Seating Frame Only
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Armchairs
Upholstery, Wood, Mahogany
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Sofas
Fabric, Foam, Wood, Feathers
Vintage 1920s Chinese Chinoiserie Beds and Bed Frames
Walnut
Antique 1880s French Country Beds and Bed Frames
Fruitwood
Antique 1880s English High Victorian Beds and Bed Frames
Hardwood
Antique 1840s English Early Victorian Beds and Bed Frames
Brass
Antique Early 1900s English Edwardian Beds and Bed Frames
Walnut
Antique 1860s European High Victorian Beds and Bed Frames
Oak
Antique Early 1900s English Edwardian Beds and Bed Frames
Walnut
Antique Early 1800s American Georgian Beds and Bed Frames
Hardwood
20th Century English Gothic Beds and Bed Frames
Oak
Antique 1880s English High Victorian Beds and Bed Frames
Brass
20th Century French Napoleon III Beds and Bed Frames
Oak
Antique Early 1900s English Edwardian Beds and Bed Frames
Walnut
20th Century English Victorian Beds and Bed Frames
Leather, Hardwood
Antique Early 1900s English Edwardian Beds and Bed Frames
Walnut
Antique 1880s English High Victorian Beds and Bed Frames
Elm
Antique 1880s French Louis XV Beds and Bed Frames
Walnut
20th Century Swedish Scandinavian Modern Sofas
Leather, Rosewood
Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Sofas
Steel, Chrome
21st Century and Contemporary American Mid-Century Modern Sofas
Fabric, Foam, Wood
Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Side Chairs
Metal
Vintage 1930s French Art Deco Club Chairs
Leather, Upholstery
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Armchairs
Upholstery
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Chairs
Aluminum
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Armchairs
Aluminum
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Stools
Upholstery
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Stools
Aluminum
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Armchairs
Aluminum
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Chairs
Aluminum
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Armchairs
Aluminum
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Chairs
Aluminum
Late 20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Living Room Sets
Leather, Cane, Beech
Antique 1650s English Jacobean Beds and Bed Frames
Oak
Vintage 1920s English Art Deco Beds and Bed Frames
Walnut
20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Beds and Bed Frames
Leather
2010s Peruvian Spanish Colonial Dining Room Chairs
Leather
Antique 1840s Italian Chesterfield Beds and Bed Frames
Walnut
Early 20th Century Unknown Bohemian Armchairs
Bamboo, Rattan
Vintage 1950s English Mid-Century Modern Beds and Bed Frames
Walnut
Vintage 1960s French Mid-Century Modern Beds and Bed Frames
Fiberglass
Vintage 1940s English Art Deco Beds and Bed Frames
Walnut
2010s Spanish Industrial Stools
Steel
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Swivel Chairs
Upholstery
Antique Late 19th Century British Late Victorian Chairs
Oak
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Swivel Chairs
Upholstery
Antique 1860s English High Victorian Armchairs
Leather, Hardwood
2010s Spanish Industrial Stools
Steel
2010s Italian Armchairs
Wood, Leather
Antique Early 1900s English Edwardian Footstools
Leather, Hardwood
Vintage 1960s Danish Mid-Century Modern Armchairs
Leather
2010s Brazilian Armchairs
Metal
21st Century and Contemporary Chinese Chairs
Wood
Vintage 1970s French Bohemian Stools
Bamboo, Rattan
2010s Spanish Modern Stools
Steel
21st Century and Contemporary German Industrial Stools
Steel
2010s Spanish Industrial Stools
Steel
21st Century and Contemporary German Industrial Stools
Steel
21st Century and Contemporary German Industrial Stools
Steel
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Armchairs
Upholstery
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Seating Frame Only For Sale on 1stDibs
How Much is a Seating Frame Only?
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 Tandem seating?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022Tandem seating is a style of seating featuring a series of chairs attached to each other, side by side. It is a common form of seating for use in public spaces, such as waiting rooms or lobbies. Shop an array of tandem seating from top sellers on 1stDibs.
- What is a camel seat?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022A camel seat is a stool that features a camel saddle as the base. It is usually topped by a comfortably upholstered seat. This piece of furniture can also be used as an ottoman. On 1stDibs, find an array of camel seats from top sellers worldwide.
- What is banquette seating?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertFebruary 22, 2021Banquettes are a bench-like seat that can be either freestanding or built into a wall. They're similar to a booth in a restaurant in that they can seat multiple people.
- What is a bench seat?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertOctober 26, 2021Benches can be used in nearly every space, from the foyer to the bedroom to the living room. The perfect option to create a warm, welcoming atmosphere in entryways, benches can also transform dining areas, making it possible to host several guests with limited space. On 1stDibs, find benches and other seating today.
- What is a seating banquette?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022A banquette is a bench that accompanies a table to provide more seating for guests. They usually come upholstered and are different from a booth, which you typically sit in, not on. You can shop a collection of banquette seating from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.
- What is a cantilever seat?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022Cantilever seats are chairs that have a uniquely designed base. Instead of featuring four legs, a cantilever chair has two tubular metal legs in the front. They travel straight down and then bend inward, continuing to the back of the chair where a crossbar joins them. The name of the seat comes from bridge construction and architecture. On 1stDibs, shop a selection of cantilever chairs.
- What is a gesso frame?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertSeptember 28, 2021Gesso is the Italian word for “chalk.” It has been used for the preparation of gilding frames. You can find a variety of gesso picture frames on 1stDibs.
- What is framing in photography?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertFebruary 22, 2021Framing, in photography, refers to the technique of drawing focus to the main subject of the composition while blocking other parts of the photograph with other objects or shapes in the scene. Framing helps to maintain the viewer's focus.
- What is a tube frame?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertOctober 19, 2021A tube frame is a structure designed to resist lateral loads by acting as a three-dimensional hollow tube. A truss-like, lightweight rigid structure made up of interconnected struts in a geometric design is known as a space frame or space structure.
- What is a gilded frame?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertNovember 2, 2021A gilded frame is a photo frame that features a thin layer of gold or silver leaf coating over the frame's surface. Some gilded frames are regarded as collectibles and are considered a work of art in their own right. Find a variety of antique and vintage gilded frames on 1stDibs.
- Can you frame a tapestry?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertFebruary 22, 2021You can frame a tapestry using a tapestry frame, which works to keep the canvas taut and hang the item. There are many different types of tapestry frames, though a popular one has a top wooden clamp with a hanging mechanism and a bottom wooden clamp to weigh down the material.
- What is a bench seat sofa?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertSeptember 28, 2021A bench seat sofa is a seating system that can seat two to three people at a time. Generally, a bench seat sofa does not have a backrest. Find a collection of antique and vintage bench seat sofas on 1stDibs today.
- 1stDibs ExpertSeptember 25, 2019
Bench seats are typically around 18 inches deep.
- What is a backless seat called?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertOctober 12, 2021A backless seat is also called a stool. It is one of the earliest types of seating. It resembles a chair in many ways. It comprises a single seat with no back or armrests for one person. There are one, two, three, or four legs on the base of a stool. Find a collection of antique and vintage backless seats on 1stDibs today.
- What is a window seat called?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertOctober 12, 2021A window seat is called a window bench, window nook or alcove. It is a mini sofa without a backrest for filling the gap of a window. Window benches are a great way to utilize extra or unused space for seating.
- 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 1, 2024The standard seat height depends on the type of seating in question. For seating at dining tables, the average seat height is 17 to 23 inches, while the typical seat height for desk chairs ranges from 16 to 21 inches. Seat heights for sofas and loveseats are usually around 17 to 18 inches. On 1stDibs, shop a wide range of seating from some of the world's top dealers.
- What are church seats called?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertFebruary 21, 2024Church seats are often called pews. The word comes from the Middle English “pewe,” derived from the Old French word “puie,” meaning balcony. You may also hear people refer to pews as benches, stalls or even simply seats. On 1stDibs, explore a variety of church pews from some of the world's top dealers.
- What is rush seating made of?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022Rush seating on chairs is made out of long grasses like cattails. To produce the seats, artisans dry out the plant matter and then carefully weave the pieces together. You can find a range of chairs with rush seating on 1stDibs.
- What are cinema seats called?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022Cinema seats are sometimes called theater, stadium or auditorium seating. You may also see people simply refer to them as cinema seats. All the names for the seats describe the large public spaces that they provide seating in. You'll find a selection of cinema seats on 1stDibs.
- What are rush seats on chairs?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022Rush seats are chairs where the seating part is woven out of long, grass-like vegetation. After the material dries, the makers weave it to make a strong surface for sitting. Shop antique rush chairs from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.
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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.
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Eileen Gray’s Famed Cliffside Villa in the South of France Is Returned to Its Modernist Glory
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