Georgian Stool Large
20th Century English Mid-Century Modern Sofas
Upholstery
Antique 1820s English Georgian Ceramics
Earthenware
21st Century and Contemporary Georgian Folk Art More Candle Holders
Clay, Organic Material
Antique 1840s English Early Victorian Footstools
Upholstery, Hardwood
People Also Browsed
Antique 1860s English High Victorian Ottomans and Poufs
Leather, Oak
Antique 1860s English High Victorian Ottomans and Poufs
Leather, Mahogany
Antique 19th Century British Georgian Sofas
Leather, Hardwood
2010s American Wall Lights and Sconces
Marble, Brass, Nickel
Antique Early 19th Century Chinese Qing Ceramics
Porcelain
21st Century and Contemporary Swedish Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps
Textile
2010s African Arts and Crafts Wall Lights and Sconces
Clay, Earthenware
20th Century English Chesterfield Footstools
Leather
Antique Late 19th Century American Sofas
Upholstery
Early 20th Century British Wingback Chairs
Wood
Antique 1870s Chinese Chinese Export Decorative Bowls
Porcelain
20th Century English Victorian Footstools
Leather
2010s English Modern Sofas
Upholstery
Antique 19th Century British Victorian Sofas
Walnut, Organic Material
Vintage 1960s American Queen Anne Wingback Chairs
Damask, Maple
Antique 19th Century English Chinoiserie Living Room Sets
Upholstery, Walnut
Recent Sales
Vintage 1920s English George I Stools
Mahogany
Antique 19th Century English Georgian Stools
Mahogany
Antique 1830s English Rococo Stools
Upholstery, Mahogany
20th Century English Chesterfield Footstools
Leather, Beech
Antique 19th Century English Georgian Stools
Brass
Antique 19th Century British Georgian Armchairs
Fabric, Walnut
Antique Early 1800s English Georgian Side Tables
Oak
Vintage 1970s Central American Victorian Ottomans and Poufs
Damask
20th Century English Mid-Century Modern Armchairs
Upholstery
Antique Mid-19th Century Ottomans and Poufs
Upholstery, Oak
Antique Mid-18th Century English George III Benches
Oak
Antique Late 19th Century Victorian Patio and Garden Furniture
Wicker, Rattan
Antique 18th Century and Earlier Georgian Stools
Elm, Fabric
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
Sam Klemick's cool stool is edgy, cozy and environmentally sustainable all at once.
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.