French Empire Fauteuil
Antique Early 19th Century French Empire Chairs
Wood
Antique 1810s French Empire Armchairs
Antique Early 19th Century French Empire Armchairs
Bronze
Antique Early 19th Century French Empire Armchairs
Mahogany
Antique 1880s French Empire Armchairs
Mahogany
Antique Early 19th Century French Empire Chairs
Mahogany
Antique Late 19th Century French Empire Armchairs
Upholstery
Antique Early 19th Century French Empire Armchairs
Upholstery, Mahogany
Vintage 1940s French Empire Armchairs
Upholstery, Walnut
Antique 1880s Armchairs
Wood
Antique Late 19th Century French Armchairs
Wood, Leather
Antique Late 19th Century French Armchairs
Leather, Wood
Antique 19th Century French Empire Armchairs
Upholstery, Mahogany
Antique Late 19th Century French Empire Armchairs
Bentwood
Antique Early 1800s French Empire Office Chairs and Desk Chairs
Mahogany
Antique 1830s French Empire Bergere Chairs
Mahogany
Antique 1880s Empire Revival Chairs
Bronze
Antique 19th Century French Empire Armchairs
Bronze
Antique Late 19th Century French Empire Office Chairs and Desk Chairs
Wood
Antique 1810s French Empire Armchairs
Upholstery, Walnut
Antique Early 19th Century French Empire Chairs
Bronze
Antique 19th Century French Empire Armchairs
Mohair, Mahogany
Antique 1870s French Empire Revival Armchairs
Mahogany
Antique 1870s Armchairs
Ormolu
Antique 19th Century French Empire Armchairs
Bronze
Antique 19th Century French Empire Armchairs
Mahogany
Antique 19th Century French Armchairs
Wood, Paint
Antique 18th Century French Empire Chairs
Cane, Wood
Antique 19th Century French Armchairs
Antique 19th Century French Armchairs
Antique Early 1800s French Empire Side Chairs
Mahogany
Antique 19th Century French Office Chairs and Desk Chairs
Antique 19th Century French Armchairs
Antique 19th Century French Empire Armchairs
Mahogany
Early 20th Century French Armchairs
Antique 19th Century French Armchairs
Mahogany
Antique 19th Century French First Empire Armchairs
Mahogany
Antique 19th Century French Empire Armchairs
Mahogany, Silk
Antique 18th Century and Earlier French Empire Chairs
Mahogany
Antique 19th Century French Armchairs
Antique 19th Century French Empire Armchairs
Mahogany
Antique Early 19th Century French Empire Chairs
Wood
Antique 19th Century French Armchairs
Walnut
Antique 1820s French Empire Armchairs
Antique 1820s French Empire Armchairs
Antique 19th Century French Empire Armchairs
Upholstery, Walnut
Antique 19th Century French Armchairs
Walnut
Antique 19th Century French Empire Armchairs
Velvet, Paint
Antique Early 19th Century French Empire Armchairs
Linen, Upholstery, Mahogany
Antique 19th Century French Empire Armchairs
Antique Early 19th Century French Empire Armchairs
Wood
Antique 19th Century French Empire Chairs
Linen, Walnut
Antique 1810s French Empire Armchairs
Mahogany
Antique 19th Century French Armchairs
Antique 19th Century French Armchairs
Antique 19th Century French Empire Armchairs
Fabric, Textile, Upholstery, Velvet, Wood, Mahogany
Vintage 1940s Armchairs
Wood, Fabric
Antique Early 19th Century French Empire Armchairs
Brass
Antique 1810s French Empire Armchairs
Mahogany
Antique 1810s French Empire Armchairs
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French Empire Fauteuil For Sale on 1stDibs
How Much is a French Empire Fauteuil?
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 ExpertApril 5, 2022The Classical world is primarily what influenced French Empire furniture. Greek and Roman motifs appear on many pieces. In addition, the opulence of Egyptian furniture inspired furniture makers active during the period. On 1stDibs, shop a range of French Empire furniture.
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