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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 does a swivel chair do?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertApril 12, 2024A swivel chair spins on its base. While seated, a user can turn the seat to face a different direction without repositioning the base of the chair. Swivel chairs are popular office furniture because they make it possible to reach for items in a workspace without having to get up from a seated position. In seating areas, swivel chairs allow people to focus on different areas of a room, such as a television screen or other people seated close by. Some dining chairs and bar stools also swivel to make it simpler for diners to sit down at and stand up from the table. Shop a large collection of swivel chairs on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 22, 2021In certain swivel chairs you can fit a rubber wedge between the base of the chair and the swiveling pole to increase the friction. By hammering the wedge you create a seal, limiting the motion of the chair.
- Does the Tulip chair swivel?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022Yes, the Tulip chair does indeed swivel. It is a pedestal swivel chair made with an aluminum base and a fiberglass shell, which was very innovative when it was designed in the mid-1950s. You can shop a collection of Tulip chairs from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.
- Does the Swan chair swivel?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022Yes, the Swan chair swivels on its metal base. The pivoting design was one of the major innovations of the chair that Arne Jacobsen designed for the SAS Royal Hotel in Copenhagen, Denmark, and it remains a selling point of the piece to this today. On 1stDibs, find a selection of Arne Jacobsen Swan chairs.
- Are swivel chairs in style?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022Like most home decor trends, swivel chairs have come in and out of popularity multiple times since their creation. However, swivel chairs are considered classic decor even when they’re not on-trend. Swivel chairs continue to be a popular choice because they spin and can suit a variety of spaces. Shop a wide variety of swivel chair styles on 1stDibs.
- What does swivel chair mean?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertFebruary 22, 2021A swivel chair means a chair with a seat that can rotate 360 degrees to face in any direction. You can shop many styles of swivel chairs on 1stDibs.com.
- 1stDibs ExpertNovember 8, 2023Yes, a swivel on a chair is a good idea in many spaces. In offices, swiveling mechanisms make it possible for you to turn and access different items in your workspace without having to get up from your seat. Swiveling dining chairs can make it easier for people to sit and stand before and after meals, and accent chairs that swivel can allow you to turn and easily engage in conversation with other people in the room. On 1stDibs, find a wide range of swivel chairs.
- 1stDibs ExpertMarch 3, 2023Yes, Thomas Jefferson is believed to have created a swivel chair out of a Windsor chair that he had in his home. However, Thomas E. Warren was the inventor who developed the modern swiveling chair on wheels. Called the Centripetal Spring armchair, his design dates back to 1849. Shop a range of swivel chairs on 1stDibs.
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