19th Century Sette
Antique 19th Century Italian Settees
Giltwood
Antique Early 19th Century French Sofas
Wood
Antique 19th Century Italian Louis XV Settees
Wood, Giltwood
Antique 19th Century European Renaissance Revival Corner Chairs
Upholstery, Oak
Antique 19th Century Prints
Paper
Late 19th Century Other Art Style Figurative Sculptures
Bronze
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21st Century and Contemporary Swedish Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps
Textile
2010s American Mid-Century Modern Wall Lights and Sconces
Brass, Bronze, Enamel, Nickel
2010s Austrian Jugendstil Chandeliers and Pendants
Silk
Antique 1860s French Mantel Clocks
Marble, Ormolu
Antique 1890s German Dinner Plates
Porcelain
Antique Early 1900s French French Provincial Corner Chairs
Rush, Oak
Antique 19th Century Neoclassical Living Room Sets
Upholstery, Walnut
Antique Late 19th Century Dutch Rustic Corner Chairs
Wicker, Oak
21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Organic Modern Center Tables
Travertine
Early 18th Century Baroque Figurative Paintings
Canvas, Oil
2010s Austrian Art Deco Chandeliers and Pendants
Brass
2010s Italian Modern Chandeliers and Pendants
Metal, Brass
Antique 1890s French Art Nouveau Daybeds
Iron
Early 20th Century Dutch Country Corner Chairs
Wicker, Wood
Mid-20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Dining Room Tables
Oak, Ceramic
Antique 19th Century French Napoleon III Sofas
Upholstery, Wood
Recent Sales
Antique 19th Century French Settees
Giltwood
Antique 19th Century French Sofas
Wood, Fabric
Antique 19th Century German Settees
Fruitwood
Antique 19th Century French Louis XVI Living Room Sets
Antique Late 19th Century Swedish Settees
Upholstery, Wood
Antique 19th Century British Sofas
Antique 19th Century French Living Room Sets
Antique Early 19th Century French Louis XVI Settees
Wood
Antique 19th Century American Benches
Wood
Antique 19th Century American Sofas
Wood
Antique 19th Century Indian Settees
Antique Early 19th Century Javanese Dutch Colonial Armchairs
Padouk, Cane
Antique 19th Century English Settees
Oak
20th Century English Sofas
Antique Early 19th Century Swedish Gustavian Benches
Wood, Paint
Antique Mid-19th Century Swedish Settees
Wood, Linen
1980s Realist Landscape Drawings and Watercolors
Pastel
Antique 19th Century French Settees
Wood
Antique 19th Century Syrian Settees
Bone
Antique 19th Century French Canapes
Antique 19th Century English Sofas
Antique 19th Century French Sofas
Walnut
Antique 19th Century Italian Settees
Wood
Antique 19th Century American Sofas
Mahogany
Antique 19th Century English Sofas
Wood
Antique 19th Century Austrian Biedermeier Settees
Antique 19th Century French Sofas
Wood, Paint
Antique 19th Century English Sofas
Wood
Antique 19th Century American Art Nouveau Settees
Antique 19th Century Argentine Sofas
Antique 19th Century French Settees
Antique 19th Century Decorative Objects
Antique 19th Century French Sofas
Walnut, Muslin
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.
Read More
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This Chubby-Chic Quilted Stool Stands on Its Own Two Feet
Sam Klemick's cool stool is edgy, cozy and environmentally sustainable all at once.
Riotous Shapes and Colors Have Made Uchronia’s Designs the Toast of Paris
Julien Sebban’s energetic design collective is radically reshaping the look of 21st-century European furniture and interiors.
Is Lionel Jadot the Willy Wonka of Upcycled Belgian Design?
From his massive collaborative workshop in a former paper factory, the designer concocts funky furniture from disused materials, as well as luxe hotel interiors like the new Mix Brussels.
Rock Your Cares Away on This Sunny Hand-Crocheted Swing
The boho-chic Enchanted Forest Swing, handmade by marginalized women from Turkey and Syria, is uplifting in every way.
Learn Why Designer Maarten Baas Set This Charles Rennie Mackintosh Chair on Fire
What happens when you do something to a piece of furniture that you shouldn’t? It becomes an entirely new object.
Eileen Gray’s Famed Cliffside Villa in the South of France Is Returned to Its Modernist Glory
After years of diligent restoration, E-1027, the designer-cum-architect’s marriage of romance and modernism, is finally complete.