Kidney Settee
Antique Late 19th Century European Aesthetic Movement Settees
Bentwood
Vintage 1980s Sofas
Upholstery
Early 20th Century Edwardian Benches
Upholstery, Mahogany
Vintage 1970s Danish Mid-Century Modern Patio and Garden Furniture
Teak
Mid-20th Century European Rustic Loveseats
Wrought Iron
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Sofas
Steel
Vintage 1980s American Modern Benches
Canvas, Wood, Paint
People Also Browsed
1990s North American Post-Modern Sofas
Cotton
Antique Early 1900s Gothic Revival Benches
Wrought Iron
Vintage 1980s Mid-Century Modern Sectional Sofas
Fabric
Vintage 1950s American Louis XV Sofas
Wood, Upholstery
Antique 1890s Italian Sofas
Fabric, Wood
Early 20th Century Hungarian Country Benches
Pine
2010s British Louis XVI Sofas
Beech
Antique 19th Century Benches
Oak
Vintage 1930s Louis XIV Sofas
Upholstery, Mahogany
20th Century American Louis XVI Settees
Upholstery, Cane, Walnut
Mid-20th Century British Chippendale Armchairs
Faux Bamboo
Antique 19th Century Italian Neoclassical Benches
Upholstery, Wood
Antique Early 1900s Austrian Vienna Secession Benches
Beech, Bentwood
Early 20th Century Hungarian Folk Art Benches
Pine, Paint
Vintage 1920s Hungarian Rustic Benches
Pine
Antique Early 1900s Austrian Vienna Secession Benches
Beech, Bentwood
Recent Sales
Mid-20th Century British Settees
Leather
20th Century American Hollywood Regency Settees
Antique 1890s English Victorian Settees
Cotton, Mahogany, Satinwood
20th Century English Chesterfield Settees
Brass
Antique 19th Century French Louis XVI Settees
Hardwood, Velvet
Mid-20th Century French Louis XVI Settees
Fabric, Wood
20th Century American Hollywood Regency Settees
Aluminum
Vintage 1960s Italian Sofas
Mahogany, Upholstery
Vintage 1930s French Sofas
Leather
20th Century American Sofas
Vintage 1920s English Renaissance Revival Loveseats
Walnut
Antique 1860s European Napoleon III Sofas
Vintage 1940s French Living Room Sets
Late 20th Century American Side Tables
Marble, Brass, Steel
Vintage 1960s Mid-Century Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables
Brass
20th Century American Hollywood Regency Settees
Velvet, Wood
Vintage 1950s American Hollywood Regency Settees
Mahogany, Velvet
Antique 19th Century French Louis XVI Settees
Hardwood
Antique Early 1900s Austrian Vienna Secession Settees
Leather, Beech, Bentwood
Antique Early 1900s French Louis XV Settees
Fabric, Giltwood
Early 20th Century American Sofas
Wood, Upholstery
Early 20th Century American Sofas
Metal
Antique 19th Century French Sofas
Walnut
Mid-20th Century Austrian Art Nouveau Benches
Bentwood, Cane
Vintage 1930s French Sofas
Wood, Upholstery, Silk
Antique 1880s Austrian Vienna Secession Benches
Cane, Bentwood
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
The plush Cove Slipper 2.5 Seater sofa is just one of many convenient combinations from the London-based maker.
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.