Heart Cutout Chair
Antique 1880s Scottish Chairs
Oak
Antique Early 19th Century Swedish Folk Art Chairs
Pine
Early 20th Century European Primitive Chairs
Oak
Antique Early 1900s Italian Folk Art Side Chairs
Oak
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Antique 1890s English Arts and Crafts Sideboards
Oak
2010s Mexican Mid-Century Modern Stools
Hardwood
2010s British Scandinavian Modern Ottomans and Poufs
Sheepskin, Oak
2010s American Mid-Century Modern Wall Lights and Sconces
Brass, Bronze, Enamel, Nickel
2010s African Arts and Crafts Wall Lights and Sconces
Clay, Earthenware
2010s American Flush Mount
Brass
21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Organic Modern Center Tables
Travertine
2010s British Scandinavian Modern Lounge Chairs
Sheepskin, Oak
2010s British Scandinavian Modern Ottomans and Poufs
Mohair, Velvet, Oak
Mid-20th Century Belgian Dining Room Chairs
Wood
21st Century and Contemporary American Mid-Century Modern Flush Mount
Brass, Steel
2010s Modern Tables
Hardwood, Oak
Vintage 1940s Italian Mid-Century Modern Chairs
Bronze
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Mid-Century Modern Dining Room Tables
Travertine
21st Century and Contemporary Swedish Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps
Textile
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Mid-Century Modern Dining Room Tables
Travertine
Recent Sales
Antique Mid-19th Century English Victorian Magazine Racks and Stands
Brass, Iron
Antique Late 19th Century Hungarian Side Chairs
Wood
Vintage 1960s French French Provincial Chairs
Oak
Antique Early 1900s Austrian Country Side Chairs
Wood
Antique Early 19th Century Swedish Folk Art Chairs
Pine
Mid-20th Century American American Craftsman Armchairs
Maple
Antique 1890s Scottish Arts and Crafts Armchairs
Silk, Upholstery, Mahogany
Early 20th Century American Arts and Crafts Rocking Chairs
Upholstery, Wood, Oak
Antique Late 19th Century French Louis XV Side Tables
Walnut
Antique 18th Century and Earlier American Side Chairs
Early 20th Century French Night Stands
Walnut
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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