Roll Arm Daybed
Antique 19th Century British Regency Daybeds
Brass
Antique 19th Century Italian Louis XVI Benches
Wood
Antique Late 19th Century Late Victorian Chaise Longues
Upholstery
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2010s American Modern Stools
Oak
Antique 19th Century French Empire Revival Chaise Longues
Brass
2010s British Scandinavian Modern Ottomans and Poufs
Sheepskin, Oak
Antique Mid-19th Century English High Victorian Taxidermy
Other
21st Century and Contemporary Australian Organic Modern Chandeliers and ...
Copper, Brass
Early 2000s North American Daybeds
Fabric
21st Century and Contemporary Colombian Mid-Century Modern Wall Lights a...
Brass
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Wall Lights and Sconces
Murano Glass
2010s Danish Scandinavian Modern Benches
Metal
Antique 19th Century British Regency Chaise Longues
Mahogany
Antique 1830s American American Empire Sofas
Upholstery, Mahogany
Antique Early 19th Century Swedish Karl Johan Daybeds
Cotton, Upholstery, Mahogany
Early 20th Century French Chaise Longues
Velvet, Wood
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Classical Roman Stone Sinks
Marble
Antique 19th Century Country Beds and Bed Frames
Pine
Antique Late 19th Century French Louis XVI Benches
Fabric, Beech
Recent Sales
1990s American Sofas
Wood
2010s Thai Mid-Century Modern Sofas
Brass
21st Century and Contemporary American Daybeds
Late 20th Century Italian Louis XVI Benches
Wrought Iron
Late 20th Century Italian Louis XVI Benches
Wood, Leather
21st Century and Contemporary American Post-Modern Sofas
Leather
Vintage 1970s American Daybeds
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.
- Are rolled arms out of style?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022Rolled arms have been around for centuries and offer a classic versatile look to any décor. While it really comes down to personal taste, rolled arms have indeed stood the test of time. Shop a collection of rolled arm furniture from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022An English roll arm sofa is a style of sofa that is recognizable by its deep seat, tight untufted back and rolled arms. You can shop a collection of English roll arm sofas from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.
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