Bruno Rey Black
21st Century and Contemporary Hungarian Scandinavian Modern Stools
Steel
Vintage 1970s German Mid-Century Modern Stools
Chrome
2010s Hungarian Mid-Century Modern Stools
Aluminum
Vintage 1970s Swiss Mid-Century Modern Chairs
Upholstery, Beech
Vintage 1970s Swiss Mid-Century Modern Chairs
Metal
2010s European Mid-Century Modern Dining Room Chairs
Beech
Vintage 1970s European Dining Room Chairs
Birch
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2010s American Mid-Century Modern Wall Lights and Sconces
Brass, Bronze, Enamel, Nickel
21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Benches
Fabric, Velvet, Lacquer, Wood
21st Century and Contemporary Brazilian Modern Dining Room Chairs
Wood
21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Night Stands
Wood
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Art Deco Wall Lights and Sconces
Brass
21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Stools
Cotton, Epoxy Resin
2010s British Modern More Mirrors
Brass
2010s American Shaker Stools
Oak, Walnut
21st Century and Contemporary Mexican Mid-Century Modern Floor Lamps
Textile, Wood
21st Century and Contemporary Swedish Scandinavian Modern Wall Lights an...
Metal
2010s Scandinavian Modern Chandeliers and Pendants
Brass, Bronze
Vintage 1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps
Metal, Chrome
Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Dining Room Chairs
Metal
Vintage 1960s Czech Mid-Century Modern Wall Lights and Sconces
Walnut, Parchment Paper
Vintage 1970s French Stools
Aluminum
Vintage 1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps
Aluminum, Wire
Recent Sales
21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Modern Armchairs
Chrome
Vintage 1970s German Mid-Century Modern Dining Room Chairs
Fabric, Wood
Vintage 1970s Swiss Post-Modern Chairs
Oak
Mid-20th Century Swiss Dining Room Chairs
Fabric, Beech, Plywood
Mid-20th Century Swiss Mid-Century Modern Stools
Wool, Bentwood
Vintage 1980s Swiss Post-Modern Chairs
Wood
Mid-20th Century European Mid-Century Modern Stools
Wood
Vintage 1970s Swiss Modern Side Chairs
Upholstery, Wood
Vintage 1970s German Mid-Century Modern Stools
Chrome
Mid-20th Century Swiss Mid-Century Modern Planters and Jardinieres
Cement
Vintage 1970s Swiss Modern Chairs
Beech
Vintage 1970s Swiss Mid-Century Modern Dining Room Chairs
Aluminum
Vintage 1970s Swiss Mid-Century Modern Dining Room Chairs
Beech
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.