Original Westport Chair
Antique Early 1900s American Adirondack Lounge Chairs
Wood
Vintage 1930s American Industrial Chairs
Wood
People Also Browsed
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Mid-Century Modern Chandeliers and...
Brass
21st Century and Contemporary American Scandinavian Modern Wall Lights a...
Nickel, Brass
2010s African Arts and Crafts Wall Lights and Sconces
Clay, Earthenware
21st Century and Contemporary American Industrial Wall Lights and Sconces
Glass
Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Chaise Longues
Hide, Alpaca, Upholstery, Walnut
Early 20th Century De Stijl Side Chairs
Elm
21st Century and Contemporary American Mid-Century Modern Benches
Rush, Walnut
Vintage 1950s Danish Scandinavian Modern Beds and Bed Frames
Rattan, Teak
Vintage 1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Sofas
Metal
21st Century and Contemporary Modern Chairs
Resin
Mid-20th Century American Industrial Office Chairs and Desk Chairs
Chrome, Steel
Vintage 1970s French Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Pine
Vintage 1930s French Industrial Chairs
Steel
Vintage 1960s Danish Scandinavian Modern Sofas
Leather, Oak
20th Century Italian International Style Chaise Longues
Wicker, Wood, Paint
20th Century Flooring
Cement
Recent Sales
Early 20th Century American Arts and Crafts Lounge Chairs
Hardwood
21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Patio and Garden Furniture
Mahogany
Early 20th Century American American Craftsman Lounge Chairs
Wood
Vintage 1910s American American Craftsman Lounge Chairs
Wood
Vintage 1970s French Modern Dining Room Chairs
Early 20th Century American Adirondack Lounge Chairs
Wood
Early 20th Century American Adirondack Patio and Garden Furniture
Wood
Vintage 1930s American Adirondack Patio and Garden Furniture
Wood
20th Century American Adirondack Armchairs
Teak, Fabric
21st Century and Contemporary North American Modern Patio and Garden Fur...
Mahogany
21st Century and Contemporary North American Modern Patio and Garden Fur...
Mahogany
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 ExpertApril 5, 2022The slipper chair originated in 18th century Europe. It was used in women’s bedrooms as seating for when maids would assist them in putting on their slippers. Today, a slipper chair refers to a low-slung chair. Browse a selection of modern and antique slipper chairs on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022The original Barcelona chair designed by Ludwig Mies van der Rohe featured ivory upholstery made of pigskin leather. Modern incarnations come in a wide range of upholstery colors and are available from Knoll Furniture. You'll find a variety of Barcelona chairs 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022The original Eames chair and matching ottoman were designed by Charles and Ray Aemes for the Herman Miller furniture company in 1956. The Eames chair is considered the epitome of modern interior design and is widely coveted by home decor enthusiasts. Browse a range of authenticated Eames chairs on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022In 1949, Hans Wegner made the original Wishbone chair, a bentwood piece with a curved rail and Y-back. Today, Carl Hansen & Søn manufactures the chair based on Wegner's original design. You can find a variety of Hans Wegner chairs on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022One way to authenticate an original Wassily chair is to look at the stainless frame. There will be no weld in the corners, and will look like a continuous piece, with no cap on the end. Shop a collection of expertly vetted Wassily chairs from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertMarch 3, 2023The original Eames chair was made out of molded plywood and leather. Charles and Ray Eames designed the iconic mid-century modern chair for Herman Miller in 1958. On 1stDibs, find a variety of Eames chairs.
- 1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022There are a number of ways that you can tell an original Marcel Breuer chair. One trick is to examine the frame. If you see end caps, you're likely looking at a replica. Authentic Breuer chairs featured polished, welded ends. Some chairs also feature stickers that identify the model name located under their seats. On 1stDibs, find a collection of expertly vetted Marcel Breuer chairs.
- 1stDibs ExpertOctober 21, 2020
The design has changed over the years, but most antique carver chairs were made of wood. Antique carver chairs were wide chairs made in 17th century New England — with backs that featured several supporting spindles — although there were no spindles between the armrests and the seat. Antique carver chairs were typically topped with decorative ornaments.
- 1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022Which chair is best for a George Nakashima Origins for Widdicomb desk is largely a matter of preference. George Nakashima chairs with Shaker-inspired spindle backs like the Mira and Conoid tend to complement the lines of the desks in the collection. However, you can mix and match styles to create an eclectic look. On 1stDibs, shop a collection of George Nakashima desks and chairs.
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.