Vitra Eames Rocking Chair
Vintage 1950s German Mid-Century Modern Rocking Chairs
Stainless Steel
Antique 1850s Italian Early Victorian Rocking Chairs
Leather, Fruitwood
Vintage 1930s English Art Deco Rocking Chairs
Upholstery, Oak
Vintage 1930s English Art Deco Armchairs
Upholstery, Oak
People Also Browsed
21st Century and Contemporary Swedish Scandinavian Modern Wall Lights an...
Metal
1990s English Other Club Chairs
Cotton, Velvet, Wood, Down
Vintage 1940s Danish Art Deco Sofas
Fabric, Wood
Antique 18th Century and Earlier Belgian Aubusson Tapestries
Wool, Silk
Antique Late 19th Century English Victorian Card Tables and Tea Tables
Lacquer
1990s American American Classical Swivel Chairs
Cotton, Wood, Down
Antique Late 18th Century Italian Neoclassical Bed Coronas
Wood, Giltwood
21st Century and Contemporary North American Mid-Century Modern Conferen...
Aluminum
Vintage 1970s Mid-Century Modern Side Chairs
Aluminum
Antique 1880s English Kilim Armchairs
Upholstery, Hardwood
Late 20th Century British Modern Armchairs
Textile, Velvet
Vintage 1950s American Modern Tables
Zinc
Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables
Plastic
Antique Late 19th Century English Late Victorian Armchairs
Leather
Antique Early 1900s English Edwardian Wingback Chairs
Leather, Hardwood
2010s English Modern Sofas
Upholstery
Recent Sales
21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Modern Chairs
Wool, Oak
21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Modern Models and Miniatures
Fiberglass
Vintage 1960s American Rocking Chairs
Vintage 1970s European Rocking Chairs
Fiberglass
Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Rocking Chairs
Fiberglass, Wood
Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Rocking Chairs
Stainless Steel, Chrome
Early 2000s European Mid-Century Modern Chairs
Plastic
Antique Early 1900s English Late Victorian Rocking Chairs
Leather
20th Century English Country Patio and Garden Furniture
Iron
Vintage 1940s German Post-Modern Armchairs
Ash, 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.
Read More
The 21 Most Popular Mid-Century Modern Chairs
You know the designs, now get the stories about how they came to be.
Fred Rigby’s Modular Seating Can Be Configured in So Many Handy Ways
The plush Cove Slipper 2.5 Seater sofa is just one of many convenient combinations from the London-based maker.
This Chubby-Chic Quilted Stool Stands on Its Own Two Feet
Sam Klemick's cool stool is edgy, cozy and environmentally sustainable all at once.
Riotous Shapes and Colors Have Made Uchronia’s Designs the Toast of Paris
Julien Sebban’s energetic design collective is radically reshaping the look of 21st-century European furniture and interiors.
Is Lionel Jadot the Willy Wonka of Upcycled Belgian Design?
From his massive collaborative workshop in a former paper factory, the designer concocts funky furniture from disused materials, as well as luxe hotel interiors like the new Mix Brussels.
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.
Learn Why Designer Maarten Baas Set This Charles Rennie Mackintosh Chair on Fire
What happens when you do something to a piece of furniture that you shouldn’t? It becomes an entirely new object.
Eileen Gray’s Famed Cliffside Villa in the South of France Is Returned to Its Modernist Glory
After years of diligent restoration, E-1027, the designer-cum-architect’s marriage of romance and modernism, is finally complete.