Barcelona Foot Stools
Vintage 1980s American Mid-Century Modern Ottomans and Poufs
Chrome
Late 20th Century Post-Modern Stools
Chrome
2010s Spanish Modern Armchairs
Iron
2010s Spanish Modern Armchairs
Iron
2010s English Mid-Century Modern Footstools
Leather
Vintage 1960s American Bauhaus Lounge Chairs
Chrome
People Also Browsed
2010s American Mid-Century Modern Wall Lights and Sconces
Brass, Bronze, Enamel, Nickel
2010s Brazilian Modern Chairs
Leather, Textile, Upholstery, Laminate, Hardwood
Vintage 1930s Dutch Bauhaus Side Chairs
Metal, Chrome
1990s Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Daybeds
Leather
Late 20th Century American Modern Swivel Chairs
Bouclé
Mid-20th Century Finnish Mid-Century Modern Dining Room Sets
Birch
Vintage 1970s French Space Age Architectural Elements
Metal, Aluminum
2010s Italian Modern Chandeliers and Pendants
Metal, Brass
Vintage 1980s Mid-Century Modern Daybeds
Leather, Zebra Hide
Vintage 1960s Italian Bauhaus Chairs
Steel, Chrome
1990s American Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs
Chrome
Vintage 1950s French Industrial Stools
Aluminum
Vintage 1930s Czech Bauhaus Desks and Writing Tables
Steel, Chrome
Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs
Stainless Steel
Late 20th Century Industrial Stools
Steel
Late 20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Side Tables
Steel, Chrome
Recent Sales
Late 20th Century Post-Modern Stools
Chrome
Late 20th Century Post-Modern Stools
Chrome
Late 20th Century Post-Modern Stools
Chrome
Late 20th Century Post-Modern Stools
Chrome
Late 20th Century Post-Modern Stools
Chrome
Vintage 1960s American International Style Stools
Stainless Steel
Late 20th Century Post-Modern Stools
Chrome
Vintage 1960s North American Mid-Century Modern Stools
Stainless Steel
Early 20th Century American Modern Lounge Chairs
Late 20th Century Swiss Lounge Chairs
Leather
Late 20th Century American Modern Ottomans and Poufs
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 foot stool called?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertOctober 5, 2021A footstool is called an ottoman, hassock or pouf. The footstool is an umbrella term for furniture pieces used to elevate the foot. On 1stDibs, you can find a wide variety of antique and vintage footstools in different colors, styles and more.
- 1stDibs ExpertJune 15, 2023Yes, an ottoman can be used as a footstool. The ottoman, originally an upholstered seat or small bench without a back or arms, was a family’s main seating furniture, a way to merge floor seating with cushions and mats. It wasn’t until they were brought to Europe from Turkey, during the 18th century, that it became popular to join ottomans with other pieces of furniture, such as at the base of a chair. On 1stDibs, find a collection of ottomans.
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