Canopy Arm Chair
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Chairs
Upholstery, Rattan
Mid-20th Century Bohemian Wingback Chairs
Wicker
Antique 19th Century English Regency Armchairs
Leather, Mahogany
Vintage 1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Rocking Chairs
Bamboo, Rattan
Antique 16th Century Italian Renaissance Armchairs
Walnut
Antique 1890s Italian Baroque Armchairs
Wood
Vintage 1920s French Art Deco Chandeliers and Pendants
Wrought Iron
People Also Browsed
Mid-20th Century British Rococo Patio and Garden Furniture
Composition
Antique Late 19th Century French Louis XV Musical Instruments
Wood, Giltwood
21st Century and Contemporary Brazilian Modern Dining Room Chairs
Wood
21st Century and Contemporary Mexican Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps
Textile, Wood
Vintage 1970s Italian Post-Modern Dry Bars
Steel, Chrome
Early 20th Century French Neoclassical Doors and Gates
Glass, Wood
Late 20th Century Belgian Desks
Polyester
Vintage 1970s Italian Post-Modern Sectional Sofas
Metal
2010s Canadian Post-Modern Chairs
Rattan, Maple
Antique 19th Century English Victorian Bird Cages
Copper, Iron, Bronze
Vintage 1930s American Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs
Wicker, Rattan
21st Century and Contemporary Modern Planters and Jardinieres
Cement
2010s Brazilian Modern Chairs
Cane, Wood, Hardwood, Textile
21st Century and Contemporary Danish Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs
Resin
Antique 19th Century Italian Desks and Writing Tables
Mahogany
Antique 19th Century Italian Baroque Armchairs
Leather, Walnut
Recent Sales
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Armchairs
Bamboo, Cotton
20th Century American Armchairs
Walnut
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Club Chairs
Brass
Antique Mid-19th Century English Armchairs
Leather, Textile, Upholstery, Wood, Oak
Antique 19th Century French Armchairs
Giltwood
Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs
Iron, Wrought Iron
Upholstered in Mocha and Sand Linen
COM Available
21st Century and Contemporary American Armchairs
Wood, Fabric
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Patio and Garden Furniture
Wrought Iron
Antique 19th Century Chairs
Antique 19th Century French Chairs
20th Century American Armchairs
Wood, Silk
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.
- 1stDibs ExpertSeptember 25, 2019
A chair with arms is an armchair.
- 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 13, 2023Chairs with arms are called armchairs, and there are many styles of them. Examples include club, wingback and roll arm chairs. Find a collection of armchairs on 1stDibs today.
- 1stDibs ExpertMarch 31, 2023There is no difference between a club chair and an armchair; a club chair is a type of armchair. An armchair is any chair with arms, while a club chair is a wide, comfortable type of armchair that is typically clad in leather and features thick upholstery. All club chairs are armchairs, but not all armchairs are club chairs. On 1stDibs, shop a collection of club chairs.
- 1stDibs ExpertSeptember 25, 2019
Dining room chairs with arms require more space than armless ones.
- 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 13, 2023An accent chair with no arms is typically called a slipper chair. These upholstered chairs originated in Europe during the 18th century and often served as seating in bedrooms. Today, people place slipper chairs in seating areas as well as bedrooms. Find a variety of slipper chairs on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022A dining chair with arms is called a carver chair or elbow chair. It is a traditional dining chair with arms added to it for a more structured look and is a popular option for dining seats for a spot to comfortably rest your arms. Shop a selection of dining chairs on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022Dining chairs without arms are called side chairs. Their counterpart, the armchair, is often found at the head of the table, with the side chairs filling in the seats along the side of the table. Shop a collection of side chairs from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022Dining room chairs with arms are simply called armchairs. They are not to be confused with armchairs used in seating areas. A dining chair without arms is a side chair. You'll find a collection of antique and vintage dining chairs on 1stDibs.
Read More
The 21 Most Popular Mid-Century Modern Chairs
You know the designs, now get the stories about how they came to be.
Fred Rigby’s Modular Seating Can Be Configured in So Many Handy Ways
The plush Cove Slipper 2.5 Seater sofa is just one of many convenient combinations from the London-based maker.
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.
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.
Light and Dwell Brings Elegance and Ease to an Oregon Wine Country Estate
Molly Kidd lets her affection for France shine through in a new-build home that has the character of a centuries-old villa but still feels light and fresh.