3 Piece Victorian Parlor Set
Antique Late 19th Century American Late Victorian Living Room Sets
Velvet, Hardwood
Antique 1890s English Victorian Games
Wood
Antique 1850s American Rococo Revival Chaise Longues
Wood
Recent Sales
Antique 1880s Victorian Living Room Sets
Velvet, Wood
Antique 19th Century American Victorian Living Room Sets
Velvet, Wood
Antique Early 1900s American High Victorian Living Room Sets
Mahogany
20th Century Living Room Sets
Wood
Antique Late 19th Century Late Victorian Living Room Sets
Upholstery, Walnut
Antique Late 19th Century American Empire Living Room Sets
Fabric, Mahogany
Antique 19th Century North American Victorian Chairs
Mahogany
Antique 1870s North American Victorian Musical Instruments
Wood
Antique 19th Century Scottish Living Room Sets
Mahogany, Fabric
Antique 19th Century English Living Room Sets
Mahogany
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Vintage 1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Bedroom Sets
Steel, Chrome
Antique 15th Century and Earlier English Renaissance Beds and Bed Frames
Oak
Early 20th Century Italian Louis XV Beds and Bed Frames
Gold Leaf
Antique Early 1900s British Other Musical Instruments
Wood
1970s Old Masters Portrait Paintings
Oil, Canvas
Antique Late 19th Century French Louis XVI Grandfather Clocks and Longca...
Malachite, Ormolu
Antique Early 1900s French Art Nouveau Floor Mirrors and Full-Length Mir...
Copper
Antique Late 19th Century French Victorian Bird Cages
Walnut, Wood
Antique Early 1900s English Victorian Vanities
Mahogany, Walnut
Mid-20th Century English Dinner Plates
Porcelain
Antique Late 19th Century Japanese Meiji Desks and Writing Tables
Hardwood
Antique Late 19th Century Italian Renaissance Revival Busts
Carrara Marble
Early 20th Century Louis XV Wardrobes and Armoires
Brass
Antique 19th Century French Napoleon III Doors and Gates
Oak
Antique 19th Century French Other Decorative Boxes
Ormolu
Antique 1760s English George III Dining Room Chairs
Hardwood
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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The boho-chic Enchanted Forest Swing, handmade by marginalized women from Turkey and Syria, is uplifting in every way.