Victorian Cane Settee
Mid-20th Century Italian Louis XV Settees
Cane, Wood
Antique 19th Century English Victorian Settees
Cane, Lacquer
20th Century North American Victorian Settees
Wicker, Wood
Early 20th Century American Victorian Settees
Cane, Oak, Walnut
Antique Early 1900s American Late Victorian Settees
Wicker
Antique Late 19th Century British Victorian Loveseats
Gold
Early 20th Century American Arts and Crafts Loveseats
Brass
Antique 19th Century Victorian Living Room Sets
Wicker
Antique 1880s English Art Deco Bergere Chairs
Wood
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Porcelain
Antique Late 18th Century French Louis XVI Sofas
Wood, Giltwood
Antique 19th Century French Louis XV Settees
Silk, Giltwood
Antique 19th Century English Victorian Sofas
Leather, Mahogany
21st Century and Contemporary English Louis XV Beds and Bed Frames
Wood
Antique 18th Century French Louis XV Settees
Walnut
2010s British Louis XV Beds and Bed Frames
Wood
Antique 19th Century Swedish Louis XVI Settees
Upholstery, Wood, Paint
Antique 19th Century French Louis XV Bergere Chairs
Damask, Silk, Upholstery, Walnut
Early 20th Century European Settees
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Vintage 1950s English Renaissance Beds and Bed Frames
Oak
Antique 19th Century Armchairs
Upholstery
Antique Late 19th Century French Louis XVI Beds and Bed Frames
Cane, Wood
Antique 1890s French Louis XV Canapes
Walnut
Antique 19th Century English Victorian Sofas
Walnut
Antique 1880s English Victorian Armchairs
Velvet
Recent Sales
Antique 19th Century Victorian Settees
Cane, Wood
Antique 19th Century British Victorian Settees
Walnut
Antique 1890s American Victorian Settees
Wood, Cane, Wicker, Reed
Antique 1890s American Late Victorian Loveseats
Cotton, Wicker, Hardwood
Antique Early 1900s Austrian Victorian Children's Furniture
Wood
Antique Late 19th Century American Victorian Settees
Wicker, Cane
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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