David Linley Ottoman
Antique 1860s English High Victorian Ottomans and Poufs
Leather, Mahogany
20th Century English Art Deco Sofas
Leather
20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Swivel Chairs
Chrome
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Mid-20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Shelves and Wall Cabinets
Rosewood
Vintage 1960s French Mid-Century Modern Stairs
Aluminum
21st Century and Contemporary Japanese Anglo-Japanese Table Lamps
Metal
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Mid-Century Modern Wall Lights and...
Brass, Metal, Aluminum
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Chairs
Wool, Plastic
Antique Late 19th Century Victorian Game Tables
Brass
19th Century Old Masters Animal Paintings
Oil
Antique 1880s English Kilim Armchairs
Upholstery, Hardwood
20th Century English Art Deco Sofas
Leather
20th Century American Organic Modern Beds and Bed Frames
Metal
Vintage 1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Chairs
Leather, Walnut, Plywood
2010s American Console Tables
Walnut
2010s German Mid-Century Modern Chandeliers and Pendants
Brass
Vintage 1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Chaise Longues
Rattan
21st Century and Contemporary Mid-Century Modern Swivel Chairs
Metal
20th Century American Classical Sofas
Fabric, Wood
Recent Sales
20th Century European Mid-Century Modern Footstools
Leather
20th Century English Mid-Century Modern Footstools
Leather
20th Century English Modern Armchairs
Leather, Walnut
Antique 19th Century English Victorian Footstools
Leather, Hardwood
Antique 1830s English William IV Benches
Hardwood, Leather
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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This Chubby-Chic Quilted Stool Stands on Its Own Two Feet
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Riotous Shapes and Colors Have Made Uchronia’s Designs the Toast of Paris
Julien Sebban’s energetic design collective is radically reshaping the look of 21st-century European furniture and interiors.
Is Lionel Jadot the Willy Wonka of Upcycled Belgian Design?
From his massive collaborative workshop in a former paper factory, the designer concocts funky furniture from disused materials, as well as luxe hotel interiors like the new Mix Brussels.
Rock Your Cares Away on This Sunny Hand-Crocheted Swing
The boho-chic Enchanted Forest Swing, handmade by marginalized women from Turkey and Syria, is uplifting in every way.
Learn Why Designer Maarten Baas Set This Charles Rennie Mackintosh Chair on Fire
What happens when you do something to a piece of furniture that you shouldn’t? It becomes an entirely new object.
Eileen Gray’s Famed Cliffside Villa in the South of France Is Returned to Its Modernist Glory
After years of diligent restoration, E-1027, the designer-cum-architect’s marriage of romance and modernism, is finally complete.