Ours Polaire Armchair
Vintage 1950s European Armchairs
Upholstery, Velvet, Oak
Mid-20th Century American Lounge Chairs
Upholstery
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2010s American Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs
Sheepskin, Beech
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Wall Lights and Sconces
Metal, Brass
2010s American Organic Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Bronze
Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Sectional Sofas
Upholstery
2010s French Mid-Century Modern Wall Lights and Sconces
Alabaster, Steel
21st Century and Contemporary French Modern Wall Lights and Sconces
Alabaster, Steel
20th Century Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Sofas
Leather, Wood, Rosewood
21st Century and Contemporary Unknown Mid-Century Modern Sofas
Leather, Oak
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Sofas
Velvet, Wood
2010s American Modern Sofas
Ultrasuede
2010s Italian Modern Beds and Bed Frames
Chrome
Late 20th Century British Modern Armchairs
Velvet, Textile
Late 20th Century English Art Deco Desks and Writing Tables
Maple
2010s American Mid-Century Modern Chandeliers and Pendants
Brass
Early 2000s French Modern Chandeliers and Pendants
Plaster
2010s Italian Mid-Century Modern Mounted Objects
Brass
Recent Sales
Mid-20th Century American Lounge Chairs
Upholstery
21st Century and Contemporary Hungarian Armchairs
Bouclé, Pine
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 ExpertFebruary 22, 2021The most comfortable armchair is really a matter of preference. Opt for an armchair that offers firm support. Shop different armchair styles on 1stDibs.com.
- What is an accent armchair?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertNovember 2, 2021An accent armchair is an armchair that has a role to serve beyond its inherent functionality. An accent chair of any kind adds visual interest to your space — your accent armchair might be part of a living room set that matches the sofa or it could contrast with the other seating, perhaps having been added to complement or accent the rest of the room. Shop a collection of antique, vintage and contemporary accent armchairs from some of the world’s top dealers on 1stDibs.
- What is a sofa armchair?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertApril 16, 2024A sofa armchair is a type of armchair. Specifically, the term describes an armchair with thick cushions on its backrest and seat and a deep frame that provides plenty of space for the user to settle in and relax. As a result, it offers the comfort typically associated with a sofa in a single-seat design, which is how this type of accent chair gets its name. Find a large selection of armchairs on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertNovember 27, 2023Whether an armchair is an accent chair varies from piece to piece. Any chair with arms is an armchair, while an accent chair is a decorative chair typically used in a seating area. Armchairs include dining chairs with arms as well as accent chairs, and some accent chairs don't have arms at all. Only a decorative seating area chair with arms can be called both an armchair and an accent chair. Shop a large collection of chairs on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertNovember 1, 2023The difference between an armchair and an accent chair comes down to the specificity of the terms. An accent chair is any decorative chair designed to provide comfortable seating in living rooms and other spaces (armchairs can be accent chairs). An armchair is merely any chair that has armrests. Many different styles of armchairs have been made over the years. Find a wide range of armchairs and accent chairs on 1stDibs.
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