Antique Federal Settee
Antique Early 19th Century American Neoclassical Settees
Wood
Antique 1830s Federal Sofas
Upholstery, Mahogany
Antique 1810s Federal Sofas
Upholstery, Mahogany
Antique 1820s American American Colonial Benches
Pine
Antique Early 19th Century Italian Empire Beds and Bed Frames
Metal
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2010s French Modern Chairs
Oak
21st Century and Contemporary American Mid-Century Modern Wall Lights an...
Enamel, Brass
2010s Spanish Country Patio and Garden Furniture
Wrought Iron
2010s American Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs
Sheepskin, Beech
21st Century and Contemporary Austrian Vienna Secession Dining Room Chairs
Bentwood
Vintage 1950s French Mid-Century Modern Wall Lights and Sconces
Brass, Metal
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Beds and Bed Frames
Steel
Antique Late 19th Century French Louis XV Living Room Sets
Silk, Wood
21st Century and Contemporary Colombian Mid-Century Modern Chandeliers a...
Brass
20th Century Spanish Mid-Century Modern Chandeliers and Pendants
Rattan, Wicker, Paper
2010s American American Craftsman Dining Room Tables
Reclaimed Wood
20th Century American Art Nouveau Glass
Glass
Vintage 1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Chairs
Bamboo
Vintage 1930s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Bed Coronas
Rattan, Mahogany
21st Century and Contemporary American Louis XVI Armchairs
Wood
Antique 1840s English Porcelain
Porcelain
Recent Sales
Antique Early 19th Century American Federal Settees
Antique 19th Century Federal Settees
Upholstery, Mahogany
Early 20th Century French Federal Settees
Fabric, Mahogany
Antique 19th Century American Settees
Mahogany
Antique Early 1900s American Federal Loveseats
Upholstery, Mahogany
Antique Early 19th Century American Federal Loveseats
Antique 19th Century Empire Loveseats
Silk, Mahogany
Early 2000s American Sheraton Loveseats
Mahogany
Antique 1880s French Empire Revival Sofas
Ormolu
Antique 19th Century American Benches
Antique Early 19th Century American American Colonial Benches
Cherry
Antique 19th Century Sheraton Loveseats
Silk, Mahogany
Mid-20th Century Federal Dining Room Chairs
Walnut
Antique 19th Century American Federal Settees
Birdseye Maple, Cane
Early 20th Century American Settees
Cane, Rosewood
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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This Chubby-Chic Quilted Stool Stands on Its Own Two Feet
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Rock Your Cares Away on This Sunny Hand-Crocheted Swing
The boho-chic Enchanted Forest Swing, handmade by marginalized women from Turkey and Syria, is uplifting in every way.
Learn Why Designer Maarten Baas Set This Charles Rennie Mackintosh Chair on Fire
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Eileen Gray’s Famed Cliffside Villa in the South of France Is Returned to Its Modernist Glory
After years of diligent restoration, E-1027, the designer-cum-architect’s marriage of romance and modernism, is finally complete.