Adrian Pearsall Wave Chair
By Adrian Pearsall
Located in Red Lion, PA
Wonderful Adrian Pearsall wave chaise lounge sofa. This piece will need to be reupholstered. The
20th Century Chaise Longues
Fabric, Wood
Adrian Pearsall Wave Chair
By Adrian Pearsall
Located in Red Lion, PA
Wonderful Adrian Pearsall wave chaise lounge sofa. This piece will need to be reupholstered. The
Fabric, Wood
Adrian Pearsall Wave Lounge Chair Circa 1960s
By Adrian Pearsall
Located in New York, NY
Wonderful and very comfortable mid century modern wave chair designed by Adrian Pearsall. Very
Fabric, Walnut
$2,660
H 33 in W 36 in D 60 in
Mid-Century Modern Sculptural Wave Chair by Adrian Pearsall Crafts Associates
By Adrian Pearsall, Craft Associates
Located in Port Jervis, NY
Fantastic Wave lounge chair by Adrian Pearsall for Crafts Associates C1959 an earlier version with
Brass
Adrian Pearsall Wave Lounge Chair
By Adrian Pearsall
Located in Cincinnati, OH
An upholstered wave lounge chair sitting on dark walnut legs manufactured by Craft Associates.
Wood, Upholstery
Mid Century Modern Adrian Pearsall Wave Lounge Chair
By Adrian Pearsall
Located in Brooklyn, NY
This mid-century chaisse lounge by Adrian Pearsall features a modern wave form with beautiful red
Walnut
Adrian Pearsall Mid Century Wave Chaise Lounge Chair
By Adrian Pearsall
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Adrian Pearsall mid century wave chaise lounge chair The chair measures: 38 wide x 52 deep x 30
Upholstery, Wood
Midcentury Wave Rocking Chair Styled After Adrian Pearsall
By Adrian Pearsall
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Beautiful mid-century wavy rocker styled after Adrian Pearsall design and manufactured in the
Fabric, Walnut
Modernist Wave "S" Curve Lounge chair / chaise - Adrian Pearsall
By Adrian Pearsall
Located in New York City, NY
fur- attributed to Adrian Pearsall. The tapered legs are oak and have functional levelers at the base
Adrian Pearsall Wave Chaise Rocker for Craft
By Adrian Pearsall
Located in Tarrytown, NY
Adrian Pearsall wave chaise rocker for Craft - original fabric
Sold
H 33 in W 64 in D 36 in
Sculptural Wave Lounge Chair Attributed to Adrian Pearsall for Craft Associates
By Adrian Pearsall
Located in Deland, FL
An exceptional design with attention to every curve and every angle. The angular base has been newly ebonized and is set off in striking contrast against Byron Light Gray premium plu...
Fabric
Adrian Pearsall "Wave" Chaise Lounge Chair for Craft Associates
By Craft Associates, Adrian Pearsall
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Adrian Pearsall "Wave" chaise lounge chair for Craft Associates.
Foam, Walnut
Adrian Pearsall Wave Chaise Rocker Lounge
By Craft Associates, Adrian Pearsall
Located in New Windsor, NY
Waive chaise walnut and boucle rocker. The ultimate lounging chair for reading, a disco nap or
Bouclé, Upholstery, Walnut
Sold
H 30.5 in W 56 in D 37 in
Adrian Pearsall "Wave" Model 108-C Chaise Lounge Chair for Craft Associates
By Craft Associates, Adrian Pearsall
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Adrian Pearsall "Wave" Model 108-C chaise lounge chair for Craft Associates.
Fabric, Foam, Wood, Walnut
An Adrian Pearsall "Wave" Chaise Lounge Chair.
By Adrian Pearsall
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This iconic form chaise boasts a roomy, récamier-style curve designed for two, supported by tapered wood legs. Finished to perfection with wool Knoll upholstery and matching Jack Lar...
Upholstery, Wood
Mid-Century Adrian Pearsall Wave Rocking Lounge Chair
By Adrian Pearsall
Located in Brooklyn, NY
This wave rocking lounge chair by Adrian Pearsall is a standout piece of sculptural mid-century
Upholstery, Walnut
Adrian Pearsall Tufted Velvet Wave Chaise Lounge Chair
By Adrian Pearsall
Located in Los Angeles, CA
to Adrian Pearsall. This is just wow. Great lines on this chaise. Very good vintage condition
Velvet
Sold
H 30 in W 58 in D 37 in
Mid Century Modern Double Wide Green Wave Chaise Lounge attr to Adrian Pearsall
By Adrian Pearsall, Craft Associates
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Very cool vintage, mid century modern, wave form chaise lounge in the style of Adrian Pearsall for
Fabric, Walnut
Adrian Pearsall - "Wave" chaise
Located in San Francisco, CA
The ?Wave? chaise with oak legs, made by Adrian Pearsall. Recently reupholstered in an off-white
Fabric, Oak
Wave Chaise Lounge Chair Style of Adrian Pearsall, 1960
By Adrian Pearsall
Located in Chicago, IL
Wave Chaise Lounge Chair attributed to Adrian Pearsall, 1960. Original upholstery.
Upholstery
Wave Chaise Lounge Chair Style of Adrian Pearsall, 1960
By Adrian Pearsall
Located in Chicago, IL
Wave Chaise Lounge Chair Style of Adrian Pearsall, 1960. Original velvet upholstery. Upholstery
Velvet
Mid Century Wave Rocking Chair Styled After Adrian Pearsall
By Adrian Pearsall
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Beautiful mid-century wavy rocker styled after Adrian Pearsall design and manufactured in the
Fabric, Upholstery
Adrian Pearsall Wave Chaise Longue Chair with Walnut Sculptured Base
By Adrian Pearsall
Located in South Charleston, WV
Ultra stylish and comfortable mid century modern wave chaise lounge chair attributed to Adrian
Walnut
Adrian Pearsall Wave Rocking Chair Chaise in Walnut Base and Cut Velvet
By Adrian Pearsall
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This iconic piece by American Mid-Century Modern designer Adrian Pearsall has been lovingly
Adrian Pearsall Boucle Wave Rocking Lounge Chaise
By Adrian Pearsall, Craft Associates
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Stunning Adrian Pearsall rocking wave lounge chaise/chair fully restored and reupholstered in
Fabric, Bouclé, Walnut
Sold
H 31 in W 36 in D 54 in
Midcentury Modern Adrian Pearsall Wave Chaise Lounge - Modernist Lounge Chair
By Adrian Pearsall, Craft Associates
Located in Decatur, GA
Vintage modernist Adrian Pearsall chaise lounge, circa 1960s. Fully restored with all new foam and
Walnut
Sold
H 27 in W 36 in D 54 in
Undulating "Wave" Chaise Longue Chairs in Mohair by Adrian Pearsall, 1960s
By Adrian Pearsall, Craft Associates
Located in New York, NY
Large-scale, majestic "wave" chaise longue chairs on walnut splay legs by Adrian Pearsall for Craft
Mohair, Walnut
Sold
H 30 in W 32 in D 60 in
Strictly Spanish Wave Lounge Chair by Adrian Pearsall for Craft Associates, 1970
By Adrian Pearsall, Craft Associates
Located in Deland, FL
Ultra stylish and comfortable mid century modern wave chaise lounge chair by Adrian Pearsall for
Fabric
Sold
H 33 in W 36 in D 54 in
Mid-Century Modern Adrian Pearsall Craft Wave Form Zebra Chaise Lounge Chair
By Adrian Pearsall, Craft Associates
Located in Keego Harbor, MI
For your consideration is an incredible, zebra print, S or wave form chaise lounge, by Adrian
Sold
H 29.53 in W 65.75 in D 37.41 in
Adrian Pearsall for Craft Associates Mid-Century Modern Wave Chaise Lounge Chair
By Adrian Pearsall, Craft Associates
Located in Milano, IT
Elegant chaise lounge designed by Adrian Pearsall in 1960 for Craft Associates Inc. The chaise
Fabric, Wood
Sold
H 31.5 in W 37.41 in D 57.09 in
Stunning "Wave" Chaise Longue Chair in the style of Adrian Pearsall, USA, 1960s
By Adrian Pearsall, Craft Associates
Located in Berlin, DE
Very comfortable "Wave" chaise longue chair on walnut splay legs in the style of Adrian Pearsall
Fabric, Wood
Sold
H 29 in W 36 in L 29 in
Adrian Pearsall Mid-Century Modern Wave Chaise Lounge Chair Sofa Model 108-C
By Adrian Pearsall, Craft Associates
Located in Chesterfield, NJ
Very comfortable and iconic wave lounge chair, model 108-C, designed by Adrian Pearsall and made by
Fabric, Walnut
Adrian Pearsall Wave Rocking Chair in Leather
By Adrian Pearsall, Craft Associates
Located in Hamilton, Ontario
Mid-Century Modern wave chaise/rocking chair by Adrian Pearsall. This has been newly upholstered in
Leather, Walnut
Sold
H 29 in W 28 in D 54 in
Mid-Century Modern Contour Wave Chaise Lounge Chair by Adrian Pearsall, 1950s
By Adrian Pearsall
Located in Keego Harbor, MI
For your consideration is a fantastic, contoured wave, chaise lounge chair, with a scenic
Upholstery
Sold
H 26 in W 62 in D 38 in
Adrian Pearsall Style 1970s Wave Lounge Chair in a Fun Faux Fur Mid Century
By Adrian Pearsall
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Adrian Pearsall style louge chair in a wonderful wave form with slender oak legs. Generously
Upholstery
Sold
H 32 in W 30 in D 48 in
Vintage Adrian Pearsall Wave Chaise Lounge New Ultra Suede Alcantara Upholstery
By Milo Baughman, Adrian Pearsall
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Vintage Adrian Pearsall Wave Chaise Lounge New Ultra Suede Alcantara Upholstery.
Brass
Sold
H 29.5 in W 58 in D 33 in
Mid Century Modern Sculptural Wave Chaise Lounge Rocker by Adrian Pearsall C1960
By Craft Associates, Adrian Pearsall
Located in Port Jervis, NY
Fabulous Adrian Pearsall Wave Rocker Chaise Lounge Chair created in about 1960 with a walnut in
Fabric, Walnut
Vintage Adrian Pearsall Scoop Wave Chaise Lounge Chair
By Adrian Pearsall
Located in Chattanooga, TN
Adrian Pearsall wave lounge chair. Big enough to stand alone as a sofa like seating solution
Upholstery, Hardwood
Adrian Pearsall Contour Wave Lounge Chair
By Craft Associates, Adrian Pearsall
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Wave lounge chair by the iconic Adrian Pearsall. The impeccable, brand new upholstery in Knoll's
Fabric, Upholstery, Wood
Sleek Adrian Pearsall Wave Chaise Lounge Chair Mid-Century Danish Modern
By Adrian Pearsall
Located in Pemberton, NJ
Sleek and sexy Adrian Pearsall wave chaise lounge chair. This has been reupholstered about 20 years
Upholstery, Walnut
Sold
H 30.75 in W 30 in D 57 in
Midcentury Leather "Wave" Chaise Lounge Chair in Style of Adrian Pearsall
By Adrian Pearsall
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Beautiful midcentury walnut and leather “Wave” chaise lounge chair inspired in the style of Adrian
Brass
Sold
H 30 in W 36 in D 60 in
Adrian Pearsall Style Wave Chaise Lounge Chair Restored in Brazilian Sheepskin
By Adrian Pearsall
Located in SAINT LOUIS, MO
This is an original wave chaise longue in the style of Adrian Pearsall. Adrian Pearsall began his
Leather, Sheepskin
Sold
H 35 in W 70 in D 37 in
Wonderful Adrian Pearsall Sculptural Wave Chaise Lounge Mid-Century Modern
By Adrian Pearsall
Located in Pemberton, NJ
Wonderful Adrian Pearsall sculptural walnut wave chaise lounge chair. Of-course this will need to
Upholstery, Walnut
Mid Century "Wave" Chaise Lounge Chair by Adrian Pearsall
By Craft Associates, Adrian Pearsall
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Stunning mid-century “Wave” chaise lounge chair designed by architect and furniture designer Adrian
Fabric, Walnut
Sold
H 30 in W 36 in D 56 in
Adrian Pearsall Wave Lounge Chaise in Velvet with walnut legs Mid Century
By Adrian Pearsall
Located in Philadelphia, PA
An undulating Adrian Pearsall wave lounge chair in luscious deep green velvet. A complete ground
Velvet, Walnut
Mid Century "Wave"Lounge Chair by Adrian Pearsall in Green Velvet
By Craft Associates, Adrian Pearsall
Located in Chino Hills, CA
, this Adrian Pearsall "Wave" chaise lounge chair is the perfect choice. Don't miss the opportunity to
Velvet, Walnut
Sold
H 33 in W 37 in D 67 in
1950s Mid-Century Adrian Pearsall Wave Chaise Lounge Chair Daybed Doublewide
By Craft Associates, Adrian Pearsall
Located in Hyattsville, MD
Very long, very wide and very psychedelic. A wonderful chaise lounge by Adrian Pearsall for Craft
Wood
Sold
H 29.53 in W 61.03 in D 37.41 in
Adrian Pearsall for Craft Associates Mid-Century Modern Wave Chaise Lounge Chair
By Craft Associates, Adrian Pearsall
Located in Milano, IT
Elegant chaise lounge designed by Adrian Pearsall in 1960 for the Craft Associates Inc. The
Fabric, Wood
Sold
H 30.5 in W 38 in D 57 in
Adrian Pearsall Rocking Walnut Wave Chaise Lounge Chair in New Fur Fabric
By Craft Associates, Adrian Pearsall
Located in Chattanooga, TN
Now we're rock'n!! Adrian Pearsall wave lounge chair on walnut sled rocking base. Big enough to
Upholstery, Walnut
Adrian Pearsall Wave Chair or Chaise Longue, 1960s
By Adrian Pearsall
Located in Los Angeles, CA
upholstered cushioning gave this chair it's name: The "Wave Chair". It was designed by Adrian Persall in the
Upholstery, Wood
Adrian Pearsall Wave Lounge
By Adrian Pearsall
Located in Hudson, NY
All restored wave with Stone grey color soft fabric,with soft foam.Walnut base is restored
Fabric, Wood
Sold
H 29.53 in W 58.27 in D 36.23 in
"Wave Chaise" Lounge Chair by Adrian Pearsall, Model # 2147-CL, circa 1960
By Craft Associates, Adrian Pearsall
Located in Paris, FR
"Wave" chaise lounge chair, Model # 2147-CL, with brass sabots by Adrian Pearsall; c. 1960 For
Wood, Velvet
Midcentury Brown Wave Chaise Lounge Chair by Adrian Pearsall, 1960s
By Adrian Pearsall
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Mid century Modern Chaise Lounge Upholstered in Chocolate Brown Velvet with Cream color leather welting and headrest adjustable straps. Four wooden legs are finished with brass caps....
Brass
Two-Person Wave Chaise Longue by Adrian Pearsall for Craft Associates
By Adrian Pearsall
Located in Dorchester, MA
Adrian Pearsall’s design for Craft Associates places a dramatic wave of upholstery on splayed legs
Textile, Foam, Walnut
Sold
H 28 in W 36 in D 60 in
"Wave" Chaise Longue Chair by Adrian Pearsall Reupholstered in Knoll Fabric
By Adrian Pearsall
Located in St. Louis, MO
Designer: Adrain Pearsall Period or style: Mid-Century Modern Country: United States Manufacture
$919 / item
H 11.03 in W 5.91 in D 33.86 in
Pair of Articulated Sconce Mid-Century Modern Solid Brass Black and White
By Stilnovo, Arredoluce, Gino Sarfatti
Located in Tavarnelle val di Pesa, Florence
This exquisite sconce is a nod to the timeless pieces crafted by mid-century modern Italian studios Arteluce and Stilnovo in the 1950s, but with a unique and distinctive design that ...
Metal, Aluminum, Brass
Classic Empire Center Table, Oatmeal
Located in Westwood, NJ
A Classic Empire style grey cerused oak oatmeal stained center table with a carved ogee edge, raised on an octagonal pedestal base. Dimensions: 42" W x 42" D x 30" H. Clearance: 27"
Wood
$1,070 / item
H 118.12 in W 34.65 in D 34.65 in
Douglas Mont 'In The Air' 3 Chandelier by DCW Editions Paris
By Douglas Mont
Located in Tilburg, NL
Douglas Mont 'In The Air' 3 Chandelier by DCW Editions Paris, France. New, current production. A chandelier from space With its UFO-like lights, the chandelier In the Air created b...
Metal
$10,995 / item
H 19.69 in W 70.87 in D 27.56 in
Alexander and Jones Sunday Daybed in Oak & Cream Bouclé Handcrafted to Order
Located in Plymouth, GB
The Sunday Daybed is a signature made-to-order piece by Alexander and Jones, handcrafted in our Cotswolds studio, UK, from sculpted solid oak with our signature wave form frame and c...
Bouclé, Oak, Fabric, Textile, Upholstery, Wood, Hardwood
Pair of Murano Glass Wall Sconces, Art Deco Style, in Stock
Located in Miami, FL
Pair of Murano glass wall sconces, in stock Fume color and horizontal striation texture Black opaline finials and brass accents Art Deco inspired design. Gives off warm beams of lig...
Brass
$7,460 / item
H 21.66 in W 20.08 in D 20.08 in
Brutalist Verdigris Copper & Teal Ceramic Sculptural Side Table, Egg Designs
By Egg Designs
Located in Bothas Hill, KZN
Egg Designs’ Boogie Nights side table is a sculptural Brutalist statement piece that merges collectible contemporary design with rich handcrafted detail. Individually glazed teal-gre...
Steel, Copper
$5,291 / set
H 35.04 in W 27.96 in D 35.04 in
Erberto Carboni 'Delfino' Lounge Chair and Ottoman for Arflex
By Erberto Carboni, Arflex
Located in Tilburg, NL
Erberto Carboni 'Delfino' Lounge Chair + Ottoman 1954 for Arflex, Italy. New, Current production. Delfino armchair by Erberto Carboni is a significant example of the so-called "orga...
Metal
$6,742 / set
H 24.01 in W 18.12 in D 14.18 in
Pair of Park Night Stands in Noir Oxblood Lacquer by Yaniv Chen for Lemon
By Lemon
Located in Amsterdam, NL
The Park nightstand is the epitome of exquisite craftsmanship, featuring meticulously proportioned dimensions and exceptional detailing that make it an ideal bedside companion. Our f...
Lacquer
$2,750 / item
H 17.72 in Dm 14.97 in
Soda Blown Murano Glass High Coffee Table in Amber by Yiannis Ghikas
By Miniforms, Yiannis Ghikas
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Soda was born upside-down, with a puff of air. It weighs 20 kilos, and it is blown, drawn out and shaped by three master glassmakers. The result is a single volume of glass with thre...
Blown Glass
$5,575 / item
H 31.5 in W 26 in D 37.5 in
Tropical Hardwood and Rattan, Butaque Chair, Outdoor Use, Licensed Reedition
By Luteca Furniture, Clara Porset
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Cuban-born Clara Porset was a pioneer for modern design in Mexico. Having studied architecture in New York and then Paris, she finally settled in Mexico devoting her life to champion...
Rattan, Hardwood
$4,035
H 24.81 in W 63.78 in D 24.81 in
Adrian Pearsall Mid-Century Modern Walnut Chaise Lounge by Craft Associates
By Craft Associates, Adrian Pearsall
Located in Puglia, Puglia
Chaise longue designed by American designer Adrian Pearsall. The frame is made of walnut, with a beautiful curved shape, and upholstered in white loop pile. The chaise longue has bee...
Bouclé, Walnut
$1,741 / item
H 15.75 in Dm 43.31 in
Contemporary Art Deco Mint green and Red powder coated Carousel 5 arms pendant
By Mambo Unlimited Ideas
Located in Lisbon, PT
Carousel suspension lamp has a delicate balance of form and function that produces a quiet, modern light ambiance for all to savour, with its Contemporary Art Deco lines. The struct...
Metal
"Perf" Sideboard in Varnished Steel by Moroso for Diesel
By Diesel Creative Team 1, Moroso
Located in Brooklyn, NY
"Perf" is a credenza, designed by Diesel Creative Team and manufactured by Moroso, in varnished steel black mat, with doors in varnished steel available in these colors: copper, blac...
Steel
$6,950 / item
H 47.25 in Dm 21.66 in
Florian Schulz Double Onos 55-Pendant Lamp with Side Counter Weights
By Florian Schulz
Located in Berlin, DE
Really beautiful Florian Schulz double Onos 55-pendant lamp with one E27 / model for each lamp 100 Watt bulbs. Also available in US wired.
Brass
LU Louis Sconce AS
By Lumfardo Luminaires
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Handsome LU Louis sconce AS. An all brass wall sconce in an aged silver finish with patterned perforations by Lumfardo Luminaires. Made contemporary in the US. Multiples available fo...
Brass, Nickel
Chaise Lounge by Preview, 1970
By Weiman Preview Furniture
Located in Chicago, IL
Chaise Lounge Chair by Preview, 1970. Channel tufted original upholstery which as shown in pictures has some tears at the seams in the back. Measures 66" long, 31" wide, 27" tall 1...
Upholstery
Organically shaped, clean-lined and elegantly simple are three terms that well describe vintage mid-century modern furniture. The style, which emerged primarily in the years following World War II, is characterized by pieces that were conceived and made in an energetic, optimistic spirit by creators who believed that good design was an essential part of good living.
ORIGINS OF MID-CENTURY MODERN FURNITURE DESIGN
CHARACTERISTICS OF MID-CENTURY MODERN FURNITURE DESIGN
MID-CENTURY MODERN FURNITURE DESIGNERS TO KNOW
ICONIC MID-CENTURY MODERN FURNITURE DESIGNS
VINTAGE MID-CENTURY MODERN FURNITURE ON 1STDIBS
The mid-century modern era saw leagues of postwar American architects and designers animated by new ideas and new technology. The lean, functionalist International-style architecture of Le Corbusier and Bauhaus eminences Ludwig Mies van der Rohe and Walter Gropius had been promoted in the United States during the 1930s by Philip Johnson and others. New building techniques, such as “post-and-beam” construction, allowed the International-style schemes to be realized on a small scale in open-plan houses with long walls of glass.
Materials developed for wartime use became available for domestic goods and were incorporated into mid-century modern furniture designs. Charles and Ray Eames and Eero Saarinen, who had experimented extensively with molded plywood, eagerly embraced fiberglass for pieces such as the La Chaise and the Womb chair, respectively.
Architect, writer and designer George Nelson created with his team shades for the Bubble lamp using a new translucent polymer skin and, as design director at Herman Miller, recruited the Eameses, Alexander Girard and others for projects at the legendary Michigan furniture manufacturer.
Harry Bertoia and Isamu Noguchi devised chairs and tables built of wire mesh and wire struts. Materials were repurposed too: The Danish-born designer Jens Risom created a line of chairs using surplus parachute straps for webbed seats and backrests.
The Risom lounge chair was among the first pieces of furniture commissioned and produced by celebrated manufacturer Knoll, a chief influencer in the rise of modern design in the United States, thanks to the work of Florence Knoll, the pioneering architect and designer who made the firm a leader in its field. The seating that Knoll created for office spaces — as well as pieces designed by Florence initially for commercial clients — soon became desirable for the home.
As the demand for casual, uncluttered furnishings grew, more mid-century furniture designers caught the spirit.
Classically oriented creators such as Edward Wormley, house designer for Dunbar Inc., offered such pieces as the sinuous Listen to Me chaise; the British expatriate T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings switched gears, creating items such as the tiered, biomorphic Mesa table. There were Young Turks such as Paul McCobb, who designed holistic groups of sleek, blond wood furniture, and Milo Baughman, who espoused a West Coast aesthetic in minimalist teak dining tables and lushly upholstered chairs and sofas with angular steel frames.
Generations turn over, and mid-century modern remains arguably the most popular style going. As the collection of vintage mid-century modern chairs, dressers, coffee tables and other furniture for the living room, dining room, bedroom and elsewhere on 1stDibs demonstrates, this period saw one of the most delightful and dramatic flowerings of creativity in design history.
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.