Primitive Bentwood Chair
Antique Late 18th Century Swedish Rustic Chairs
Ash, Elm, Bentwood
Mid-20th Century American Adirondack Rocking Chairs
Twig, Cherry, Bentwood
Antique Late 18th Century Swedish Folk Art Chairs
Brass
Antique Late 18th Century Swedish Folk Art Chairs
Pine
Mid-20th Century American Rustic Side Chairs
Wood
Antique Early 1900s Italian Primitive Side Chairs
Cowhide, Bentwood
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Antique 1860s English High Victorian Cupboards
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Mid-20th Century French Coffee and Cocktail Tables
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Vintage 1960s European Rustic Stools
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Vintage 1960s Danish Coffee and Cocktail Tables
Oak
Antique 19th Century Cupboards
Wood
Antique 19th Century Dressers
Ash
21st Century and Contemporary Modern Stools
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20th Century American Coffee and Cocktail Tables
Steel
Vintage 1960s Belgian Mid-Century Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables
Metal, Wrought Iron
Vintage 1970s French Mid-Century Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables
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2010s Mexican Arts and Crafts Chairs
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Antique Mid-19th Century American Primitive Blanket Chests
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Vintage 1960s Danish Mid-Century Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables
Ceramic, Teak
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables
Brass
Vintage 1960s Danish Scandinavian Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables
Ceramic, Rosewood
Vintage 1960s French Mid-Century Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables
Chrome
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Vintage 1930s French Art Deco Chairs
Wood
Vintage 1950s American Armchairs
Wood
Antique 18th Century and Earlier English Armchairs
Wood
Early 20th Century Rustic Dining Room Chairs
Hickory, Pine
Antique 18th Century and Earlier British Windsor Chairs
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 bentwood chair?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertFebruary 22, 2021A bentwood chair is a chair made out of wood that has been steamed and formed into its desired shape. The iconic No. 14 chair made by Thonet is a well-know chair made in this technique. There are many bentwood chairs for sale on 1stDibs.
- When were Bentwood chairs made?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022The Bentwood Chair was made by German-Austrian cabinetmaker Michael Thonet in the mid-19th century. His design is still popular with interior designers and homeowners worldwide. Shop a collection of Bentwood chairs from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.
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