Metamorphic Reading Chair
Antique 18th Century English Regency Chairs
Leather, Walnut
20th Century English Victorian Chairs
Oak
Antique 1850s English Early Victorian Chairs
Oak
Antique 1850s English High Victorian Chairs
Oak
Antique 19th Century English Arts and Crafts Chairs
Hardwood
Antique 1880s English Arts and Crafts Chairs
Upholstery, Oak
Antique 1830s English William IV Chairs
Hardwood
20th Century English Regency Chairs
Hardwood
Antique 19th Century English Campaign Chairs
Brass
Antique 1880s English Arts and Crafts Ladders
Oak
Antique 1810s English Regency Armchairs
Leather, Hardwood
Antique 19th Century English Georgian Armchairs
Leather, Hardwood
Antique 1890s English Late Victorian Armchairs
Upholstery, Oak
People Also Browsed
Antique 19th Century English Chinese Chippendale Vitrines
Glass, Mahogany
Antique 17th Century Italian Baroque Armchairs
Velvet, Walnut
Antique Mid-19th Century English High Victorian Taxidermy
Other
2010s English Ladders
Ash
Antique 19th Century Austrian Gothic Revival Chairs
Wood, Wicker
Antique 1810s English George III Ladders
Leather, Elm
Antique Late 19th Century Italian Renaissance Revival Busts
Carrara Marble
Antique 1890s French Art Nouveau Daybeds
Iron
Antique 1890s French Louis XVI Beds and Bed Frames
Rosewood
Antique Late 19th Century English Late Victorian Armchairs
Leather
Antique 19th Century French Provincial Ladders
Wood, Oak
Early 20th Century European Gothic Revival Blanket Chests
Wrought Iron
Antique 19th Century English Arts and Crafts Tables
Brass
Antique 1860s British Victorian Beds and Bed Frames
Hardwood
Mid-20th Century Indian Ladders
Wood
Antique 1860s English Early Victorian Chaise Longues
Leather
Recent Sales
Antique Mid-18th Century English Chippendale Corner Chairs
Mahogany, Pine
Late 20th Century British Club Chairs
Leather
Antique Early 19th Century British Chairs
Oak
20th Century British Office Chairs and Desk Chairs
Oak
Antique 19th Century English Arts and Crafts Ladders
Oak
Antique 1880s English Victorian Chairs
Oak
Antique 1880s English High Victorian Chairs
Oak
Antique 19th Century English Georgian Armchairs
Leather, Hardwood
Antique 19th Century English Victorian Bookcases
Oak
Antique Late 19th Century English Regency Armchairs
Metal
Metamorphic Reading Chair For Sale on 1stDibs
How Much is a Metamorphic Reading Chair?
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 ExpertOctober 12, 2021The best chair for reading is ultimately a matter of preference. You’ll want to think about a comfortable chair that will be suitable to sit in for a long period — think about form, upholstery, whether the chair will support your back and neck properly and more. Keep your space constrictions in mind as well as your budget. On 1stDibs, find a variety of antique, new and vintage chairs.
- What makes a good reading chair?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertOctober 19, 2021A good reading chair will have a high, firm back to provide enough support to the neck and back. It should also have comfortable armrests so that one’s arms are relaxed and it is easy to prop a book. A plush upholstered cushion for the seat will make the reading experience even better. Find a collection of antique and vintage reading chairs on 1stDibs today.
Read More
The 21 Most Popular Mid-Century Modern Chairs
You know the designs, now get the stories about how they came to be.
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.