Camel Ball Claw
Antique 19th Century Chippendale Armchairs
Mahogany, Oak
Mid-20th Century British Regency Sofas
Leather
Early 20th Century English George II Sofas
Walnut, Upholstery
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Antique Late 19th Century English Chippendale Dining Room Chairs
Mahogany
21st Century and Contemporary Asian Chesterfield Sofas
Leather
1970s American Modern Nude Photography
Silver Gelatin
Antique 19th Century Italian Baroque Revival Beds and Bed Frames
Silver
Vintage 1940s French Louis XV Sofas
Wood
20th Century British Art Deco Sofas
Leather
20th Century English Georgian Armchairs
Leather, Oak
20th Century Beds and Bed Frames
Mahogany
Antique Mid-19th Century Neoclassical Beds and Bed Frames
Walnut, Burl
Vintage 1950s English Renaissance Beds and Bed Frames
Oak
Vintage 1980s Belgian Mid-Century Modern Office Chairs and Desk Chairs
Aluminum, Chrome
Vintage 1930s English Art Deco Sterling Silver
Sterling Silver
20th Century English Chippendale Lounge Chairs
Mahogany
Antique 18th Century French Louis XVI Canapes
Upholstery, Wood
Antique 1760s English George III Dining Room Chairs
Hardwood
21st Century and Contemporary English Chippendale Beds and Bed Frames
Wood, Paint, Gesso
Recent Sales
Antique 1890s English Chinese Chippendale Sofas
Upholstery, Mahogany
Mid-20th Century American Chippendale Sofas
Upholstery
Late 20th Century American Georgian Sofas
Brass
20th Century Federal Sofas
Antique Late 19th Century Sofas
Mahogany
20th Century English Regency Living Room Sets
Leather, Mahogany
20th Century American Chippendale Settees
Leather, Mahogany
Antique 19th Century British Sofas
Upholstery, Walnut
Early 20th Century British Edwardian Sofas
Fabric, Upholstery
Antique Early 1900s Sofas
Mahogany
Antique Late 19th Century English Armchairs
Antique 1750s English George II Armchairs
Mahogany, Suede
Mid-20th Century British Armchairs
Upholstery
Early 20th Century English Chippendale Armchairs
Natural Fiber, Tapestry
Vintage 1930s American Loveseats
Wood, Upholstery
Mid-20th Century American Chippendale Sofas
Upholstery
Late 20th Century North American Chinese Chippendale Sofas
Brass
20th Century English George III Ottomans and Poufs
Brass
Early 20th Century British Edwardian Armchairs
Fabric, Upholstery
Antique 19th Century English Sofas
Antique 19th Century English Sofas
Antique Early 1900s Sofas
Mahogany
Antique 19th Century English Sofas
Early 20th Century English Edwardian Sofas
Upholstery, Mahogany
Early 20th Century Chaise Longues
Mahogany
Antique 19th Century British Chippendale Benches
Mahogany
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 ExpertApril 5, 2022Ball and claw furniture has been popular through a range of eras. It has been a notable feature of the Queen Anne era and the Rococco period, covering the early to late 1700s. It was also highly popular during the Edwardian period in the early 1900s. Find a collection of ball and claw furniture from various eras on 1stDibs.
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