White Leather Swivel Recliner Chair
Vintage 1910s American Machine Age Swivel Chairs
Steel
Early 2000s Swiss Swivel Chairs
Metal
Early 2000s Swiss Other Swivel Chairs
Metal
Early 2000s Swiss Other Swivel Chairs
Leather
Late 20th Century American Space Age Lounge Chairs
Chrome
Late 20th Century Norwegian Scandinavian Modern Lounge Chairs
Copper
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Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Chairs
Metal
Antique 1820s Italian Charles X Sofas
Walnut
Antique Mid-19th Century German Louis Philippe Secretaires
Mahogany
21st Century and Contemporary American Regency Armchairs
Wood
Antique Early 19th Century French Louis Philippe Cabinets
Marble
Antique 19th Century English Victorian Footstools
Upholstery, Hardwood
Antique Late 19th Century English Victorian Sofas
Fabric, Walnut
Antique 1880s Swedish Biedermeier Sofas
Mahogany
Antique Late 19th Century French Victorian Armchairs
Fabric, Walnut
Antique 19th Century English Victorian Armchairs
Upholstery, Walnut
20th Century Chairs
Leather
Antique Early 1600s Italian Renaissance Armchairs
Walnut
20th Century Chairs
Metal
Antique 1820s French Empire Armchairs
Sheepskin, Mahogany
Antique 19th Century Indian Armchairs
Antique 19th Century German Renaissance Revival Armchairs
Wood
Recent Sales
Vintage 1980s American Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs
Steel
Vintage 1980s American Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs
Steel
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Office Chairs and Desk Chairs
Chrome
Vintage 1970s Finnish Lounge Chairs
Steel
Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Office Chairs and Desk Chairs
Metal, Brass
Vintage 1960s Finnish Mid-Century Modern Armchairs
Early 2000s Swiss Other Swivel Chairs
Metal
Vintage 1980s North American Office Chairs and Desk Chairs
Aluminum
1990s Italian Modern Office Chairs and Desk Chairs
Leather, Cotton
Vintage 1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Armchairs
Metal
Vintage 1960s Swedish Mid-Century Modern Swivel Chairs
Aluminum
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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