Alpine Side Chair
Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Side Chairs
Elm
Mid-20th Century European Mid-Century Modern Side Chairs
Pine
Antique 19th Century French Brutalist Side Chairs
Wood
Antique Mid-18th Century Italian Baroque Side Chairs
Chestnut
Mid-20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Office Chairs and Desk Chairs
Vintage 1930s French Side Tables
Metal
Vintage 1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Wingback Chairs
Fabric, Upholstery, Wood, Walnut, Mohair, Silk, Velvet
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Early 20th Century Swedish Scandinavian Modern Chairs
Lambskin, Sheepskin, Wood
Antique 1870s French Empire End Tables
Marble, Brass
21st Century and Contemporary Side Tables
Marble
Early 20th Century French Louis XV Side Chairs
Upholstery, Cane, Wood, Giltwood
Vintage 1950s French Regency Console Tables
Marble
Antique Early 1900s French Louis XIII Ottomans and Poufs
Metal
Late 20th Century American Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables
Fiberglass
Vintage 1980s Italian Post-Modern Dining Room Tables
Marble
Vintage 1940s Italian Art Deco Dining Room Tables
Marble, Brass
Antique Mid-19th Century French Mid-Century Modern Vitrines
Brass
Vintage 1920s French Louis XVI Ottomans and Poufs
Walnut
21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Dining Room Tables
Marble, Steel
Antique Late 19th Century French Napoleon III Ottomans and Poufs
Suede, Wood
Antique Early 1900s French Baroque Revival Ottomans and Poufs
Velvet, Wood
Vintage 1980s Italian Neoclassical Center Tables
Marble
Early 20th Century European French Provincial Stools
Metal, Iron
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Mid-20th Century Swiss Mid-Century Modern Chairs
Elm
Antique 19th Century Swiss Side Chairs
Antique Late 19th Century European Side Chairs
Wood
Antique Early 1900s Austrian Country Side Chairs
Wood
Antique Early 1900s Swiss Rustic Side Chairs
Antique Mid-19th Century Baroque Side Chairs
Oak
Antique 19th Century American Chairs
Pine
Vintage 1930s Bookcases
Steel
Antique Mid-19th Century Austrian Country Side Chairs
Pine
Vintage 1930s French Side Tables
Sheet Metal
Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Side Chairs
Elm
Antique 19th Century Austrian Side Chairs
Oak
Early 20th Century French Primitive Side Chairs
Ash
Early 20th Century French Primitive Side Chairs
Ash
Early 20th Century Swiss Folk Art Chairs
Walnut
Antique 1820s Swiss Rustic Chairs
Walnut
Early 20th Century Side Chairs
Wood
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 ExpertFebruary 13, 2023The difference between a side chair and a Parsons chair is style. A side chair is a very commonly used dining chair. The form of a side chair may vary, but the constant is the lack of armrests to keep hands free for eating and to save space at the table. A Parsons chair is a type of side chair that features upholstery on the seat and back. Shop a selection of dining chairs on 1stDibs.
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