Hickory Chair Faux Bamboo Cane
Vintage 1980s American Anglo-Indian Club Chairs
Cane, Mahogany
Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Armchairs
Fabric, Faux Bamboo, Wood
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Mid-20th Century American Hepplewhite Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Brass
Vintage 1980s Italian Post-Modern Beds and Bed Frames
Laminate, Wood
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Shelves
Bamboo, Wicker, Cane, Rattan
Vintage 1950s French Louis XVI Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Walnut
Vintage 1980s American Hollywood Regency Wall Mirrors
Gold Leaf, Metal
Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Chairs
Wood, Fur, Sheepskin
Vintage 1960s American Regency Armchairs
Upholstery, Cane, Mahogany, Satinwood
Mid-20th Century Unknown Mid-Century Modern Armchairs
Bamboo, Cane
20th Century Italian Benches
Iron
21st Century and Contemporary Philippine Modern Stools
Copper
Vintage 1960s Italian Hollywood Regency Stools
Iron
Antique 18th Century Italian Commodes and Chests of Drawers
20th Century Side Chairs
Bamboo
Mid-20th Century Art Deco Side Chairs
Leather, Wood
Antique 1870s Armchairs
Ormolu
Antique Late 19th Century Italian Rococo Console Tables
Gold
Recent Sales
Mid-20th Century American Regency Club Chairs
Brass
Vintage 1950s American Regency Lounge Chairs
Mahogany, Textile, Cane
Vintage 1950s American Regency Lounge Chairs
Cotton, Cane, Polyester, Mahogany
Vintage 1970s American Regency Armchairs
Brass
Vintage 1960s American Hollywood Regency Chairs
Faux Leather, Faux Bamboo, Cane
Mid-20th Century North American Chinese Chippendale Armchairs
Leather, Cane, Wood
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.