Camel Back 3 Seater
20th Century American Classical Sofas
Fabric, Wood
20th Century Sofas
Mahogany
Antique 19th Century French Napoleon III Sofas
Upholstery, Wood
Antique 1840s English Early Victorian Armchairs
Leather, Upholstery, Mahogany
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Antique 19th Century English Desks and Writing Tables
Mahogany
Antique 1860s English High Victorian Ottomans and Poufs
Leather, Mahogany
2010s Mexican Modern Armchairs
Wicker, Hardwood, Fabric
21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Benches
Fabric, Velvet, Lacquer, Wood
21st Century and Contemporary British Organic Modern Wall Lights and Sco...
Plaster
Antique Mid-19th Century English High Victorian Taxidermy
Other
Antique 17th Century Italian Baroque Bookcases
Spruce
Vintage 1950s French Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Oak, Plywood
Antique Late 18th Century English Hepplewhite Armchairs
Leather, Hardwood
Antique 18th Century French Louis XV Settees
Walnut
Vintage 1980s American Hollywood Regency Sofas
Upholstery
Vintage 1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Sofas
Fabric, Wood
20th Century American Hollywood Regency Sofas
Fabric, Wood
20th Century American Hollywood Regency Sofas
Fabric, Wood
2010s South African Minimalist Pedestals
Hardwood
Antique 1750s English Chinese Chippendale Sofas
Recent Sales
2010s Thai Mid-Century Modern Sofas
Brass
Vintage 1970s Swiss Mid-Century Modern Sofas
Leather
20th Century Chippendale Loveseats
Fabric, Upholstery, Wood, Mahogany
Vintage 1970s Swiss Mid-Century Modern Sofas
Leather
20th Century English Regency Living Room Sets
Leather, Mahogany
21st Century and Contemporary English Sofas
Mohair
1880s Old Masters Animal Drawings and Watercolors
Chalk, Watercolor
Early 20th Century European Edwardian Living Room Sets
Mahogany
Vintage 1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Sofas
Leather
1870s Old Masters Landscape Paintings
Oil, Wood Panel
Early 20th Century English Edwardian Sofas
Upholstery, Mahogany
Vintage 1950s American Lounge Chairs
Leather, Walnut
Vintage 1960s Norwegian Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs
Stainless Steel, Chrome
Early 20th Century English Edwardian Wingback Chairs
Leather, Oak
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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