Noguchi Ottoman
Vintage 1940s Japanese Mid-Century Modern Sofas
Wool, Walnut
Early 2000s American Mid-Century Modern Sofas
Beech, Maple
Late 20th Century Sofas
Leather
Early 2000s German Mid-Century Modern Sofas
Fabric, Textile, Wool, Wood, Maple
Vintage 1970s American Modern Lounge Chairs
Fabric, Pine
Mid-20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Stools
Rope, Hardwood
Mid-20th Century European Mid-Century Modern Stools
Leather, Cherry
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Vintage 1950s French Mid-Century Modern Cupboards
Brass
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Sofas
Upholstery
Vintage 1970s English Other Club Chairs
Brass
Early 2000s American Mid-Century Modern Sofas
Wool, Walnut
Vintage 1950s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Sofas
Wool, Cotton, Beech
Vintage 1930s Finnish Scandinavian Modern Wingback Chairs
Sheepskin, Elm
2010s Italian Side Tables
Onyx
Vintage 1940s American Mid-Century Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables
Uranium Glass, Ash
Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables
Mahogany, Lacquer
2010s Italian Mid-Century Modern Tables
Wood, Lacquer
21st Century and Contemporary Finnish Mid-Century Modern Floor Lamps
Brass
Vintage 1960s Danish Mid-Century Modern Sofas
Cane, Teak
Vintage 1940s Swiss Coffee and Cocktail Tables
Glass, Ash
Vintage 1950s German Mid-Century Modern Stools
Metal
Vintage 1930s Finnish Scandinavian Modern Lounge Chairs
Sheepskin, Beech
Vintage 1950s North American Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs
Leather, Rosewood
Recent Sales
Early 20th Century Mid-Century Modern Living Room Sets
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Ottomans and Poufs
Faux Fur
Vintage 1940s Japanese Mid-Century Modern Sofas
Walnut, Wool
Vintage 1940s Swiss Mid-Century Modern Sofas
Upholstery, Walnut
Vintage 1960s American Sofas
Wood
Late 20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs
Bouclé, Walnut
Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs
Fabric, Lucite
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs
Metal
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs
Aluminum, Steel
Vintage 1940s American Carts and Bar Carts
Oak
Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Ottomans and Poufs
Walnut, Bouclé
1990s American Mid-Century Modern Sofas
Upholstery, Maple
Late 20th Century German Organic Modern Sofas
Velvet, Walnut
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Prints
Paper
20th Century American Sofas
Birch, Wood
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.
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