19th Century French Porter Chair
Antique Mid-19th Century French Louis XV Wingback Chairs
Wood
Antique Late 19th Century French Louis XVI Bergere Chairs
Upholstery, Walnut
Antique 19th Century European Victorian Wingback Chairs
Steel
Antique 1860s French Louis XVI Chairs
Walnut, Velvet
Antique Late 19th Century French French Provincial Armchairs
Upholstery, Giltwood
Recent Sales
Antique 19th Century French Chairs
Velvet, Oak, Paint
Antique Late 19th Century French Aesthetic Movement Chairs
Walnut
Antique 19th Century French Wingback Chairs
Antique 19th Century French Louis XVI Bergere Chairs
Fabric, Walnut, Wood, Cotton
Antique 1860s French Louis XV Chairs
Fruitwood
Antique 19th Century French Louis XVI Wingback Chairs
Silk
Antique 19th Century French Armchairs
Giltwood
Antique 19th Century French Armchairs
Wood
Antique 19th Century European Living Room Sets
Velvet
Antique 19th Century French Chairs
Antique 19th Century French Wingback Chairs
Vintage 1930s French Louis XVI Canapes
Beech
Antique Late 19th Century French Early Victorian Jewelry Boxes
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Antique Early 1900s French Chinoiserie Armchairs
Velvet, Giltwood, Lacquer
Antique Late 19th Century European Moorish Architectural Elements
Wrought Iron
Antique Late 19th Century Italian Louis XV Sofas
Gold, Gold Leaf
Vintage 1970s American Hollywood Regency Armchairs
Sheepskin, Giltwood, Upholstery
Mid-20th Century Louis XV Chairs
Suede, Cane
Antique 15th Century and Earlier Egyptian Egyptian Figurative Sculptures
Limestone
Antique 19th Century French Napoleon III Stairs
Walnut
Antique Early 1800s English Georgian Beds and Bed Frames
Upholstery, Mahogany
2010s British Louis XVI Beds and Bed Frames
Wood
Antique Mid-19th Century French Louis XV Bergere Chairs
Silk, Wood
1970s Old Masters Portrait Paintings
Oil, Canvas
Antique 1880s French Stairs
Oak
Antique 19th Century Italian Apothecary Cabinets
Glass, Walnut
Antique Early 19th Century French Empire Bookcases
Walnut
Antique Late 18th Century French Louis XVI Canapes
Upholstery, Walnut
Early 17th Century Old Masters Portrait Paintings
Canvas, Oil
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 French painters of the 19th century worked in two styles. Neoclassicism dominated the first half of the century, and Impressionism was the most common style during the second half. On 1stDibs, you can find a variety of French paintings.
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