Thames Chair
Antique 19th Century Windsor Chairs
Elm
Antique Early 19th Century British Country Windsor Chairs
Elm, Yew
Antique 18th Century English Windsor Chairs
Yew
Antique 18th Century English Windsor Chairs
Elm, Yew
Antique 18th Century British Chairs
Ash, Elm
Antique Early 19th Century English Country Chairs
Ash, Birch
2010s French Organic Modern Chairs
Fabric
Early 20th Century English Windsor Chairs
Oak
Antique Late 19th Century British Windsor Chairs
Hardwood
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs
Brass
Antique 19th Century English George III Windsor Chairs
Yew, Elm
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs
Upholstery, Hardwood
Antique 1890s English Hepplewhite Armchairs
Wood
Early 20th Century English Windsor Chairs
Walnut
Early 2000s British Armchairs
Plastic
Antique 1830s English Armchairs
Satinwood
2010s Spanish Armchairs
Bronze
2010s British Armchairs
Plastic
2010s Spanish Armchairs
Plastic
2010s British Armchairs
Plastic
2010s English Armchairs
Plastic
Early 2000s Spanish Armchairs
Plastic
Early 2000s English Armchairs
Plastic
Antique Early 1900s English Arts and Crafts Armchairs
Walnut
2010s Spanish Benches
Plastic
2010s American Art Deco Wallpaper
Paper
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Flush Mount
Metal
Late 20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Magazine Racks and Stands
Brass
Antique 1860s English High Victorian Bookcases
Glass, Oak, Pine
Antique 1860s English High Victorian Bookcases
Glass, Oak, Pine
Antique 1860s English High Victorian Bookcases
Glass, Oak, Pine
Antique 1860s English High Victorian Bookcases
Glass, Oak, Pine
2010s French Organic Modern Sofas
Iron
2010s French Organic Modern Tables
Fabric
2010s French Post-Modern Sofas
Aluminum
2010s French Organic Modern Sofas
Metal
2010s French Organic Modern Sofas
Steel
2010s French Organic Modern Sofas
Upholstery
2010s French Organic Modern Sofas
Metal
2010s French Organic Modern Sofas
Wool
2010s French Organic Modern Sofas
Aluminum
Vintage 1930s English Arts and Crafts Armchairs
Oak
Antique 1860s English High Victorian Bookcases
Glass, Pine
20th Century English Georgian Bookcases
Glass, Hardwood
Antique Late 19th Century French Victorian Drawings
Glass, Wood, Paper
Antique 19th Century British Chairs
Beech, Elm
Antique Mid-18th Century English Windsor Chairs
Antique 1820s English Country Dining Room Chairs
Ash, Elm
Antique 1750s English Chippendale Chairs
Mahogany
Antique Early 19th Century English Windsor Chairs
Elm, Yew
Antique 1810s British George III Windsor Chairs
Elm, Yew
Antique Mid-18th Century Armchairs
Elm
Antique 19th Century British Windsor Chairs
Elm
Early 20th Century English Windsor Chairs
Ash, Elm
Antique 1760s English George II Chairs
Antique 18th Century English George III Windsor Chairs
Elm, Fruitwood
Antique 1770s English Country Windsor Chairs
Fruitwood, Oak, Ash
Antique 18th Century and Earlier English Windsor Chairs
Ash, Elm
20th Century British Country Chairs
Wood
Antique 1770s European Windsor Chairs
Other
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Thames Chair For Sale on 1stDibs
How Much is a Thames 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.
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