Tub Chair Swan
Antique 1880s British Neoclassical Armchairs
Wood
Antique 1880s French Desks and Writing Tables
People Also Browsed
Antique 1790s English Centerpieces
Silver
Antique Mid-18th Century Baroque Mantel Mirrors and Fireplace Mirrors
Mirror, Giltwood
Vintage 1930s French Paintings
Fruitwood
Antique Late 19th Century French Belle Époque Wall Clocks
Bronze
Antique 15th Century and Earlier Chinese Tang Antiquities
Pottery
Antique 19th Century French Louis XVI Armchairs
Upholstery, Wood
Antique Early 18th Century French Renaissance Armchairs
Leather, Wood
Antique Early 1900s American Art Nouveau Table Lamps
Bronze
Antique Mid-19th Century French Baroque Armchairs
Gold Leaf
Early 20th Century Chinese Vases
Porcelain
Antique 19th Century French Napoleon III Armchairs
Upholstery
20th Century French Louis XV Center Tables
Bronze
Antique Mid-19th Century French Armchairs
Walnut
Mid-18th Century Other Art Style Figurative Sculptures
Terracotta
Antique Late 19th Century Chinese Qing Porcelain
Porcelain
Vintage 1960s French Art Deco Cabinets
Gold Leaf
Recent Sales
Antique 19th Century French Empire Chairs
Vintage 1950s English Regency Revival Club Chairs
Mahogany
Vintage 1930s American Regency Lounge Chairs
Wood
1990s European Empire Club Chairs
Early 20th Century French Empire Bergere Chairs
Wood, Upholstery
Antique Late 19th Century French Empire Armchairs
Brass
Late 20th Century French Armchairs
Early 20th Century English Empire Armchairs
Mahogany
Vintage 1980s Unknown Regency Revival Bergere Chairs
Walnut
20th Century Unknown Empire Armchairs
Upholstery, Walnut, Giltwood
Early 20th Century Italian Armchairs
Giltwood, Silk, Upholstery
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.
- How old are tub chairs?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022There is no official record of when tub chairs were first invented, but one of the first recorded ones was used by King Louis XV of France. It is estimated that tub chairs have been around for over 250 years. Browse a selection of comfortable tub chairs from top sellers on 1stDibs.
- What are tub chairs called?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022Tub chairs are usually called bucket chairs in the U.S. The upholstered chair design includes a curved back attached to sloping arms, a boxy seat cushion and square wood legs. You can find a variety of tub chairs on 1stDibs.
- Is a Swan chair comfortable?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022Whether or not a Swan chair is comfortable is largely a matter of personal perception. Arne Jacobsen designed the tapered backrest and curved seat of the swiveling accent chair to conform to the shape of the human body, believing it would offer ample support. You'll find a collection of Swan chairs on 1stDibs.
- Does the Swan chair swivel?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022Yes, the Swan chair swivels on its metal base. The pivoting design was one of the major innovations of the chair that Arne Jacobsen designed for the SAS Royal Hotel in Copenhagen, Denmark, and it remains a selling point of the piece to this today. On 1stDibs, find a selection of Arne Jacobsen Swan chairs.
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