Horse Hair Chaise
Antique Early 1800s French Louis XVI Chaise Longues
Fabric, Hickory
Antique 1860s English Victorian Chaise Longues
Leather
Antique Late 19th Century British Anglo-Japanese Chaise Longues
Rosewood
Antique 19th Century English Victorian Sofas
Leather
Vintage 1920s French British Colonial Lounge Chairs
Beech, Leather
Mid-19th Century Realist Interior Paintings
Oil
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Antique 18th Century English Georgian Sofas
Beech
21st Century and Contemporary Unknown Art Deco Carts and Bar Carts
Marble
21st Century and Contemporary Vietnamese Chippendale Beds and Bed Frames
Wood
Antique Mid-19th Century English High Victorian Taxidermy
Other
Antique Late 19th Century English Victorian Card Tables and Tea Tables
Lacquer
Mid-20th Century American Hollywood Regency Sectional Sofas
Upholstery
Antique 19th Century English Victorian Bookcases
Hardwood
Antique 1830s English William IV Armchairs
Mahogany
Vintage 1960s American French Provincial Chaise Longues
Upholstery, Walnut
Antique 1880s French Napoleon III Chaise Longues
Fabric, Beech
Antique 19th Century English Victorian Sofas
Leather, Mahogany
Antique 1730s French Louis XVI Chaise Longues
Oak
Antique 19th Century English Victorian Armchairs
Hardwood, Leather
Antique Mid-19th Century French Beds and Bed Frames
Wood
Vintage 1980s American Post-Modern Chaise Longues
Bouclé, Upholstery
20th Century Canapes
Upholstery, Beech
Recent Sales
2010s American Modern Chaise Longues
Fabric, Wood
Antique Early 18th Century Regency Furniture
Wood
Antique Mid-19th Century Danish Early Victorian Sofas
Beech, Mahogany, Cotton
Antique 19th Century French Chaise Longues
Wood
Antique 19th Century French Napoleon III Chaise Longues
Antique 1810s British Regency Chaise Longues
Brass
Antique 19th Century French Napoleon III Chaise Longues
Wood
Antique 1870s English Victorian Chaise Longues
Fabric, Mahogany
Antique 1820s English Regency Chaise Longues
Leather, Mahogany
20th Century Chaise Longues
Leather
Antique 1880s English Aesthetic Movement Chaise Longues
Mahogany
Antique 19th Century French Empire Chaise Longues
Upholstery, Burl
Antique 19th Century English Chaise Longues
Antique 1810s English Chaise Longues
1940s Post-Impressionist Figurative Paintings
Oil, Panel
Antique 19th Century French Chaise Longues
Antique 1870s English Victorian Chaise Longues
Mahogany
Antique 1870s English Victorian Chaise Longues
Mahogany
Antique 17th Century French Louis XIII Armchairs
Upholstery, 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.
- 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 22, 2021Horsehair isn't still used in upholstery. Though it was once very popular, designers stopped using it in the late early 20th century.
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