Vintage Chair Prag
Antique 1880s Czech Art Nouveau Chairs
Wood, Wicker
Vintage 1910s Austrian Jugendstil Armchairs
Rattan
Early 20th Century Austrian Jugendstil Armchairs
Rattan
Early 20th Century Austrian Jugendstil Armchairs
Fabric, Upholstery, Rattan
Early 20th Century Austrian Art Deco Side Tables
Oak
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Mid-20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Chandeliers and Pendants
Glass
2010s British Scandinavian Modern Ottomans and Poufs
Sheepskin, Oak
21st Century and Contemporary American Industrial Wall Lights and Sconces
Glass
Vintage 1940s Danish Art Deco Sofas
Fabric, Wood
Mid-20th Century Dutch Mid-Century Modern Dining Room Chairs
Wood
Vintage 1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Sofas
Metal
Early 20th Century English Charles II Settees
Tapestry, Velvet
Mid-20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Dining Room Tables
Pine
Vintage 1980s Austrian Mid-Century Modern Dining Room Chairs
Fabric, Wood
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Armchairs
Brass
Vintage 1940s American Mid-Century Modern Settees
Mohair
Vintage 1950s English Renaissance Beds and Bed Frames
Oak
Vintage 1970s French Mid-Century Modern Sofas
Mohair, Velvet
20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Stools
Wood, Pine
Vintage 1950s American Dry Bars
Rattan
Late 20th Century Brazilian Sofas
Velvet
Recent Sales
Early 20th Century Austrian Jugendstil Armchairs
Upholstery, Velvet, Rattan
Vintage 1950s Danish Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs
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 ExpertFebruary 17, 2023To be vintage, a chair typically needs to be at least 20 years old, while a chair older than 100 years is an antique. On 1stDibs, find a variety of antique, vintage and modern dining chairs from some of the world's top sellers.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022Many factors like wood, construction, and patina come into play when you date a vintage chair. If you can’t find a maker’s mark or any other kind of identifying mark on the piece, consult a furniture encyclopedia or a certified expert. On 1stDibs, you’ll find a collection of vintage chairs from some of the world’s top sellers.
- 1stDibs ExpertJune 15, 2023To tell how old a vintage chair is, first try and locate the manufacturer's label, tag or mark. Typically, identifying markings and tags appear under cushions or on the undersides of chairs. You may find that the date of manufacturing appears on the label or tag. If not, check trusted online resources to find out when the manufacturer was in business to make an estimate of the age. When in doubt, enlist the help of a certified appraiser or antiques dealer to help you date a particular chair. Find an assortment of antique, vintage and modern chairs on 1stDibs.
- Is my vintage Eames chair real?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022To know if your vintage Eames chair is real, check for a reclining mechanism. On original chairs, the back had a permanent reclined position, so no mechanism is necessary. Also, a vintage piece is around 32 inches high, while later reproductions are normally bigger. On 1stDibs, shop a selection of expertly vetted Eames chairs.