19th Century Italian Carved Wood Grotto Chair
Antique 19th Century Italian Baroque Rocking Chairs
Silver Leaf
Antique Late 19th Century Italian Victorian Rocking Chairs
Wood
Antique Early 1800s Italian Baroque Chairs
Silver Leaf
Early 20th Century Italian Armchairs
Wood
Antique 19th Century Italian Chairs
Wood
Antique 19th Century Italian Chairs
Wood
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Antique 19th Century Italian Side Chairs
Wood
Antique 19th Century Italian Chairs
Wood
Antique 19th Century Italian Chairs
Antique Mid-19th Century Italian Rococo Armchairs
Wood, Beech
Vintage 1970s Philippine Armchairs
Wood
Antique 19th Century Italian Armchairs
Wood
Antique 19th Century Italian Stools
Antique Late 19th Century Italian Chairs
Wood
Antique 19th Century Italian Armchairs
Wood
Antique 19th Century Italian Rococo Animal Sculptures
Wood
Early 20th Century Italian Stools
Wood
Early 20th Century Italian Planters and Jardinieres
Silver Leaf
20th Century Italian Stools
Wood
Antique 19th Century Italian Swivel Chairs
Antique 19th Century Italian Chairs
Wood
Antique Late 19th Century Italian Chairs
Gold Leaf, Silver Leaf
Antique Late 19th Century Italian Swivel Chairs
Wood
Antique 19th Century Italian Armchairs
Paint
Early 20th Century Italian Rococo Stools
Giltwood, Wood
Antique 19th Century Italian Rococo Armchairs
Wood, Gesso, Pigment
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21st Century and Contemporary Pacific Islands Modern Taxidermy
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21st Century and Contemporary Italian Art Deco Wall Lights and Sconces
Brass
21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Mid-Century Modern Armchairs
Brass
Antique 19th Century Italian Romantic Settees
Silver Leaf
Vintage 1980s Italian Baroque Stools
Walnut
21st Century and Contemporary Swedish Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps
Textile
Mid-20th Century Italian Chairs
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20th Century Stools
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Vintage 1970s Japanese Mid-Century Modern Musical Instruments
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Vintage 1930s Chairs
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20th Century English Modern Models and Miniatures
Rock Crystal, Gold Plate, Silver
Antique Late 19th Century Japanese Meiji Desks and Writing Tables
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21st Century and Contemporary French Mid-Century Modern Sofas
Stainless Steel
Vintage 1940s French Art Deco Wall Clocks
Crystal, Iron, Brass, Metal
Vintage 1910s French Art Deco Bottles
Blown Glass
Mid-20th Century American Hollywood Regency Chandeliers and Pendants
Brass
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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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.