Anglo Chinese Chairs
Vintage 1980s European Other Chairs
Wood, Cane
Antique Early 19th Century Chinese Chinese Chippendale Corner Chairs
Elm
Antique 1880s Chinese Chinoiserie Chairs
Metal
Antique Early 1900s Chinese Anglo-Japanese Armchairs
Hardwood
Antique 1870s English Anglo-Japanese Center Tables
Rosewood
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Antique Late 19th Century English Victorian Doors and Gates
Glass, Wood, Pine
Antique 19th Century British Country Dining Room Chairs
Upholstery, Wood
Antique Mid-19th Century English High Victorian Taxidermy
Other
Vintage 1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs
Bouclé, Wood
Early 20th Century Unknown British Colonial Lounge Chairs
Brass
Antique Late 19th Century Italian Renaissance Revival Side Chairs
Birch
Antique Late 19th Century Chinese Chinese Export Corner Chairs
Wood
Antique 1880s Burmese Victorian Side Chairs
Hardwood
Mid-20th Century Console Tables
Marble
Mid-20th Century Organic Modern Dining Room Chairs
Rattan
20th Century American Organic Modern Dining Room Chairs
Leather, Fabric, Rattan
Mid-20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Chairs
Sycamore, Straw
Early 20th Century Italian Renaissance Revival Chairs
Oak
21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Chairs
Steel
Antique Early 18th Century Chippendale Wingback Chairs
Mahogany, Maple, Suede, Jute, Cotton, Upholstery
Antique 1880s European Chippendale Dining Room Chairs
Mahogany, Upholstery
Recent Sales
20th Century Italian Bergere Chairs
Wood
Antique 1880s Indian Anglo Raj Paintings and Screens
Glass, Giltwood
Antique Late 18th Century English Georgian Side Chairs
Oak
Antique 1830s Chinese Chairs
Antique Early 18th Century English Regency Office Chairs and Desk Chairs
Padouk
Antique Early 19th Century Chinese Regency Office Chairs and Desk Chairs
Cane, Padouk
Antique 19th Century Indian Anglo-Indian Furniture
Wood
Vintage 1960s French Chinese Chippendale Lounge Chairs
Fabric, Rattan
Antique 19th Century Chinese Chairs
Early 20th Century Chinese Anglo Raj Armchairs
Antique Late 19th Century Anglo-Indian Chairs
Enamel
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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