Zebra Striped Chairs
Vintage 1970s Dutch Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs
Sheepskin, Plywood
20th Century French French Provincial Wingback Chairs
Brass
Vintage 1930s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Armchairs
Textile, Mahogany
Antique 19th Century American Gothic Revival Wardrobes and Armoires
Brass
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20th Century European Louis XV Pedestals and Columns
Ormolu
2010s South African Minimalist Stools
Leather, Walnut, Ash, Upholstery
Mid-20th Century Danish Mid-Century Modern Armchairs
Upholstery, Wood
Mid-20th Century Belgian Space Age Sofas
Steel
2010s Italian Mid-Century Modern Sofas
Fabric, Foam
2010s American Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables
Composition
Vintage 1970s European Space Age Sofas
Velvet, Beech
Vintage 1970s European Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs
Metal
21st Century and Contemporary Swedish Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps
Textile
Antique 1870s Austrian Fireplaces and Mantels
Wood
Vintage 1970s Italian Space Age Sofas
Metal
21st Century and Contemporary American Scandinavian Modern Stools
Hardwood, Walnut, Oak, Maple, Cherry
Vintage 1970s Dutch Brutalist Rocking Chairs
Linen, Pine
Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Sofas
Brass
Antique 19th Century French Secretaires
Walnut
2010s American Modern Stools
Wood, Maple
Recent Sales
Early 20th Century French Art Deco Club Chairs
Leather, Zebra Hide
Mid-20th Century French Hollywood Regency Bergere Chairs
Faux Fur, Wood
Late 20th Century North American Modern Slipper Chairs
Zebra Hide, Velvet
Vintage 1950s French Mid-Century Modern Chairs
Wood
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Chairs
Resin
Vintage 1940s Italian Art Deco Chairs
Brass
Vintage 1930s French Art Deco Dining Room Chairs
Upholstery, Wood
Vintage 1940s Argentine Art Deco Desks
Ebony, Zebra Wood
Mid-20th Century American Other Armchairs
Linen, Wood
Vintage 1960s Club Chairs
Wood
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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