-Indian Daybeds
Cane, Ebony
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
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.
Riotous Shapes and Colors Have Made Uchronia’s Designs the Toast of Paris
Julien Sebban’s energetic design collective is radically reshaping the look of 21st-century European furniture and interiors.
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.
Eileen Gray’s Famed Cliffside Villa in the South of France Is Returned to Its Modernist Glory
After years of diligent restoration, E-1027, the designer-cum-architect’s marriage of romance and modernism, is finally complete.