Mis Century Chair
Mid-20th Century Louis XV Bergere Chairs
Fabric, Softwood
Mid-20th Century Swedish Scandinavian Modern Chairs
Fabric
Mid-20th Century American Lounge Chairs
Silk, Walnut
Vintage 1970s English Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs
Velvet, Rosewood
Vintage 1970s Mid-Century Modern Dining Room Chairs
Faux Leather, Fiberglass
1990s Italian Mid-Century Modern Armchairs
Steel, Chrome
Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Settees
Upholstery, Birch
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Late 20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs
Steel
2010s British Scandinavian Modern Ottomans and Poufs
Sheepskin, Oak
21st Century and Contemporary French Modern Wall Lights and Sconces
Alabaster, Metal
2010s American Mid-Century Modern Wall Lights and Sconces
Brass, Bronze, Enamel, Nickel
2010s American Flush Mount
Brass
Vintage 1940s French Art Deco Dining Room Chairs
Oak
2010s British Scandinavian Modern Ottomans and Poufs
Mohair, Velvet, Oak
2010s South African Minimalist Side Tables
Marble
Antique Late 19th Century French Louis XV Chaise Longues
Walnut, Fabric
Vintage 1930s French Art Deco Dining Room Chairs
Oak
21st Century and Contemporary English Arts and Crafts Pillows and Throws
Cotton, Fabric, Velvet
21st Century and Contemporary Mid-Century Modern Dining Room Chairs
Metal
Vintage 1960s Mexican Mid-Century Modern Dry Bars
Brass
Vintage 1940s Danish Art Deco Lounge Chairs
Fabric, Beech
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Benches
Cord, Rope, Wood
Mid-20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Sideboards
Oak
Recent Sales
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs
Mohair, Birch
Antique Mid-19th Century English Chinoiserie Chairs
Wood
Vintage 1960s Danish Mid-Century Modern Wingback Chairs
Leather, Teak
Vintage 1960s German Mid-Century Modern Desks
Stainless Steel, Chrome
20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Armchairs
Beech, Wool, Upholstery
Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Patio and Garden Furniture
Iron
Antique Mid-19th Century American American Empire Chairs
Pine
1990s Unknown Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs
Metal
Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs
Chrome
1990s Italian Mid-Century Modern Armchairs
Chrome, Steel
Vintage 1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Dining Room Sets
Chrome
Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Armchairs
Aluminum
Vintage 1970s American Dining Room Chairs
Wood
Vintage 1940s Danish Mid-Century Modern Armchairs
Beech
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.
- What is a mid-century chair?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertOctober 19, 2021A mid-century chair is a piece of seating furniture that was designed at any point during the middle of the 20th century. Mid-century modern furniture is characterized by pieces that were conceived and made in an energetic, optimistic spirit by creators who believed that good design was an essential part of good living. The mid-century period provided an excellent opportunity to experiment with both functional and decorative forms. Mid-century modern chairs were made with a variety of natural and synthetic materials, combining leather, wood, and cane with chrome, steel, and plastic. Shop a range of vintage mid-century chairs on 1stDibs today.
- 1stDibs ExpertMay 5, 2023To tell if a chair is mid-century, look for labels and markings that indicate its maker. Then, use trusted online resources to determine when the company was active. A certified appraiser or experienced antiques dealer can be of assistance when dating chairs. Iconic mid-century modern furniture designers include Charles and Ray Eames, Eero Saarinen, Milo Baughman, Florence Knoll, Harry Bertoia and Isamu Noguchi. Find a variety of mid-century modern chairs on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022Yes, Wassily chairs are indeed considered mid-century modern. Although the chair was initially designed by Marcel Breuer in 1925, it was re-released in the 1960s. Shop a collection of mid-century modern goods from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertMarch 3, 2023Some iconic chairs from the mid-century modern era include the Egg chair by Arne Jacobson, the La Chaise by Charles and Ray Eames and the Womb chair by Eero Saarinen. With their clean lines, organic shapes and simple details, these chairs reflect some of the key features of the style. Shop a variety of mid-century modern chairs on 1stDibs.
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