Antique French Louis Xv Velvet Sofa
Early 20th Century French Louis XV Sofas
Walnut, Velvet
Early 2000s French French Provincial Sofas
Velvet, Wood
Mid-20th Century Louis XV Wingback Chairs
Wood, Velvet
Antique Mid-18th Century French Rococo Canapes
Beech
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21st Century and Contemporary Italian Rococo Pillows and Throws
Metallic Thread
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Sofas
Metal
Vintage 1950s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Sofas
Wool, Cotton, Beech
Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Sectional Sofas
Fabric
Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Sectional Sofas
Upholstery
Antique Late 19th Century Italian Beds and Bed Frames
Wood, Giltwood, Paint
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Mid-Century Modern Dining Room Tables
Travertine
21st Century and Contemporary English Louis XV Beds and Bed Frames
Wood
Antique 1890s French Art Nouveau Daybeds
Iron
Antique Late 19th Century French Louis XV Daybeds
Velvet, Walnut
Antique Late 19th Century American Sofas
Upholstery
21st Century and Contemporary Vietnamese Mid-Century Modern Console Tables
Wood
Mid-20th Century American American Empire Sofas
Fabric
Antique 19th Century French Louis XV Armchairs
Wood
Antique Late 18th Century Louis XV Settees
Fruitwood
Early 20th Century French Bedroom Sets
Bronze
Recent Sales
Vintage 1920s French Louis XV Sofas
Velvet, Wood, Fruitwood, Down
Vintage 1930s Rococo Sofas
Velvet, Wood
Antique Early 1900s French Louis XVI Sofas
Metal
20th Century American Sofas
Vintage 1930s French Louis XV Loveseats
Velvet, Beech, Paint
Antique Late 18th Century French Louis XV Settees
Mohair, Upholstery, Velvet, Wood, Walnut
Antique Late 19th Century French Louis XV Loveseats
Fruitwood
Antique Late 19th Century French Louis XV Side Chairs
Textile, Velvet, Walnut
Antique Late 18th Century French Louis XV Sofas
Fabric, Velvet, Foam, Wood, Cotton, Giltwood
Antique Late 18th Century French Louis XV Sofas
Brass
Antique Mid-19th Century French Louis XV Settees
Fabric, Oak, Paint
Early 20th Century French Louis XV Sofas
Velvet, Walnut
20th Century European Louis XV Sofas
Velvet, Wood
Antique 19th Century French Louis XV Sofas
Velvet, Hardwood
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.