Rattan Safari Chair
Late 20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Chairs
Bamboo, Wood, Rattan, Seagrass
Vintage 1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs
Leather, Rattan
2010s South African Modern Lounge Chairs
Steel
Vintage 1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Chairs
Bamboo
2010s Unknown Modern Armchairs
Leather
2010s British Victorian Sofas
Leather
People Also Browsed
2010s American Modern Wall Lights and Sconces
Brass
2010s British Scandinavian Modern Ottomans and Poufs
Sheepskin, Oak
2010s British Scandinavian Modern Ottomans and Poufs
Sheepskin, Oak
2010s Spanish Country Patio and Garden Furniture
Wrought Iron
21st Century and Contemporary Swedish Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps
Textile
21st Century and Contemporary English Folk Art Side Tables
Iron
21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Sofas
Velvet, Walnut
21st Century and Contemporary Swedish Scandinavian Modern Wall Lights an...
Metal
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps
Brass
21st Century and Contemporary French Modern Chairs
Steel
21st Century and Contemporary American Mid-Century Modern Benches
Cord, Hardwood
21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Stools
Velvet, Ebony, Wood
Vintage 1970s French Space Age Architectural Elements
Metal, Aluminum
21st Century and Contemporary Unknown Art Deco Carts and Bar Carts
Marble
2010s Belgian Modern Sofas
Linen
21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Lounge Chairs
Walnut, Velvet, Oak
Recent Sales
Mid-20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Lounge Chairs
Brass
Late 20th Century Philippine British Colonial Dining Room Chairs
Bamboo, Rattan
Vintage 1970s Organic Modern Side Chairs
Rattan
Mid-20th Century Chinoiserie Armchairs
Cane, Rattan
Vintage 1950s Lounge Chairs
Bamboo, Cotton Canvas
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Chairs
Bamboo, Wicker, Cane, Rattan
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Club Chairs
Wicker
Late 20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Chairs
Brass
Mid-20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Chairs
Bamboo
Vintage 1960s American Armchairs
Brass
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.
- What is a safari chair?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022In 1933, Kaare Klint created the safari stool for noted furniture retailer Carl Hansen and Son. This chair was inspired by an officer’s chair Klint saw in a travel guide. It was one of the first DIY pieces of furniture that came unassembled but was easily put together without tools. Shop a collection of Carl Hansen furniture from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.
- Can I refinish rattan chairs?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022Yes, you can usually refinish rattan chairs. First, you will need to strip away the old finish. Then, you can apply a new finish to the chair. The type of finish you should use depends on whether you will display your chair indoors or outdoors. You'll find a range of rattan chairs on 1stDibs.
- How do I renew a rattan chair?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022To renew a rattan chair, start by stripping away its old finish. Apply a conditioner approved for use on rattan, and then refinish as desired. Shop a variety of antique and vintage rattan chairs from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022Round rattan chairs are known as papasan chairs. Papasan chairs are characterized by their large bowl shape, which rests in a rattan frame, and is complete with a large cushion. Shop a collection of Papasan chairs from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.
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