Alvar Aalto Scandinavian Modern Armchair Model 45 Birch & Linen Webbing, 1970s
By Artek, Alvar Aalto
Located in Odense, DK
Vintage Alvar Aalto 45 armchairs made in the 1970s by Artek.
Linen, Birch
Alvar Aalto "Model 45" Rattan and Bentwood Armchair
By Alvar Aalto
Located in Astoria, NY
Alvar Aalto Model 45 Bentwood Arm Chair, originally designed 1947, bent birch frame, rattan wrapped arms, and grey webbing seat and back, "ICF / Made in Finland" label to underside. ...
Fabric, Rattan, Birch, Bentwood
Pair of Alvar Aalto Armchair 45, Produced by Artek, 1970s
By Alvar Aalto, Artek
Located in Stockholm, SE
Produced during the 1970s by Artek, Finland. Good vintage condition with signs of patina and usage.
Cane, Birch
Pair of Alvar Aalto Armchair 45, Produced by Artek, 1970s
By Artek, Alvar Aalto
Located in Stockholm, SE
Produced during the 1970s by Artek, Finland. Good vintage condition with signs of patina and usage.
Birch, Cane
Model 45 Lounge Chairs by Alvar Aalto for Artek, 1970s, Set of 4
By Alvar Aalto, Artek
Located in Radomsko, Województwo łódzkie
Designed by Alvar Aalto in 1947 and manufactured by Artek, the 45 chair features a frame made of bent beech plywood finished with a clear lacquer.
Linen, Rattan, Beech
Model 45 Lounge Chairs by Alvar Aalto for Artek, 1970s, Set of 4
By Alvar Aalto, Artek
Located in Radomsko, Województwo łódzkie
Designed by Alvar Aalto in 1947 and manufactured by Artek, the 45 chair features a frame made of bent beech plywood finished with a clear lacquer.
Linen, Rattan, Beech
Alvar Aalto for Artek Model 45 Armchair Chair Black Leather 1 of 6
By Artek, Alvar Aalto
Located in Munich, Bavaria
Rare armchair model 45 from Alvar Aalto made of laminated birch wood and black aniline leather.
Leather, Wood, Birch, Lacquer
Alvar Aalto for Artek Model 45 Armchair Chair Black Leather 1 of 4
By Artek, Alvar Aalto
Located in Munich, Bavaria
Rare armchair Model 45 from Alvar Aalto.Made of laminated birch wood and black aniline leather.
Leather, Wood, Birch, Lacquer
Alvar Aalto Pair of Armchairs 45 in Birch, Rattan, & White Leather, Artek 1970s
By Alvar Aalto, Huonekalu-Ja Rakennustyötedas Oy, Artek
Located in Helsinki, FI
Beautiful pair of Alvar Aalto model 45 chairs in birch with rattan wrapping and white leather details.
Birch, Leather, Rattan
Set of Four Alvar Aalto Model 45 Armchairs, Artek, Finland, 1960s
By Artek
Located in Berlin, DE
This refined set of four Model 45 armchairs is an authentic design by Alvar Aalto, produced by Artek, Finland, during the 1960s.
Cotton, Upholstery, String, Birch, Plywood
Pair of White Slated Flush Mounts Model AE74/45, Alvar Aalto Style, Itsu 1950s
By Itsu
Located in Helsinki, FI
A pair of exceptionally refined modern ceiling lamps by the esteemed Finnish manufacturer, Itsu. Their design embraces elegant simplicity, featuring concentric metal circles that cas...
Metal
Pair of White Slated Alvar Aalto Style Flush Mounts Model AE74/45, Itsu 1950s
By Itsu
Located in Helsinki, FI
A pair of exceptionally refined modern ceiling lamps by the esteemed Finnish manufacturer, Itsu. Their design embraces elegant simplicity, featuring concentric metal circles that cas...
Metal
Alvar Aalto for ICF Birch 45/R Armchair
By Alvar Aalto
Located in Portland, OR
A classic early design by celebrated Finnish architect and designer Alvar Aalto. This example features rare rattan cording, which has darkened and taken on a rich patina with age. A...
Birch, Rattan
Alvar Aalto Model 45 Armchair, Artek Finland
By Alvar Aalto, Artek
Located in Hudson, NY
Alvar Aalto first designed the model 45 armchair in 1929 featuring tightly woven cane around the arms with woven linen on seating and backrests.
Linen, Cane, Birch
'Model 45' birch armchairs by Alvar Aalto
By Alvar Aalto
Located in Brescia, IT
Set of two 'Model 45' armchairs designed in 1947 by Alvar Aalto. The frame is made of beech and wicker, while the seat is made of canvas.
Canvas, Wicker, Birch
Pair of Model 45 Armchairs by Alvar Aalto for Artek
By Alvar Aalto
Located in Stockholm, SE
Set of two armchairs model 45 designed by Alvar Aalto in 1947 and made by Artek.
Linen, Rattan, Birch
Model 45 Armchair by Alvar Aalto, Artek Finland, circa 1970
By Alvar Aalto
Located in VILLEURBANNE, FR
Vintage armchair model 45 designed by Alvar Aalto in 1947, produced in the 1970s by Artek in Finland.
Linen, Wood
Armchair M 45 by Alvar Aalto for Artek, 1947
By Artek, Alvar Aalto
Located in Stockholm, SE
Armchair model 45 designed by Alvar Aalto in 1947 and made by Artek.
Birch
Alvar Aalto Model 400 "Tank Chair"
By Alvar Aalto
Located in San Diego, CA
Check out it's sister chair, the Alvar Aalto Model 45 to create a unique look.
Birch
Set of Eight Alvar Aalto Chairs by Artek, Model 45
By Artek, Alvar Aalto
Located in Lejre, DK
Set of eight Alvar Aalto armchairs model no. 45 in beech and cane.
Beech, Cane
Alvar Aalto for Artek Mid-Century Modern Model 45 Armchair
By Alvar Aalto, Artek
Located in Astoria, NY
Scandinavian Mid-Century Modern 'Model 45' armchair in bent birchwood, designed by Alvar Aalto for Artek in the mid-20th century in Finland.
Wood
Set of Six Midcentury Alvar Aalto Chairs by Artek, Model 45
By Artek, Alvar Aalto
Located in Lejre, DK
Set of six Alvar Aalto armchairs model no. 45 in beech and canvas.
Beech, Canvas
Alvar Aalto Nesting Tables Model 90C & 90D, Artek, Late 20th Century
By Alvar Aalto, Artek
Located in Helsinki, Uusimaa
Measurements: Bigger table: diameter 60 cm, height 52.5 cm Smaller table: diameter 48 cm, height 45 cm Alvar Aalto (1898-1976) is probably the most famous Finnish architect and des...
Birch
Alvar Aalto Model 45 Armchair Artek, Finland, 1947
By Alvar Aalto
Located in Roosendaal, Noord Brabant
Fantastic early armchair model 45 designed by Alvart Aalto and manufactured by Oy Huonekalu- ja Rakennustyötehdas Ab, Turku, for Artek, 1950s. This is a very nice early 1950s example...
Faux Leather, Birch
Sold
H 30.32 in W 23.63 in D 23.63 in
Alvar Aalto Chair 45 Beech and Vinyl by Artek, Finland, circa 1950s
By Alvar Aalto
Located in Geneva, CH
Alvar Aalto chair model 45, beech and vinyl upholstery, rattan on arms Good vintage condition.
Faux Leather, Beech
Alvar Aalto Model 45 Armchair Cane Artek, Finland, 1947
By Alvar Aalto, Artek
Located in Roosendaal, Noord Brabant
Fantastic early armchair model 45 designed by Alvart Aalto and manufactured by Oy Huonekalu- ja Rakennustyötehdas Ab, Turku, for Artek, 1950s. This is a very nice early 1950s example...
Cane, Beech
Sold
H 32.75 in W 24 in D 25.25 in
1970s Set of Four Alvar and Aino Aalto for Artek Model 45 Dining Chairs
By Alvar Aalto, Artek, Aino Aalto
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is a set of four Model 45 Dining Chairs, originally designed by Alvar and Aino Aalto in 1947.
Fabric, Beech
Set of four Alvar Aalto 45 Arm Chairs
By Alvar Aalto
Located in Providence, RI
Set of four model 45 armchairs designed by architect Alvar Aalto, and produced by Artek, Finland.
Birch
Pair of Model 45 Armchairs by Alvar Aalto for Artek
By Alvar Aalto
Located in Dorchester, MA
Designed in 1947, this chair is composed of a laminated birch frame, rattan wrapped arms, and linen webbing seat and seat back. Comfortable, durable, and practical, this chair is hig...
Rattan
Alvar Aalto Set of Six Armchairs, Model 45
By Alvar Aalto, Artek
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Alvar Aalto Set of six armchairs made of laminated birch. Seat, back and arms with rattan. Designed 1947. Produced by Artek.
Rattan, Birch
Sold
H 31.5 in W 23.75 in D 24.5 in
Alvar Aalto Birch and Linen Chairs, Rattan Wrapped Arms, Designed 1947
By Alvar Aalto, Artek
Located in Hudson, NY
One of my favorite webbing colors in steel blue for the Alvar Aalto Model NV 45 armchair for Artek, designed in 1947.
Birch, Linen, Rattan
Pair of Armchairs by Alvar Aalto model nv 45
Located in Hudson, NY
Pair of birchwood armchairs with pale caramel colored leather webbing by Finnish architect Alvar Aalto, Model # MV 45.
Model 45 Armchair by Alvar Aalto for Artek
By Alvar Aalto, Artek
Located in Dorchester, MA
Alvar Aalto designed this Classic armchair in 1947 and it remains a sought-after example of his uniquely functional aesthetic. A solid laminated birch frame supports the white linen ...
Linen, Rattan, Birch
Sold
H 17.72 in W 17.72 in D 17.72 in
Alvar Aalto Stool Model X601 with Leather Seats, 1954 by Artek Finland, Pcs
By Alvar Aalto, Artek
Located in Stockholm, SE
Measures of each stool: 45 x 45 x 45 cm. Seat height 45 cm. Alvar Aalto (1898–1976) is one of the greatest names in modern architecture and design.
Leather, Birch
Sold
H 17.72 in W 17.72 in D 17.72 in
Alvar Aalto Stool Model X601 with Leather Seats, 1954 by Artek Finland, Pcs
By Alvar Aalto, Artek
Located in Stockholm, SE
Measures of each stool: 45 x 45 x 45 cm. Seat height 45 cm. Alvar Aalto (1898–1976) is one of the greatest names in modern architecture and design.
Leather, Birch
$3,430 / set
H 28.35 in W 16.93 in D 15.75 in
Pair of Alvar Aalto War Time Chairs With Finger Joints Model 69, Artek 1940s
By Artek, Alvar Aalto, Huonekalu-Ja Rakennustyötedas Oy
Located in Helsinki, FI
A rare pair of Alvar Aalto model 69 chairs, manufactured during the 2nd World War years in Finland in the 1940s. The iconic L-leg is different in these pieces compared to the normal....
Fabric, Birch
$2,200
H 31.5 in W 23.82 in D 21.66 in
Erich Dieckmann Armchair in Beech & Rope, Mid Century Modern, 1940s
By Erich Dieckmann
Located in Odense, DK
Sculptural armchair often attributed to German designer Erich Dieckmann, one of the notable figures associated with the Bauhaus movement. Designed with a focus on functionality and c...
Papercord, Rope, Beech
$3,949
H 27.76 in W 18.9 in D 21.26 in
Model 2 Chair, Alvar Aalto, Oy Huonekalu- ja Rakennustyötehdas Ab, 1930s
By Oy Huonekalu-ja Rakennustyötehdas Ab, Alvar Aalto
Located in Helsinki, Uusimaa
Model 2 chair, design Alvar Aalto, manufactured by Oy Huonekalu- ja Rakennustyötehdas Ab, 1930s. Birch frame, later fabric upholstery. Marked. Good vintage condition, minor patina co...
Fabric, Birch
Model 406 Lounge Chairs by Alvar Aalto for Artek
By Alvar Aalto, Artek
Located in Chicago, IL
c. 1970s. Finland. Price is for the set. Contact us if you’d like to purchase a single item. Previous mark where ICF label was is pictured for both chairs.
Cotton, Birch
$1,773Sale Price / set|76% Off
H 31 in W 22.5 in D 20 in
Rare Pair of Sleek Molded Plywood Mid-Century Modern Armchairs
By Alvar Aalto
Located in Hopewell, NJ
A sleek pair of molded birch plywood armchairs in the manner of Alvar Aalto having sophisticated sculptural form and terrific comfort. arm height 25
Plywood
Pair of Alf Svensson Armchairs, Sweden, 1960s
By Alf Svensson, Bjästa Möbelfabrik
Located in Stockholm, SE
Design Alf Svensson. Black leather and oak. Produced by Bjästa Möbelsnickeri, Sweden, 1960s.
Leather, Oak
$6,093 / set
H 31.11 in W 15.36 in D 17.72 in
Set of Six Alvar Aalto Model 66 Chairs in Birch, Artek 1950s
By Oy Huonekalu-ja Rakennustyötehdas Ab, Alvar Aalto, Artek
Located in Helsinki, FI
A beautiful set of six model 66 dining chairs designed by Alvar Aalto and manufactured in Finland during the 1940s–1950s. Model 66 is distinguished by its tall, gently curved backre...
Birch
$2,166Sale Price / set|20% Off
H 31.11 in W 15.75 in D 17.33 in
Pair of Rare E66 Chairs by Alvar Aalto for Artek, Finland
By Artek, Alvar Aalto
Located in Karis, Nyland
A rare pair of Alvar Aalto model E66 chairs, designed in 1930s. Good vintage condition, patina consistent with age and use. The chairs are sold as a set. We can dismantle the chairs...
Birch, Bentwood
$16,058Sale Price / set|20% Off
H 31.5 in W 24.22 in D 20.48 in
Alvar Aalto Rare Set of Early Armchairs, 1939
By Alvar Aalto
Located in Helsinki, Uusimaa
Exceptionally rare set of early Alvar Aalto armchairs for O.Y Wilhelm Schauman A.B Jyväskylä, Finland, 1939. Custom ordered for NY World's Fair Restaurant. Upholstered in quality Lau...
Birch, Plywood
$50,000 / set
H 27.17 in W 24.81 in D 35.44 in
alvar aalto PAIR OF ARMCHAIRS, MODEL NO. 44 (padded paimio)
By Alvar Aalto
Located in Tomi, Nagano
Pair of mid‑century armchairs, model no. 44, designed by Alvar Aalto. Each chair features Aalto’s characteristic continuous bent‑plywood side frames, where the armrests flow seamles...
Wool, Birch
$2,600
H 35 in W 24 in D 27.5 in
1960 Alvar Aalto Cantilever Chair Model 406 by Artek in Birch and Cane Webbing
By Alvar Aalto, Artek
Located in Chicago, IL
Alvar Aalto, cantilevered chair model 406. Laminated birch, cane. circa 1960 The model 406 chair was originally designed in 1938-39. Measures: 35"H x 24"W x 27.5"D Branded...
Cane, Birch
Midcentury Bruno Mathsson Style Bentwood Chair
By Bruno Mathsson
Located in BROOKLYN, NY
Mid-century bentwood Lounge chair . All original including original webbing and in amazing vintage condition.
Cotton, Beech
$6,093
H 39.38 in W 23.23 in D 33.47 in L 39.38 in
Bruno Mathsson Pernilla Armchair, Bent Beech, Mid-Century Modern
By Bruno Mathsson
Located in Milano, IT
Bruno Mathsson (1907-1988) Pernilla armchair, bent beech with a seat woven with fabric straps. Organic and essential lines for one of the most iconic models of Scandinavian design. ...
Beech
$2,850 / set
H 31 in W 24 in D 22.5 in
Alvar Aalto Pair of Bentwood Modern Lounge Chairs Danish Modern Mid Century
By Alvar Aalto
Located in Atlanta, GA
Pair of Bentwood Modern Lounge Chairs designed by Alvar Aalto, designed circa 1930s, these examples are circa 1970s. They have been reupholstered in an ivory color boucle upholstery.
Bouclé, Canvas, Rattan, Birch
A Pair of Alvar Aalto Side Chairs for Artek Model 66
By Alvar Aalto
Located in Dallas, TX
The Model 66 chair, designed by Alvar Aalto for Artek, epitomizes timeless Scandinavian elegance with its clean lines and functional form. Crafted from sustainable birch, this chair ...
Wool, Linen, Birch
$3,660 / set
H 32.29 in W 25.2 in D 26.78 in
Mid-Century Armchairs Designed by Jan Kalous for ÚLUV, Czechoslovakia, 1960s
By ULUV Krásná jizba
Located in Almelo, NL
Mid-Century Armchairs Designed by Jan Kalous for ÚLUV, Czechoslovakia, 1960s This rare and unique pair of armchairs, expertly designed by renowned Czech architect Jan Kalous, was ma...
Rattan, Beech
$2,500 / item
H 8.5 in Dm 17.5 in
Vintage Inspired Handcrafted Fluted Farmhouse Porcelain Pendant Light
By DBO Home
Located in Sharon, CT
Classic, elegant, with a perfectly imperfect touch. We just love our new porcelain Parasol Fluted Pendants. Inspired by a vintage pie cover, we designed them to hang over our kitchen...
Brass
$3,600Sale Price / set|20% Off
H 31.5 in W 24 in D 25.5 in
Alvar Aalto Armchairs with Black Straps, Finland, 1960's
By Alvar Aalto
Located in Austin, TX
Model 45 armchairs, designed in 1947 by Alvar Aalto and manufactured later by Artek. Beech frames and woven black nylon seat and back make a comfortable and sought after combination ...
Nylon, Beech
Scandinavian modern chest of drawers, Sweden, 1950s
Located in Eskilstuna, SE
Great functionalistic chest of drawers produced in Sweden during the 1950s. Made in birch with brass handles.
Brass
$2,143
H 30.71 in W 14.97 in D 1.97 in
Charlotte Perriand Set of 6 Kitchen Doors from an Arcs 1600 Apartment
By Charlotte Perriand
Located in Saint-Didier, Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur
Charlotte Perriand Set of 6 kitchen doors from an Arcs 1600 apartment, complete with 6 handles and 12 original hinges. State of use, small high furniture, and large under sink. ...
Wood
Ceiba Table Lamp
By Chuch Estudio
Located in Mérida, MX
The Ceiba Lamp embodies the essence of artisanal craftsmanship, meticulously crafted entirely by hand. Inspired by the sacred Tree of Life in the Yucatan Peninsula, renowned as the C...
Clay, Linen
$1,263 / item
H 33.08 in W 22.05 in D 22.05 in
Minimal Style, Solid Wood Chair, Leather Seating, Caning Backboard
By SIMONINI
Located in Vila Cordeiro, São Paulo
The Wing chair solid wood collection, flexibility, modern aesthetics, comfort and softness are the keywords for this collection. The concept is inspired by the B-52 plane design, thi...
Wood, Hardwood, Leather, Cane
$4,049
H 35.04 in W 78.75 in D 30.32 in
1940s Kaare Klint Three Seater Sofa, Hardwood Legs & Striped Wool Upholstery
By Kaare Klint, Rud Rasmussen
Located in London, GB
1940s Kaare Klint Three Seater Sofa, with Mahogany Legs & Striped Wool Upholstery with Leather Trim. Usable condition. Bespoke quote can be provided for re-upholstery.
Leather, Wool, Hardwood
$3,159 / set
H 2.76 in W 8.67 in D 3.55 in
Pair of Danish Modern 1950s LYFA Wall Lamps in Patinated Brass
By Vilhelm Lauritzen, Lyfa, Finn Juhl
Located in Odense, DK
Set of 2 LYFA wall lamps manufactured in Denmark in the 1950s. All original condition in beautifully patinated brass and white lacquered inside. The lamps have an adjustable rounded ...
Brass
$11,000
H 83.08 in W 41.34 in D 23.63 in
André Sornay Cabinet or Wardrobe with Sliding Doors in Mahogany
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Andre Sornay for Sornay Meubles, cabinet or wardrobe, mahogany, lacquered wood, lacquered metal, France, 1960s This tall cabinet, designed by André Sornay in the 1960s, is exemplary...
Wood, Mahogany
$3,825
H 38.59 in W 38.59 in D 38.59 in
Mid Century F510 Lounge Chair by Geoffrey Harcourt for Artifort, 1960s
By Geoffrey Harcourt, Artifort
Located in Oud Beijerland, NL
Very comfortable Artifort "F510" lounge chair. Designed by the famous English designer Geoffrey Harcourt in the 60's. This chair is manufactured in the 70's. Very solid wooden fra...
Bouclé, Plastic, Wood
Italian Large Cabinet in Teak and Geometric Fronts
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Wardrobe or highboard, teak, Italy, 1950s Beautiful cabinet originating from Italy. This spacious 1950s piece showcases timeless modernist elegance. The graphic front of this cabine...
Teak
$1,695
H 77 in W 33 in D 12.5 in
Mid-Century Pagoda Form Rattan / Bamboo And Grasscloth Cabinet / Etagere
Located in Kennesaw, GA
This is a rattan pagoda form rattan cabinet. It has two doors that open to shelving. The body is 26.5”L. This piece is unmarked and in very good condition.
Grasscloth, Rattan
Paavo Tynell '1972' Bamboo Pendant Lamp for GUBI
By Gubi, Paavo Tynell
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Paavo Tynell '1972' Bamboo Pendant for GUBI. Originally designed by Paavo Tynell, encompassing several variations of a classic 1950s Tynell design, this family of classic pendants e...
Brass
Axel-Einar Hjorth 'Lovö' cabinet, Sweden, 1930s
By NK (Nordiska Kompaniet), Axel Einar Hjorth
Located in Stockholm, SE
Lovo cabinet by Axel-Einar Hjorth, produced by Nordiska Kompaniet, 1930s.
Iron
Italian Designer, Stools, Wood, Fabric, Italy, 1940s
Located in High Point, NC
A pair of solid wood and pink bouclé fabric stools, designed and produced in Italy, 1940s.
Fabric, Wood
Göran Malmvall cabinet, Sweden, 1950s
By Goran Malmvall
Located in Stockholm, SE
Cabinet in pine designed by Göran Malmvall, produced in Sweden by Svensk Fur, 1950s. Global front door shipping available.
Pine
An architect and designer, Alvar Aalto deserves an immense share of the credit for bringing Scandinavian modernism and Nordic design to a prominent place in the global arena. In both his buildings and his vintage furniture — which ranges from chairs, stools, tables and lighting to table- and glassware — Aalto’s sensitivity to the natural world and to organic forms and materials tempered the hardness of rationalist design.
Relatively few Aalto buildings exist outside Finland. (Just four exist in the United States, and only one — the sinuous 1945 Baker House dormitory at M.I.T. — is easily visited.) International attention came to Aalto, whose surname translates to English as “wave,” primarily through his furnishings.
Instead of the tubular metal framing favored by the Bauhaus designers and Le Corbusier, Aalto insisted on wood. His aesthetic is best represented by the Paimio armchair, developed with his wife, Aino Aalto, in 1930 as part of the overall design of a Finnish tuberculosis sanatorium.
Comfortable, yet light enough to be easily moved by patients, the Paimio chair’s frame is composed of two laminated birch loops; the seat and back are formed from a single sheet of plywood that scrolls under the headrest and beneath the knees, creating a sort of pillow effect. Aalto’s use of plywood had an enormous influence on Charles and Ray Eames, Arne Jacobsen, Marcel Breuer and others who later came to the material.
Concerned with keeping up standards of quality in the production of his designs, Aalto formed the still-extant company Artek in 1935, along with Aino, whose glass designs were made by the firm. In the latter medium, in 1936 the Aaltos together created the iconic, undulating Savoy vase, so-called for the luxe Helsinki restaurant for which the piece was designed.
Artek also produced Aalto pendants and other lighting designs, many of which — such as the Angel’s Wing floor lamp and the Beehive pendant — incorporate a signature Aalto detail: shades made of concentric enameled-metal rings graduated down in diameter. The effect of the technique is essential Alvar Aalto: at once precise, simple, and somehow poetic.
Find a collection of vintage Alvar Aalto stools, vases, dining tables and other furniture on 1stDibs.
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.