Black Lacqure Chairs
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Swivel Chairs
Aluminum
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Chairs
Steel
20th Century Danish Modern Lounge Chairs
Ash
Early 20th Century English Edwardian Armchairs
Fabric, Wood
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21st Century and Contemporary Swedish Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps
Textile
Mid-20th Century Czech Industrial Chairs
Wood, Bentwood, Plywood
Mid-20th Century Italian Post-Modern Chairs
Cord
Late 20th Century Dutch Mid-Century Modern Porcelain
Porcelain
Antique 19th Century American Blanket Chests
Iron
Vintage 1950s Dutch Mid-Century Modern Chairs
Metal
20th Century American Side Tables
Glass, Resin
Mid-20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Lounge Chairs
Wood, String
Mid-20th Century Philippine Mid-Century Modern Side Tables
Wicker, Rattan
Mid-20th Century Danish Mid-Century Modern Armchairs
Oak
Vintage 1950s Polish Mid-Century Modern Chairs
Beech
Late 20th Century Spanish Chairs
Wicker, Wood
Vintage 1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Dining Room Chairs
Chrome
20th Century North American Industrial Paintings
Glass, Wood, Paper
Vintage 1930s Libyan Mid-Century Modern Chairs
Metal
Vintage 1950s Dutch Mid-Century Modern Chairs
Chrome
Recent Sales
Late 20th Century American Armchairs
Wood
20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Dining Room Chairs
Upholstery, Hardwood
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.
- 1stDibs ExpertOctober 5, 2021There are multiple chair colors that can be matched with a black table, it’s really a matter of preference. You could choose to go with black or a contrasting color or even think outside the box in order to add unlikely pops of color to a space. Visit 1stDibs for a wide selection of chairs and tables available in different colors.
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