Early Alvar Aalto nr. 31 Laminated Plywood Chair
By Alvar Aalto
Located in Toronto, Ontario
An exceptionally early example of the cantilever chair nr.31. Also manufactured by the Huonekalu-ha Rakennustyotehdas oy , Turku Finland. Ca. 1939. This example from the original own...
Plywood
Alvar Aalto Easy Chair Nr 31 Produced by O.y Huonekalu-ja Rakennustyötehdas
By Alvar Aalto
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Rare easy chair model nr 31 designed by Alvar Aalto. Produced by O.y Huonekalu-ja Rakennustyötehdas in Finland.
Birch
Rare, Early Alvar Aalto Model 31/42 Cantilevered Armchairs, Finland, 1930s
By Alvar Aalto
Located in Lewes, East Sussex
Rare, early Alvar Aalto model 31/42 cantilevered armchairs, Finland, 1930s, designed and produced in the 1930s.
Birch, Plywood
Early Mod. 31 Lounge Chair by Alvar Aalto
By Alvar Aalto
Located in London, GB
A fully restored early edition of the iconic Model 31 bentwood lounge chair, featuring a laminated birch frame with elegantly curved armrests and sled base. The sculptural plywood se...
Bentwood, Pine, Plywood
Alvar Aalto Model 31 Cantilever Chair, Birch Plywood, 1930s
By Alvar Aalto
Located in San Francisco, CA
Alvar Aalto cantilever chair, model 31. A very rare 1st edition model 31 lounge chair by Alvar Aalto in birch plywood with a floating back silhouette.
Birch
Early Alvar Aalto Spring Chair Model 31, Bent Plywood and Birch, Artek 1950s
By Artek, Alvar Aalto, Oy Huonekalu-ja Rakennustyötehdas Ab
Located in Helsinki, FI
One of the most iconic and finest furniture works from Alvar Aalto, the model 31 (later 42) chair, also known as the spring chair, "Pikku Paimio" or Small Paimio in English.
Birch, Plywood
Early Alvar Aalto Spring Chair Model 31, Silver Birch and Birch, Artek 1950s
By Alvar Aalto, Oy Huonekalu-ja Rakennustyötehdas Ab, Artek
Located in Helsinki, FI
Rare version of one of the most iconic and finest furniture works from Alvar Aalto, the model 31 (later 42) chair, also known as the spring chair, "Pikku Paimio" or Small Paimio in ...
Birch, Plywood
Alvar Aalto Model 31
By Alvar Aalto
Located in Brugge, BE
Early version of the model 31 by Aalto. Provenance: A collection in Zurich, Switzerland.
Bentwood
Alvar Aalto Model 31 Chair, circa 1930s
By Alvar Aalto
Located in Victoria, BC
Exceptional early example of Alvar Aalto's model 31 chair. This piece is comprised of bentwood and birch plywood, and is in incredible original condition.
Birch
Cantilever Lounge Chair Nr. 31 by Alvar Aalto, Finland, 1930s
By Alvar Aalto
Located in Antwerp, BE
Cantilever; Lounge Chair; Armchair; nr. 31; Alvar Aalto; Finland; 1930s; Finnish Architect; Architecture; Scandinavian Modern; Patina; Scandinavia; Birchwood; Birch; Craftsmanship; P...
Birch, Plywood
Sold
H 22.84 in W 23.63 in D 31.5 in
Alvar Aalto, Early Original Cantilever Chair, model 31, birch plywood
By Alvar Aalto
Located in Wargrave, Berkshire
Alvar Aalto (1898-1976) Cantilever Chair, model 31 bent laminated plywood frame and birch root veneer seat probably manufactured by Huonekalu-ja Rakennustyötendas, Turku, Finland cir...
Birch
Sold
H 25.99 in W 23.63 in D 27.56 in
Alvar Aalto, Early Original Cantilever Chair, model 31, birch plywood
By Alvar Aalto
Located in Wargrave, Berkshire
Alvar Aalto (1898-1976) Cantilever Chair, model 31 bent laminated plywood frame and birch root veneer seat probably manufactured by Huonekalu-ja Rakennustyötendas, Turku, Finland cir...
Birch
Rare and Early Alvar Aalto No.31 Chair, circa 1930
By Alvar Aalto
Located in Munich, DE
Very rare and from the 1. Edition with original black lacquer. Small imperfection on the left runner. Might be a spot, scratch or old repair. Does not effect the use in any way and i...
Plywood
Sold
H 26.97 in W 23.82 in D 30.32 in
Alvar Aalto 31 Lounge Chair for the Paimio Sanitorium, Finland, 1931
By Alvar Aalto
Located in London, GB
Huonekalu-ja Rakennustyötehdas As an architect and designer, Alvar Aalto (1898-1976) should be celebrated for bringing Scandinavian modernism to global prominence.
Birch
Sold
H 26.97 in W 24.02 in D 26.78 in
Alvar Aalto Lounge Chair in Birch Plywood Model 31/41, 1935 Finland
By Alvar Aalto
Located in Hellouw, NL
Alvar Aalto lounge chair Model 31/41, 1935 Finland.
Birch, Plywood
Sold
H 24.81 in W 23.63 in D 29.93 in L 24.81 in
Alvar Aalto, Birch Plywood Cantilever Chair, Model 31, Huonekalu-ja, Finland
By Alvar Aalto, Huonekalu-Ja Rakennustyötedas Oy
Located in Wargrave, Berkshire
Alvar Aalto model 31 chair of moulded birch plywood, cantilevered one-piece seat and back suspended from bent supports painted black.
Birch, Plywood
Alvar Aalto Lounge Chair Model 31/42, Finland, Circa 1935
By Alvar Aalto
Located in Culver City, CA
Alvar Aalto lounge chair model 31/42, Finland, Circa 1935.
Plywood
Little Paimio Cantilevered Chair by Alvar Aalto, Model 31/42
By Alvar Aalto
Located in Turku, Finland
"Little Paimio" chair 31/42 was originally created for the interior of a tuberculosis sanatorium in the Finnish city of Paimio, this is considered one of Aalto’s masterpieces. Thi...
Birch, Plywood
Sold
H 27.56 in W 24.02 in D 29.53 in
Pair of Chairs Model 31 in Birchwood by Alvar Aalto, Finland, circa 1930s
By Alvar Aalto
Located in Brussels, BE
Pair of chairs model 31 in birchwood by Alvar Aalto, Finland, circa 1930s.
Wood
ALVAR AALTO ; TYPE 31 CHAIR ; 1930'S W/LABEL
Located in Wargrave, Berkshire
Early production Alvar Aaalto type 31/42 cantilevered armchair , originally designed for the Paimio Sanitorium , produced by O.y. Huonekalu-ja Rakennustyotehdas A.b. Turku and retail...
Cantilever Lounge Chair Model 31/42 by Alvar Aalto
By Artek, Alvar Aalto
Located in Atlanta, GA
Cantilever lounge chair model 31/42 by Alvar Aalto for Artek, Finland.
Birch, Bentwood
Alvar Aalto Cantilever Chair °31
By Alvar Aalto
Located in Antwerp, BE
Alvar Aalto cantilever chair model n° 31. Laminated beech frame.
Beech
Sold
H 24.61 in W 23.63 in D 27.56 in
Alvar Aalto 31 Lounge Chair for the Paimio Sanitorium, Finland, 1931
By Alvar Aalto
Located in London, GB
cantilevered armchairs, designed and produced in the 1930s. Painted birch-veneered bent plywood with painted bent laminated birch. by Finmar. Original condition, original paint, with...
Birch
Sold
H 29.14 in W 24.02 in D 27.56 in
Vintage Cantilever Lounge Chair by Alvar Aalto, Model 31, Finland, Designed 30s
By Alvar Aalto
Located in Odense, DK
Rare armchair by Alvar Aalto, model 31 in birch, upholstered in cowskin. The general impression is really good. This armchair is one of several designed by the celebrated archit...
Cowhide, Birch
Cantilever lounge chair by Alvar Aalto
By Alvar Aalto
Located in New York, NY
Alvar Aalto Cantilever lounge chair, model 31/42 Artek Finland, 1932/c. 1950 lacquered plywood, laminated birch plywood 23.75 w x 25 h x 30 d inches lacquered plywood, laminate...
Alvar Aalto 31 Chair
By Huonekalu-Ja Rakennustyötedas Oy, Alvar Aalto
Located in Epperstone, Nottinghamshire
Model 31 chair designed by Alvar Aalto for O.y. Huonekalu – Ja Rakennustyotehdas AB, Finland.
Plywood
Cantilever Chair nr. 31 by Alvar Aalto
By Alvar Aalto
Located in Amsterdam, NL
This chair is an icon in plywood design history. The frame was revolutionary. It marked the first use of laminated wood in a cantilevered structure. Same as the lounge chair nr 41 t...
Alvar Aalto Cantilever Lounge Chair, Model 31/42
By Alvar Aalto, Artek
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Designed by Alvar Aalto in 1932. The laminated birch frame produces a unique cantilevered shape; creating an armchair without straight lines. The seat and back are molded maple plywo...
Birch
Alvar Aalto Cantilever Lounge Chair, Model 31/42
By Alvar Aalto, Artek
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Designed by Alvar Aalto in 1932. The laminated birch frame produces a unique cantilevered shape; creating an armchair without straight lines. The seat and back are molded maple plywo...
Birch, Plywood
Alvar Aalto Lounge chair no.31
Located in Antwerp, BE
Aalto's lounge chair 31 is the first chair design utilizing laminated plywood in a cantilevered structure. A fine early example of this chair form. Curly grain birch, bent and lamin...
Alvar Aalto Wohnbedorf Lounge Chair
Located in New York, NY
Alvar Aalto Finland. lounge chair, model 31. birch, laminated plywood.
Birch
Alvar Aalto Lounge chair no.31
Located in Antwerp, BE
Aalto's lounge chair 31 is the first chair design utilizing laminated plywood in a cantilevered structure. A fine early example of this chair form. Curly grain birch, bent and la...
Plywood
Alvar Aalto Armchair Modell 31
By Alvar Aalto
Located in Bern, CH
This armchair was designed by Alvar Aalto and produced by Finmar in 1932. It is made from birchwood and marked with the number 60.
Alvar Aalto Armchair 41 "Paimio" by Artek, 1970s
By Artek
Located in Stockholm, SE
Produced late 1970s by Artek. Excellent condition, no signs of usage. Designed by Alvar Aalto in 1932, Armchair 41 was created for the interior of a tuberculosis sanatorium in the Fi...
Birch
Model 406 Lounge Chairs by Alvar Aalto for Artek
By Artek, Alvar Aalto
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
Vintage Chair 65 by Alvar Aalto for Artek, Finsven, 1940-50s
By Alvar Aalto
Located in Centreville, VA
Clean lines and a simple structure define the design of Chair 65. A low, rectangular backrest is formed from a single piece of birch plywood and has a slight curve that forms natur...
Bentwood
$2,358 / set
H 29.53 in W 20.87 in D 24.41 in
Pair of Alvar Aalto 'Hallway Chairs' Model 403, Artek c.1950
By Alvar Aalto
Located in London, GB
A classic and quietly sculptural design, formed from bent birch plywood with solid birch armrests, reflecting Aalto’s approach to natural materials and organic form. Originally made ...
Birch
Alvar Aalto Paded Cantilever Armchair Model 43, Artek 1940s
By Alvar Aalto, Huonekalu-Ja Rakennustyötedas Oy, Artek
Located in Helsinki, FI
An early padded Spring chair model 43 designed by Alvar Aalto for Artek and manufactured by Huonekalu- ja Rakennustyömaa from the 1940s. This chair is one of the most recognizable pi...
Metal
$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
Alvar Aalto 68 style bentwood chair from the 1960s
By Alvar Aalto
Located in Ternay, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes
1960s chair in the style of Alvar Aalto's Model 66. Thermoformed wood frame. Advanced vintage condition, with numerous signs of age and use: chips, dents in the wood, scratches (see ...
Wood
'Tank chair' by Alvar Aalto, Finland, 1940s
By Alvar Aalto
Located in Stockholm, SE
Alvar Aalto 'Tank' armchair. Produced in Finland, 1940s.
Birch
$940
H 23.63 in W 13.78 in D 14.57 in
Original Alvar Aalto N65 childrens chair from the mid 20th century in birch wood
By Alvar Aalto
Located in Ebberup, DK
Bring iconic Scandinavian design into your child’s world with this original Chair N65 by Alvar Aalto. Designed in 1935, the N65 is a perfect example of Aalto’s innovative approach to...
Wood, Birch, Bentwood
$7,190
H 27.96 in W 24.02 in D 27.96 in
Scandinavian Modern Alvar Aalto lounge chair model 402, 1950's
By Alvar Aalto
Located in Uccle, BE
Original 1930's Alvar Aalto Model 402 lounge chair with reupholstered ecru cotton blend fabric. One of Aalto's notable creations is the "Model 402 Armchair", introduced in 1930. Th...
Birch
$6,508
H 32.29 in W 24.22 in D 37.01 in
Alvar Aalto Armchair Model 36, Finmar/P.E. Gana, 1st Production 1933
By Alvar Aalto
Located in Uxbridge, GB
An early 1930s example of Alvar Aalto’s Model 36 Highback Cantilever Armchair, designed in 1933 and produced in Finland by Huonekalu-ja Rakennustyötehdas Oy, Turku. This chair retai...
Alpaca, Plywood
$16,265Sale 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
$16,960 / set
H 29.14 in W 24.02 in D 28.35 in
Alvar Aalto Pair of Sheepskin Padded Cantilever Armchairs Model 402, Artek 1950s
By Huonekalu-Ja Rakennustyötedas Oy, Artek, Alvar Aalto
Located in Helsinki, FI
A beautiful pair of mid-century Alvar Aalto cantilever 'spring' chairs model 402, also known as Pikkupaimio (small paimio) associated with the legendary Paimio Sanatorium designed by...
Metal
$3,500Sale Price|30% Off
H 39 in W 24.5 in D 32 in
All Original Vintage Alvar Aalto Wingback Armchair 401 by Artek Finland
By Alvar Aalto, Artek
Located in Brooklyn, NY
All Original Vintage Alvar Aalto Armchair # 401 by Artek made in Finland. Great wingback lounge chair model 401 designed by Alvar Aalto for Artek, Finland, 1933. This chair was purch...
Upholstery, Birch, Rattan
$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
$2,850 / 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
$1,828 / set
H 21.66 in W 24.02 in D 35.83 in
Pair of Italian Mid-Century-Modern Lounge Chairs in Ochre Boucle, 1970s Italy
Located in Zagreb, HR
Pair of Vintage Italian Mid-Century Modern lounge chairs or club chairs. Modules can be used as a modular sofa or modular seating set. Beautiful and unique shape. A 1970 design and p...
Bouclé, Foam, Wood
$2,980 / item
H 16.54 in W 55.12 in D 20.87 in
Klismos Walnut Wood Woven Leather Bench Customizable Upholstery and Wood
By Pescetta
Located in IT
Klismos walnut wood brown woven leather Bench, Customizable Upholstery and Wood. Other colors and upholstery are available. Italian artisanal production by Pescetta Home Decoration....
Leather, Walnut
Bertu Counter Stools, White Oak Counter Stool, Chile Stool
By Bertu Furniture
Located in Oak Harbor, OH
Bertu Counter Stools, White Oak Counter Stool, Chile Stool This White Oak Chile Counter Stool is beautifully constructed from solid wood in Ohio, USA. The stool is chunky and modern...
Wood, Oak
Nuvola Cocoon Chandelier by Tobia Scarpa for Flos, Italy 1962
By Flos, Tobia Scarpa
Located in Miklavž Pri Taboru, SI
Step into the captivating world of Italian Mid-Century Modern design with the Nuvola cocoon chandelier by Tobia Scarpa for Flos in 1962. This light suspension model boasts an inter...
Plastic
$7,950 / set
H 30.32 in W 26.78 in D 29.53 in
1940s Kozelka & Kropacek Armchairs in Texel Sheepskin & Brown Patinated Frame
By Jindřich Halabala, Karel Kozelka & Antonin Kropacek
Located in Almelo, NL
Mid-Century Czech design by Kozelka & Kropacek, reupholstered in luxurious Texel sheepskin with warm brown patinated bentwood frames. Comfort, craftsmanship, and timeless style. De...
Sheepskin, Upholstery, Bentwood
$16,228 / item
H 53.15 in W 125.99 in D 59.06 in
Oval Brass and Parchment Chandelier by Diego Mardegan for Glustin Luminaires
By Diego Mardegan
Located in Saint-Ouen, IDF
Beautiful chandelier by Diego Mardegan for Glustin Luminaires, this other version of the spider chandelier has longer arms on the sides giving the oval shape. The metal arms paint...
Metal, Brass
$84,000 / set
H 30.25 in W 19.5 in D 20.25 in
Pierre Jeanneret, French Mid-Century Modern, 12 Box Dining Chairs, Teak, Cane
By Pierre Jeanneret
Located in Stamford, CT
Pierre Jeanneret, French Mid-Century Modern, Box Chairs, 12 Dining Chairs, Teak, Cane, Chandigarh, India c. 1960s Rare and important large set of twelve (12) box chairs by Pierre Je...
Cane, Teak
$6,500 / set
H 29.73 in W 20.28 in D 17.72 in
Afra & Tobia Scarpa "Monk" Chairs for Molteni, Cognac Leather, 1974, Set of 2
By Molteni & C, Afra & Tobia Scarpa
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Afra & Tobia Scarpa "Monk" dining chairs for Molteni, cognac leather and beech, Italy, 1974, set of two. The particular feature of this model is the support structure composed o...
Leather, Beech
$20,000 / set
H 35.44 in W 37.41 in D 37.41 in
Pair of Easy Chairs with Side Table in Beech and Leather by Arne Norell, 1960s
By Arne Norell
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Pair of easy chairs with side table in beech, leather and brass by Arne Norell, 1960s. Additional Information: Material: beech, leather, brass. Style: Midcentury, Scandinavia. ...
Brass
$84,001 / set
H 28.35 in Dm 46.07 in
Dining Set Designed by Alvar Aalto for Finmar Ltd., Finland, 1929
By Alvar Aalto
Located in Stockholm, SE
Dining set designed by Alvar Aalto for Finmar Ltd., Finland, 1929. Birch. Stamped. This rare dining set by the Finish design icon Alvar Aalto is characterised by the combination of...
Birch
$13,143 / item
H 49.22 in Dm 70.87 in
Brass and Parchment Paper Chandelier by Diego Mardegan for Glustin Luminaires
By Diego Mardegan
Located in Saint-Ouen, IDF
Impressive chandelier made of white enameled brass arms holding six beautiful parchment paper shades, which can be adjusted thanks to the handle of each socket. Signed by the arti...
Brass
$5,942
H 28.35 in W 70.08 in D 38.59 in
Le Bambole sofa in velvet By Mario Bellini For B&B Italia, 1970s
By Mario Bellini, B&B Italia
Located in ABCOUDE, UT
Beautiful Le Bambole sofa in coral/pink coloured velvet designed by Mario Bellini for B&B Italia in the 1970s. This beautiful edition is reupholstered in a high quality cotton velve...
Velvet
Hans Pieck Molded Armchair
By Han Pieck
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Hans Pieck, Dutch, "Lawo" Molded armchair in birch plywood, circa 1946.
Birch
$8,651
H 28.35 in W 48.04 in D 38.59 in
Early Mario Bellini Le Bambole Lounge Chair, Original Leather, C&B Italia, 1970s
By C&B Italia, Mario Bellini
Located in Lewes, East Sussex
A rare first edition Mario Bellini Le Bambole lounge chair, in its original wonderfully patinated leather, produced by C&B Italia, Italy, in the early 1970s. Fast shipping worldw...
Leather
Afra & Tobia Scarpa “Morna” Bed for Molteni, Italy, 1971
By Molteni & C, Afra & Tobia Scarpa
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Afra & Tobia Scarpa “Morna” Bed for Molteni, wood and cognac leather, Italy, 1972 The “Morna” bed epitomizes the harmonious fusion of modernist rigor and artisanal warmth. Const...
Leather, Wood
$19,450Sale Price / set|22% Off
H 23 in W 70 in D 36 in
Original 932-Quartet Leather Sectional Sofa by Mario Bellini for Cassina, 1964
By Cassina, Mario Bellini
Located in Los Angeles, CA
It doesn't get much cooler than this early year (original) collectors set of the model-932 'Quartet' sectional by Mario Bellini for Cassina. Released in 1964, this example has incred...
Leather, Canvas
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.