Klismos Library Chairs
2010s English Chairs
Mahogany
21st Century and Contemporary Armchairs
Mahogany
Antique 19th Century English Regency Dining Room Chairs
Brass, Bronze
Early 20th Century Danish Dining Room Sets
Metal
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1990s Italian Post-Modern Dining Room Tables
Burl, Lacquer
2010s French Other Wall Mirrors
Ceramic
21st Century and Contemporary American Bohemian Chandeliers and Pendants
Brass
2010s French Modern Chairs
Oak
21st Century and Contemporary American Chandeliers and Pendants
Brass
21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Benches
Fabric, Velvet, Lacquer, Wood
Vintage 1980s Italian Mid-Century Modern Console Tables
Leather, Wood
Vintage 1940s French Art Deco Dining Room Chairs
Brass
21st Century and Contemporary American Scandinavian Modern Wall Lights a...
Steel, Zinc
21st Century and Contemporary American Mid-Century Modern Flush Mount
Brass, Steel
21st Century and Contemporary Mid-Century Modern Dining Room Chairs
Metal
Antique 1890s German Dinner Plates
Porcelain
21st Century and Contemporary Swedish Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps
Textile
Vintage 1940s French Art Deco Dining Room Chairs
Wood, Velvet
Late 20th Century Italian Modern Wingback Chairs
Metal
Antique 1890s French Louis XV Dining Room Chairs
Oak
Recent Sales
Antique 1810s English Regency Bergere Chairs
Brass
Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Slipper Chairs
Antique Early 1800s American Federal Side Chairs
Ash, Hickory
Antique 19th Century English Regency Dining Room Chairs
Brass
Antique 1890s Danish Neoclassical Revival Dining Room Chairs
Ormolu
20th Century Italian Neoclassical Armchairs
Fabric, Wood
Antique Early 19th Century English Regency Armchairs
Brass
20th Century Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Lacquer
Antique Early 19th Century English Regency Armchairs
Brass
Antique Early 19th Century English Regency Side Chairs
Ebony, Oak, Holly
Antique 19th Century Side Chairs
Suede
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.
- Who made the klismos chair?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022The ancient Greeks made the first klismos chairs. During the Neoclassical period in Europe, the chairs gained popularity again, and many 18th-century designers created seating based on the original klismos design, including Thomas Hope, Georges Jacob and Benjamin Henry Latrobe. Find a range of klismos chairs on 1stDibs.
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