Carved Dog Head Chair
Early 20th Century English Chairs
Leather, Walnut
Antique 1880s French Empire Side Chairs
Fabric, Beech
Antique 1860s English Gothic Revival Armchairs
Oak
Vintage 1920s French Egyptian Revival Benches
Walnut
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Antique Late 19th Century English Late Victorian Corner Chairs
Walnut
Vintage 1960s Mid-Century Modern Sofas
Velvet
Antique Late 19th Century English Late Victorian Chairs
Velvet, Wood
Vintage 1930s English Art Deco Cabinets
Brass
Early 20th Century French Empire Bergere Chairs
Wood
Antique 1730s French Louis XVI Chaise Longues
Oak
20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Paintings and Screens
Wood
Antique 19th Century English Georgian Sterling Silver
Silver
Vintage 1940s American Mid-Century Modern Settees
Mohair
Vintage 1960s French Mid-Century Modern Armchairs
Leather, Fabric, Oak, Velvet
Antique Early 1900s Dining Room Chairs
Wood
Late 20th Century French Empire Armchairs
Giltwood
Early 20th Century British Regency Dining Room Chairs
Brass
Antique Late 19th Century French Chinoiserie Side Chairs
Mother-of-Pearl, Bamboo, Rattan
Antique Early 1900s British Arts and Crafts Lounge Chairs
Fabric, Wood
Antique 1840s English Vases
Porcelain
Recent Sales
Antique 18th Century Italian Baroque Armchairs
Oak
Vintage 1980s Chinoiserie Club Chairs
Damask, Satin
Antique Early 1800s English Jacobean Dining Room Chairs
Oak
Antique 1870s American Victorian Armchairs
Brass
Antique Late 19th Century French Black Forest Chairs
Leather, Oak
Antique Mid-19th Century European Baroque Chairs
Mahogany
Antique Late 19th Century Unknown Victorian Bergere Chairs
Upholstery, Oak, Walnut
Vintage 1970s American Armchairs
Wood
Antique 19th Century French Louis XIII Armchairs
Walnut
Antique Late 19th Century Chinese Chinese Export Furniture
Rosewood
Antique Late 19th Century Chinese Chinese Export Armchairs
Elm
Antique 16th Century Italian Renaissance Animal Sculptures
Stone
Antique Mid-19th Century French Louis XIII Armchairs
Leather, Walnut
Antique 19th Century English Paintings
Canvas, Wood, Giltwood, Paint
Vintage 1940s French Dining Room Tables
Wrought Iron
Antique Late 19th Century American Victorian Lounge Chairs
Mahogany
Antique 19th Century European Armchairs
Oak
Antique Late 19th Century Norwegian Arts and Crafts Armchairs
Oak
Antique 19th Century Chinese Chinese Export Armchairs
Rosewood
Antique 1870s Chinese Qing Furniture
Elm
Antique Late 19th Century French Louis XIII Armchairs
Velvet, Walnut
Antique 19th Century American Bergere Chairs
Mahogany
Antique 19th Century Edwardian Bergere Chairs
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.
Read More
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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.
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.