All Settees
Vintage 1940s Italian Modern Settees
Linen, Mahogany
Antique 19th Century British Settees
Wood
Antique Late 19th Century British Settees
Wood
Antique Late 19th Century British Settees
Satinwood
Antique Early 19th Century Swedish Gustavian Settees
Upholstery, Wood, Paint
Antique 19th Century French Louis XVI Settees
Fabric, Wood, Paint
Antique 1860s French Napoleon III Settees
Brass, Steel, Iron
Vintage 1980s American Settees
Lacquer, Rattan, Upholstery
2010s American Other Settees
Sheet Metal, Metal
2010s American Other Settees
Metal, Sheet Metal
2010s American Other Settees
Metal, Sheet Metal
2010s American Other Settees
Sheet Metal, Metal
2010s American Other Settees
Metal, Sheet Metal
2010s American Other Settees
Metal, Sheet Metal
Antique 19th Century Settees
Mahogany
Mid-20th Century Unknown Mid-Century Modern Settees
Cane, Rattan
Late 20th Century Bohemian Settees
Aluminum
Early 20th Century British Settees
Walnut
Early 20th Century British Settees
Walnut
Early 20th Century French Settees
Walnut
Early 20th Century Irish Settees
Upholstery
Antique Early 19th Century Italian Neoclassical Settees
Cherry
2010s American Other Settees
Sheet Metal, Metal
2010s American Other Settees
Sheet Metal, Metal
2010s American Other Settees
Metal, Sheet Metal
2010s American Other Settees
Sheet Metal, Metal
Vintage 1910s English Settees
Fabric, Walnut
Antique 1880s French Louis XV Settees
Fabric, Giltwood
Antique Early 19th Century English Regency Settees
Rosewood
Antique Late 18th Century Italian Neoclassical Settees
Upholstery, Wood
2010s American Other Settees
Metal, Sheet Metal
2010s American Other Settees
Metal, Sheet Metal
20th Century American Regency Settees
Upholstery, Cane, Giltwood, Lacquer
Antique 19th Century French Louis XV Settees
Muslin, Wood
Antique Late 19th Century European Aesthetic Movement Settees
Bentwood
Vintage 1940s Settees
Fabric, Rattan
20th Century Country Settees
Fabric, Velvet, Wood
Antique 18th Century British Edwardian Settees
Cane, Wood
Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Settees
Wrought Iron
Antique 1870s British Settees
Bone, Upholstery, Mahogany
Mid-20th Century British Chesterfield Settees
Leather, Wood
Mid-20th Century French Directoire Settees
Fabric, Sycamore
Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Settees
Rattan
Antique Early 19th Century American Neoclassical Settees
Wood
21st Century and Contemporary American Scandinavian Modern Settees
Walnut, Wood
Antique 19th Century Louis XVI Settees
Fabric, Wood
Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Settees
Chrome
Antique Late 19th Century British Settees
Walnut
Vintage 1940s Neoclassical Settees
Upholstery, Wood
Antique 19th Century Italian Neoclassical Settees
Giltwood
Antique 19th Century Egyptian Moorish Settees
Walnut
Antique 1890s Belgian Louis XIV Settees
Oak
Early 20th Century French Louis XVI Settees
Fabric, Fruitwood
Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Settees
Upholstery, Wood
Antique Late 19th Century French Régence Settees
Hardwood
Antique Mid-18th Century French Louis XV Settees
Beech
Vintage 1960s Danish Mid-Century Modern Settees
Teak, Leather
Antique 19th Century Italian Neoclassical Settees
Wood
Antique 19th Century French Louis XV Settees
Giltwood
Antique 19th Century Italian Settees
Mahogany, Giltwood
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All Settees For Sale on 1stDibs
How Much are All Settees?
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.
- What is a settee used for?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertOctober 19, 2021A settee is a padded seat with a back and armrests (which are often cushioned) that may accommodate two or more people sitting or reclining. Settees aren’t as wide as couches or sofas. A settee is more intimate and offers more sitting room than an armchair. On 1stDibs, find a range of antique and vintage settees.
- What is a borne settee?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertOctober 19, 2021A borne settee is a circular, upholstered Victorian ottoman-style sofa with three or four seat divisions. It provides a backrest in its central cone element and has also been referred to as a “conversation seat.” Borne settees are frequently situated in hotel lobbies and galleries. On 1stDibs, find a range of antique and vintage settees.
- Who named the settee?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022The first person who called a settee a settee is unknown. Historians have traced the name back to the Middle Ages when the furniture first came into production. Settee comes from the Old English word “setl,” which described a long wooden bench. On 1st 1stDibs, find a selection of antique settees.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022The difference between a sofa and a settee is largely a matter of personal opinion. Technically, the two words refer to the same thing. However, settee is no longer a commonly used term. As a result, some people call antique couches “settees,” and newer examples of the furniture “sofas.” On 1stDibs, find a large selection of antique and vintage sofas and settees.
- What does a settee look like?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertMay 3, 2024A settee looks similar to a sofa in the U.S. It typically features a sturdy frame clad in leather or textile upholstery and rests on a sturdy base or legs. The main difference between a settee and a sofa is proportions. A settee is usually lower and shorter than a conventional sofa. In India and some other countries, the term settee is actually a synonym for sofa and describes the same type of furniture. On 1stDibs, explore a diverse assortment of settees.
Read More
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