William Kent Sofa
2010s English George II Settees
Wood
Antique 1860s Scottish High Victorian Sofas
Leather
Antique Early 19th Century English Regency Armchairs
Gold Leaf
Early 20th Century English Charles II Settees
Tapestry, Velvet
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Early 20th Century American George II Console Tables
Marble
21st Century and Contemporary American Beds and Bed Frames
Wool, Upholstery
21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Sofas
Leather, Wood, Bouclé, Fabric
Antique Late 19th Century English Empire Revival Dining Room Tables
Mahogany
Late 20th Century Italian Chinese Chippendale Wall Mirrors
Mirror, Wood
Antique Mid-19th Century German Louis XVI Porcelain
Porcelain, Meissen
Early 20th Century American American Classical Sterling Silver
Sterling Silver
Antique 19th Century English Victorian Bird Cages
Copper, Iron, Bronze
21st Century and Contemporary English Chippendale Beds and Bed Frames
Wood, Paint, Gesso
20th Century American Sterling Silver
Sterling Silver
Vintage 1950s European Mid-Century Modern Armchairs
Aluminum
21st Century and Contemporary North American Sofas
Linen
21st Century and Contemporary English Regency Desks
Leather, Wood
Antique 19th Century Belgian Gothic Revival Architectural Elements
Oak
Antique Late 19th Century European Renaissance Revival Benches
Oak
20th Century Empire Armchairs
Fabric, Wood, Beech
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Antique 1750s English Chippendale Chairs
Mahogany
Antique 19th Century British Victorian Sofas
Fabric
Antique 19th Century British Sofas
Antique 19th Century British Victorian Club Chairs
Fabric, Mahogany
Antique 18th Century and Earlier English Armchairs
Mahogany
Mid-20th Century English Mid-Century Modern Sofas
Leather
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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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.