Sculptural Reading Chair
2010s Danish Mid-Century Modern Chairs
Wood, Leather
2010s Danish Modern Chairs
Wood
2010s German Modern Chairs
Suede, Ash
2010s German Modern Chairs
Leather, Ash
2010s Guatemalan Lounge Chairs
Plywood
21st Century and Contemporary Brazilian Post-Modern Chairs
Marble, Steel
1990s Dutch Modern Lounge Chairs
Maple
Early 20th Century Chairs
Velvet, Wood
Early 20th Century Art Nouveau Chairs
Cotton, Wood
2010s Canadian Modern Chairs
Ash
2010s Canadian Modern Chairs
Oak
Vintage 1980s French Space Age Chairs
Steel
Mid-20th Century Danish Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs
Chrome
Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Slipper Chairs
Fabric, Walnut
Vintage 1950s Danish Scandinavian Modern Lounge Chairs
Birch, Upholstery
Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs
Fabric, Walnut
Late 20th Century Dutch Post-Modern Lounge Chairs
Steel
1990s American Post-Modern Swivel Chairs
Fabric, Upholstery
Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs
Fabric, Walnut
Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Wingback Chairs
Hide, Sheepskin, Walnut
1990s American Post-Modern Wingback Chairs
Bouclé
Vintage 1970s Norwegian Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs
Leather, Canvas, Beech
Mid-20th Century Danish Mid-Century Modern Office Chairs and Desk Chairs
Beech, Leather, Walnut
1990s Italian Post-Modern Dining Room Chairs
Steel
1990s Italian Post-Modern Dining Room Chairs
Metal
Vintage 1960s Danish Mid-Century Modern Dining Room Chairs
Bouclé, Teak
Vintage 1960s German Mid-Century Modern Office Chairs and Desk Chairs
Leather
Vintage 1940s Danish Scandinavian Modern Armchairs
Fabric, Wood
Antique 1810s English Regency Armchairs
Brass
Mid-20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Floor Lamps
Bamboo, Resin, Wood
Vintage 1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables
Marble
Mid-20th Century Danish Mid-Century Modern Armchairs
Leather, Walnut
2010s Stools
Marble, Metal
2010s Sofas
Fabric
Vintage 1970s Dutch Mid-Century Modern Armchairs
Chrome
Vintage 1970s Dutch Mid-Century Modern Armchairs
Chrome
Vintage 1970s Danish Scandinavian Modern Armchairs
Rush, Pine
21st Century and Contemporary American Organic Modern Floor Lamps
Brass, Copper
2010s American Mid-Century Modern Floor Lamps
Bronze
21st Century and Contemporary American Mid-Century Modern Floor Lamps
Metal, Brass, Chrome
Antique 1830s English William IV Armchairs
Brass
Late 20th Century European Space Age Armchairs
Upholstery, Ash
21st Century and Contemporary American Mid-Century Modern Floor Lamps
Brass
21st Century and Contemporary American Mid-Century Modern Floor Lamps
Brass
Vintage 1980s Italian Mid-Century Modern Chaise Longues
Steel
Vintage 1980s Dutch Mid-Century Modern Floor Lamps
Acrylic, Plexiglass, Lucite
2010s French Modern Armchairs
Metal
Late 20th Century Art Deco Desks and Writing Tables
Stainless Steel
Antique Late 19th Century Italian Baroque Revival Cabinets
Walnut
Mid-20th Century Danish Mid-Century Modern Chairs
Stainless Steel
21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Modern Chairs
Ash
Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs
Upholstery, Wood, Maple
21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Modern Chairs
Wool, Oak
2010s Lithuanian Scandinavian Modern Lounge Chairs
Sheepskin, Walnut
2010s Lithuanian Scandinavian Modern Lounge Chairs
Sheepskin, Walnut
2010s Lithuanian Scandinavian Modern Lounge Chairs
Sheepskin, Walnut
21st Century and Contemporary European Mid-Century Modern Floor Lamps
Aluminum, Steel, Brass
2010s Lithuanian Scandinavian Modern Lounge Chairs
Wood, Leather
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs
Linen, Walnut
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs
Mohair, Walnut
- 1
Sculptural Reading Chair For Sale on 1stDibs
How Much is a Sculptural Reading Chair?
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 ExpertOctober 12, 2021The best chair for reading is ultimately a matter of preference. You’ll want to think about a comfortable chair that will be suitable to sit in for a long period — think about form, upholstery, whether the chair will support your back and neck properly and more. Keep your space constrictions in mind as well as your budget. On 1stDibs, find a variety of antique, new and vintage chairs.
- What makes a good reading chair?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertOctober 19, 2021A good reading chair will have a high, firm back to provide enough support to the neck and back. It should also have comfortable armrests so that one’s arms are relaxed and it is easy to prop a book. A plush upholstered cushion for the seat will make the reading experience even better. Find a collection of antique and vintage reading chairs on 1stDibs today.
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.