1980 Safari Chair
Vintage 1930s Dutch De Stijl Chairs
Leather, Wood
Vintage 1980s American Post-Modern Club Chairs
Tapestry, Upholstery, Wood
Vintage 1980s Swedish Mid-Century Modern Armchairs
Leather, Canvas, Oak
Late 20th Century Modern Figurative Paintings
Oil
Vintage 1980s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Armchairs
Fabric, Pine
Vintage 1960s French Mid-Century Modern Sofas
Upholstery, Wood
Vintage 1960s French Mid-Century Modern Sofas
Upholstery, Wood
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21st Century and Contemporary Swedish Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps
Textile
2010s American Minimalist Beds and Bed Frames
Plywood
Vintage 1970s American Hollywood Regency Stools
Leather, Upholstery, Velvet
2010s South African Modern Chairs
Steel
1990s American American Classical Swivel Chairs
Cotton, Wood, Down
Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Paintings
Glass, Wood, Paint
2010s Armchairs
Velvet
Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Paintings
Canvas, Acrylic
2010s Belgian Modern Club Chairs
Linen
20th Century English Kilim Armchairs
Upholstery
Mid-20th Century Finnish Mid-Century Modern Dining Room Sets
Birch
20th Century German Japonisme Floor Lamps
Bamboo, Wicker, Parchment Paper
2010s American Club Chairs
Silk
20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Lounge Chairs
Sheepskin
Vintage 1960s Indian Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs
Velvet, Rattan, Teak
Vintage 1940s American Expressionist Paintings
Canvas, Hardwood, Paint
Recent Sales
Vintage 1980s Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs
Chrome
Vintage 1980s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Dining Room Chairs
Canvas, Pine
Vintage 1980s Wingback Chairs
Chenille, Velvet, Wood
Vintage 1980s Unknown Mid-Century Modern Dining Room Chairs
Metal
Vintage 1980s Swedish Mid-Century Modern Armchairs
Fabric, Pine
Vintage 1980s English Armchairs
Faux Leather, Teak
Vintage 1980s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Armchairs
Fabric, Pine
Mid-20th Century Danish Mid-Century Modern Desks
Metal
Vintage 1980s Danish Scandinavian Modern Lounge Chairs
Leather, Oak
Vintage 1980s American Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs
Velvet
Mid-20th Century Swedish Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs
Leather, Ash
Vintage 1970s Danish Modern Armchairs
Leather, Teak
Mid-20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Armchairs
Chrome
Vintage 1980s Scandinavian Mid-Century Modern Living Room Sets
Wood, Canvas
Vintage 1980s American Mid-Century Modern Armchairs
Leather
Vintage 1980s Colombian Mid-Century Modern Armchairs
Vintage 1980s Czech Mid-Century Modern Armchairs
Leather, Oak
Vintage 1980s British Armchairs
Metal
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.
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