Petite Barrel Back
Late 20th Century Hungarian Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs
Mohair
21st Century and Contemporary American Hollywood Regency Lounge Chairs
Upholstery
Antique 1860s French Louis Philippe Cabinets
Marble, Iron
Vintage 1950s French Posters
Paper
1950s More Prints
Paper
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2010s French Modern Table Lamps
Raffia, Plaster
21st Century and Contemporary Bergere Chairs
Linen
Mid-20th Century Unknown Hollywood Regency Chairs
Brass
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Club Chairs
Bronze
Late 20th Century American Modern Swivel Chairs
Bouclé
Late 20th Century American Modern Swivel Chairs
Bouclé
Vintage 1970s Italian Modern Chairs
Metal
Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Chaise Longues
Hide, Alpaca, Upholstery, Walnut
Antique 1870s French Cabinets
Glass, Walnut
Antique Early 1900s Japanese Japonisme Cabinets
Brass
Antique Early 19th Century Swedish Gustavian Secretaires
Wrought Iron
20th Century French Glass
Crystal
Vintage 1970s Danish Mid-Century Modern Chairs
Pine
Antique 1890s French French Provincial Cabinets
Chestnut
2010s American American Classical Club Chairs
Linen
Antique Early 19th Century French French Provincial Wardrobes and Armoires
Iron
Recent Sales
20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Lounge Chairs
Linen
Early 20th Century British Brooches
Pearl, Ruby, Turquoise, 18k Gold
Late 20th Century American Modern Club Chairs
Upholstery
Vintage 1940s American Lounge Chairs
Mahogany
Mid-20th Century Hollywood Regency Club Chairs
Velvet
Vintage 1940s Hungarian Art Deco Lounge Chairs
Walnut
Vintage 1940s Hungarian Slipper Chairs
Walnut
Vintage 1930s French Club Chairs
Oak, Leather
Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Chairs
Bouclé, Walnut
Early 20th Century French Club Chairs
Leather
Early 20th Century French Louis XVI Armchairs
Wood, Fabric, Paint
Vintage 1940s French Club Chairs
Leather
Antique 19th Century French Chairs
Vintage 1930s French Settees
Leather
Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs
Wool, Walnut
Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Swivel Chairs
Upholstery
20th Century French Bergere Chairs
Upholstery, Wood
Early 20th Century Indian Anglo-Indian Slipper Chairs
Bone, Rosewood, Cane
Vintage 1950s Armchairs
Brass
Mid-20th Century North American Mid-Century Modern Swivel Chairs
Walnut
Antique 19th Century Louis XVI Bergere Chairs
Ormolu
Late 20th Century French Louis XIII Side Tables
Fruitwood
Vintage 1940s French Chairs
Vintage 1940s Armchairs
Vintage 1940s French Armchairs
Lacquer, Leather
Vintage 1950s American Slipper Chairs
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs
Brass
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, 2022Reupholster a barrel back chair by first removing the old upholstery from the chair. Use the old pieces of material as a guide to help you cut the new upholstery into properly sized pieces. Reupholster the chair by using a furniture stapler to re-secure the new upholstery in the same manner that the old upholstery was attached. Shop a range of vintage and contemporary barrel back chairs on 1stDibs.
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