Hot Pink Velvet Chair
2010s American American Classical Slipper Chairs
Upholstery, Velvet, Wood
1990s American Mid-Century Modern Club Chairs
Upholstery
Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Swivel Chairs
Chrome
2010s American Art Deco Chairs
Walnut, Wood, Velvet
Antique Early 19th Century French Louis XVI Bergere Chairs
Walnut
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2010s Danish Mid-Century Modern Floor Lamps
Brass
21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Sofas
Velvet, Walnut
2010s American Wall Lights and Sconces
Brass
21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Armchairs
Brass
Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Club Chairs
Fabric, Walnut
Vintage 1970s Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Sofas
Velvet, Wood
Vintage 1940s Italian Art Deco Lounge Chairs
Velvet, Wood
Late 20th Century American Post-Modern Chairs
Lucite
21st Century and Contemporary European Mid-Century Modern Chairs
Velvet, Wood
2010s British Scandinavian Modern Ottomans and Poufs
Mohair, Velvet, Oak
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Art Deco Wall Lights and Sconces
Brass
2010s Turkish Arts and Crafts Armchairs
Cane, Wood
21st Century and Contemporary Swedish Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps
Textile
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Candlesticks
Ceramic
21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Chairs
Bouclé, Wood
1990s Italian Art Deco Chandeliers and Pendants
Art Glass, Murano Glass, Blown Glass
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20th Century American Louis XV Side Chairs
Antique Early 1900s French Armchairs
Upholstery, Wood
Vintage 1960s American Hollywood Regency Lounge Chairs
Vintage 1960s Dutch Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs
Velvet, Wood
Vintage 1980s Italian Post-Modern Chairs
Upholstery, Velvet
Vintage 1960s Hollywood Regency Lounge Chairs
Gold Leaf
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Dining Room Chairs
Chrome
Vintage 1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs
Vintage 1960s Dutch Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs
Velvet, Wood
Vintage 1950s Italian Chairs
Lacquer
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs
20th Century American Dining Room Tables
Upholstery, Velvet, Wood
Antique 19th Century French Armchairs
Vintage 1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Armchairs
Upholstery
Vintage 1940s American Hollywood Regency Chairs
Upholstery
Vintage 1970s American Hollywood Regency Swivel Chairs
Brass
Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs
Brass
Vintage 1970s American Hollywood Regency Armchairs
Velvet, Lucite
Late 20th Century Hollywood Regency Armchairs
Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Club Chairs
Velvet
Early 20th Century British Victorian Corner Chairs
Vintage 1940s American Benches
Wood, Velvet, Upholstery
20th Century Louis XVI Armchairs
Wood, Fabric
Antique Late 18th Century Chinese Paintings
Watercolor
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.
Read More
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Fred Rigby’s Modular Seating Can Be Configured in So Many Handy Ways
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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.