Vitra How High The Moon
Vintage 1980s Japanese Minimalist Armchairs
Stainless Steel
Vintage 1980s German Modern Armchairs
Steel
People Also Browsed
Vintage 1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps
Acrylic
Vintage 1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Sofas
Metal
Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Patio and Garden Furniture
Metal
20th Century French Desks
Metal
Vintage 1970s Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Chaise Longues
Leather, Cane, Wood
Vintage 1950s German Mid-Century Modern Stools
Metal
2010s Italian Modern Chaise Longues
Leather, Wood
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Tables
Glass
Vintage 1970s Japanese Post-Modern Floor Lamps
Acrylic
20th Century German Japonisme Floor Lamps
Bamboo, Wicker, Parchment Paper
Vintage 1930s French Art Deco Secretaires
Brass
Vintage 1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Chairs
Leather, Plywood
Vintage 1950s French Mid-Century Modern Cupboards
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Decorative Baskets
Metal
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Loveseats
Steel
2010s Italian Mid-Century Modern Tables
Wood, Lacquer
Recent Sales
Late 20th Century American Armchairs
Vintage 1980s Japanese Armchairs
Metal
Late 20th Century German Club Chairs
Late 20th Century Japanese Chairs
Vintage 1980s German Modern Armchairs
Nickel, Steel
Vintage 1980s German Modern Armchairs
Steel
Late 20th Century Japanese Post-Modern Club Chairs
Steel
20th Century German Modern Chairs
Nickel
Vintage 1980s German Post-Modern Lounge Chairs
Metal
Vintage 1980s Swiss Modern Armchairs
Nickel, Steel
1990s German Post-Modern Lounge Chairs
Steel
1990s European Armchairs
Metal
Late 20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Club Chairs
Steel
Late 20th Century Japanese Chairs
Chrome, Steel
Vintage 1980s Swiss Mid-Century Modern Armchairs
Steel, Nickel
Vintage 1980s Chinese Armchairs
Steel
Late 20th Century German Modern Models and Miniatures
Metal
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.