Belgian Roll Arm
21st Century and Contemporary Sofas
Linen, Foam, Down
21st Century and Contemporary North American Sofas
Linen
21st Century and Contemporary Edwardian Sofas
Upholstery
21st Century and Contemporary Edwardian Chairs
Upholstery
Antique Early 1900s English Art Nouveau Vases
Stoneware
Early 2000s Italian Aesthetic Evening Dresses
1970s Contemporary Nude Prints
Lithograph
People Also Browsed
2010s American Flush Mount
Brass
2010s French Modern Chairs
Oak
2010s Austrian Jugendstil Chandeliers and Pendants
Silk
21st Century and Contemporary French Modern Wall Lights and Sconces
Brass
21st Century and Contemporary Mexican Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps
Textile, Wood
21st Century and Contemporary British Organic Modern Wall Lights and Sco...
Plaster
21st Century and Contemporary Swedish Scandinavian Modern Wall Lights an...
Metal
21st Century and Contemporary Swedish Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps
Textile
21st Century and Contemporary Sofas
Linen
Antique 19th Century Grandfather Clocks and Longcase Clocks
Wood
21st Century and Contemporary American Mid-Century Modern Wall Lights an...
Brass, Steel
21st Century and Contemporary Australian Rustic Wall Lights and Sconces
Brass
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Chandeliers and Pendants
Murano Glass
Antique 19th Century English Georgian Bookcases
Brass, Iron
Antique Mid-19th Century Swedish Country Dining Room Tables
Pine
Antique 19th Century French Louis XVI Sofas
Velvet, Wood
Recent Sales
2010s Thai Mid-Century Modern Sofas
Brass
20th Century American Modern Sofas
Polyester
Vintage 1970s Belgian Sofas
Leather, Wood
Late 20th Century North American Sofas
Linen
21st Century and Contemporary American Sofas
Antique 19th Century English Club Chairs
Vintage 1970s Belgian Chairs
Leather, Wood
21st Century and Contemporary American Chairs
Linen
Antique 19th Century French Club Chairs
Wood
Antique Mid-19th Century Italian Neoclassical Figurative Sculptures
Belgian Black Marble, Bronze
21st Century and Contemporary North American Sofas
Linen
21st Century and Contemporary North American Sofas
Linen
Early 20th Century English Sofas
Linen, Wood
Antique 19th Century Belgian Armchairs
Upholstery, Wood
Vintage 1940s American Sofas
Upholstery
Early 20th Century English Wingback Chairs
Mahogany
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.
- Are rolled arms out of style?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022Rolled arms have been around for centuries and offer a classic versatile look to any décor. While it really comes down to personal taste, rolled arms have indeed stood the test of time. Shop a collection of rolled arm furniture from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022An English roll arm sofa is a style of sofa that is recognizable by its deep seat, tight untufted back and rolled arms. You can shop a collection of English roll arm sofas from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.
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