Spindle Backed Gilt Paint Chair
Early 20th Century Argentine Gustavian Chairs
Wood
Antique Mid-19th Century Scottish Folk Art Chairs
Paint, Yew, Pine, Elm
Antique Late 19th Century British Rocking Chairs
Ebony
Antique Early 19th Century English Regency Armchairs
Fabric, Wood
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2010s American Mid-Century Modern Wall Lights and Sconces
Brass, Bronze, Enamel, Nickel
2010s American Flush Mount
Brass
21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Organic Modern Center Tables
Travertine
21st Century and Contemporary Mexican Mid-Century Modern Floor Lamps
Textile, Wood
2010s Belgian Modern Sofas
Linen
21st Century and Contemporary American Minimalist Stools
Oak
2010s Austrian Jugendstil Chandeliers and Pendants
Silk
21st Century and Contemporary Swedish Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps
Textile
2010s American Organic Modern Side Tables
Travertine
21st Century and Contemporary American Scandinavian Modern Wall Lights a...
Brass
Antique Early 19th Century Folk Art Chairs
Pine
20th Century American Regency Dining Room Chairs
Burl, Fabric, Wood
Early 20th Century Swedish Dining Room Chairs
Paint, Wood
Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs
Wood
Early 20th Century American Mission Rocking Chairs
Oak
Mid-20th Century Swedish Brutalist Armchairs
Hardwood
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Mid-20th Century Painted Furniture
Wood
Antique 19th Century French Children's Furniture
Wood, Paint
Antique 19th Century Painted Furniture
Antique 19th Century Italian Chairs
Antique Late 19th Century French Napoleon III Chairs
Mother-of-Pearl, Wood, Paint
Antique Late 19th Century French Napoleon III Chairs
Tapestry, Giltwood, Paint
Antique 19th Century American Chairs
Vintage 1950s American Armchairs
Antique Late 19th Century English Folk Art Armchairs
Ash
Antique Late 18th Century Italian Neoclassical Armchairs
Wood
Antique Late 18th Century Italian Rococo Chairs
Silk, Wood, Paint
20th Century American Windsor Chairs
Wood
19th Century Victorian Figurative Paintings
Oil, Canvas
Antique 19th Century Side Chairs
Paint
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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