1980s Waterfall Stool
20th Century American Stools
Lucite
Vintage 1980s American Mid-Century Modern Stools
Lucite
Vintage 1980s Post-Modern Stools
Fabric
20th Century American Post-Modern Ottomans and Poufs
Fabric
Vintage 1980s Hollywood Regency Benches
Upholstery
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21st Century and Contemporary Danish Modern Ottomans and Poufs
Wood
Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Dining Room Chairs
Chrome
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Stools
Aluminum, Chrome
20th Century Unknown Mid-Century Modern Stools
Cane, Wood
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables
Glass
Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Stools
Teak
21st Century and Contemporary Unknown Mid-Century Modern Canapes
Metal
21st Century and Contemporary American Mid-Century Modern Stools
Cord, Hardwood
21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Stools
Brass
Vintage 1980s American Mid-Century Modern Benches
Fabric
Vintage 1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Sofas
Velvet, Wood
Vintage 1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Stools
Straw, Ash
Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Stools
Chrome
Late 20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Stools
Aluminum
2010s South African Minimalist Pedestals
Lacquer
Mid-20th Century Austrian Mid-Century Modern Stools
Chrome
Recent Sales
Vintage 1980s American Modern Stools
Upholstery
Vintage 1980s American Modern Stools
Brass
Vintage 1980s American Post-Modern Console Tables
Upholstery, Wood
Vintage 1980s American Mid-Century Modern Benches
Fabric
Vintage 1980s American Hollywood Regency Ottomans and Poufs
Brass
Vintage 1980s American Modern Benches
Velvet, Acrylic
Vintage 1980s American Mid-Century Modern Ottomans and Poufs
Fabric
20th Century Minimalist Benches
Fabric
Vintage 1980s American Hollywood Regency Ottomans and Poufs
Upholstery
Vintage 1980s American Hollywood Regency Console Tables
Lucite
20th Century Modern Game Tables
Acrylic, Lucite, Paint
Late 20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Benches
Acrylic, Lucite
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 12, 2024Bold, head-turning looks were in fashion during the 1980s. It was the decade of bright electric neon colors as well as suits, jackets, tops and dresses with shoulder pads. The aerobics and fitness craze of the ’80s spilled over into fashion, with people sporting leg warmers, headbands and leggings as everyday apparel. Punk culture also influenced style, with leather jackets, fishnet stockings and chunky metal jewelry being favored by some. Denim looks of the time were often baggy and flaunted acid washes. On 1stDibs, shop a variety of vintage apparel and accessories from the 1980s.
- Was plaid popular in the 1980s?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2024Yes, plaid was popular in the 1980s. Interestingly, it was a signature feature of two very different styles that trended during the decade. Plaid appeared on pleated skirts and blazers, common among the preppy set. In addition, many in the punk subculture sported plaid pants and dresses. Find a wide variety of 1980s apparel and accessories on 1stDibs.
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