19 Cane Settee
20th Century American Louis XVI Settees
Upholstery, Cane, Walnut
Early 2000s American Organic Modern Patio and Garden Furniture
Cane, Teak
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2010s South African Minimalist Pedestals
Hardwood
21st Century and Contemporary Swedish Scandinavian Modern Wall Lights an...
Metal
21st Century and Contemporary Swedish Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps
Textile
Vintage 1950s French Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Oak, Plywood
21st Century and Contemporary Finnish Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps
Brass, Metal
21st Century and Contemporary Mexican Mid-Century Modern Floor Lamps
Textile, Wood
Antique Late 19th Century European Moorish Architectural Elements
Wrought Iron
21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Benches
Velvet, Wood, Ebony
21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Organic Modern Center Tables
Travertine
Antique 1860s French Napoleon III Daybeds
Rosewood
Antique Late 19th Century French Louis XV Daybeds
Velvet, Walnut
21st Century and Contemporary Unknown Louis XVI Loveseats
Wood
2010s Belgian Modern Sofas
Linen
2010s Canadian Post-Modern Chairs
Rattan, Maple
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Mid-Century Modern Dining Room Tables
Travertine
Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Benches
Cane, Mahogany
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Vintage 1980s Italian Louis XV Settees
Brass
Antique Late 19th Century European Louis XV Settees
Cane, Wood
Vintage 1960s Danish Mid-Century Modern Settees
Leather, Cane, Wood
Antique 19th Century Indian Settees
Cane, Wood
20th Century Chinese Chinoiserie Settees
Bamboo, Cane
Late 20th Century Unknown Louis XV Settees
Linen, Wood
Early 20th Century American Arts and Crafts Settees
Faux Leather, Oak
Antique Late 19th Century French Louis XV Sofas
Cane, Down, Linen, Mahogany, Upholstery
Vintage 1940s American Gustavian Benches
Wood
Early 20th Century French Living Room Sets
Walnut
20th Century American Folk Art Patio and Garden Furniture
Cane, Wood
Antique Early 19th Century Italian Chairs
Wood
Late 20th Century American Regency Settees
Upholstery, Cane, Mahogany
Antique Late 19th Century French Louis XVI Settees
Cane, Giltwood
Antique 19th Century French Louis XV Settees
Linen, Cane, Wood, Down, Feathers
Vintage 1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Settees
Bamboo, Wicker, Rattan
Early 20th Century French Louis XVI Settees
Linen, Wood, Gesso
Late 20th Century Louis XVI Loveseats
Fabric, Wood
Vintage 1930s Brazilian Art Deco Sofas
Cane, Rosewood
Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Benches
Walnut, Mohair, Cane
Antique Late 18th Century French Louis XVI Sofas
Upholstery, Fruitwood
Early 20th Century American French Provincial Dining Room Chairs
Metal
Mid-20th Century Regency Settees
Wood, Cane, Paint
Antique 19th Century Indian Settees
Mahogany
Antique 19th Century French Neoclassical Canapes
Walnut, Upholstery
Mid-20th Century Austrian Art Nouveau Benches
Bentwood, Cane
Antique 19th Century Italian Neoclassical Settees
Cane, Fruitwood
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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