Henredon Loveseat
Antique Early 19th Century American Chippendale Loveseats
Leather, Wood
Vintage 1980s Post-Modern Sectional Sofas
Upholstery
Early 20th Century American Chippendale Wingback Chairs
Leather, Wood
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern End Tables
Brass
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Antique 1750s English George III Settees
Mahogany
Antique 19th Century French Empire Settees
Bronze
Vintage 1940s Danish Scandinavian Modern Sofas
Leather, Mahogany
Vintage 1950s English Armchairs
Leather
Vintage 1930s English Chesterfield Wingback Chairs
Brass
Antique Early 1900s English Edwardian Wingback Chairs
Leather, Hardwood
Antique 1750s English Chinese Chippendale Sofas
Vintage 1940s Danish Scandinavian Modern Sofas
Lambskin, Beech
Vintage 1940s American Neoclassical Sofas
Upholstery, Wood, Cherry
Antique Early 19th Century English Victorian Loveseats
Velvet, Hardwood
Vintage 1970s Italian Space Age Sofas
Velvet
Early 20th Century American Arts and Crafts Settees
Upholstery, Oak
Late 20th Century Space Age Sectional Sofas
Fabric
Antique Late 19th Century English Edwardian Loveseats
Upholstery, Velvet, Wood
21st Century and Contemporary English George II Settees
Upholstery, Wood
Vintage 1940s Danish Scandinavian Modern Sofas
Lambskin, Beech, Teak
Recent Sales
Late 20th Century North American Loveseats
Upholstery
1990s American Loveseats
Upholstery, Fruitwood
20th Century American French Provincial Settees
Late 20th Century Sofas
Upholstery
Mid-20th Century American Modern Wingback Chairs
Velvet, Mahogany
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Loveseats
Upholstery
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Sofas
Upholstery, Cherry
Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Sectional Sofas
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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After years of diligent restoration, E-1027, the designer-cum-architect’s marriage of romance and modernism, is finally complete.