Antique French Vanity Stool
Antique Late 19th Century French Louis XV Benches
Cane, Oak
Recent Sales
Antique 19th Century French Stools
Mid-20th Century French Louis XV Stools
Fabric, Wood
Antique 19th Century French Stools
Walnut
Mid-20th Century French Provincial Benches
Cane, Hardwood
20th Century French Louis XV Swivel Chairs
Metal
Early 20th Century Empire Benches
Upholstery, Hardwood
Vintage 1940s French Art Deco Vanities
Bone, Burl
Antique 1880s French French Provincial Stools
Walnut
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Mid-20th Century French Neoclassical Benches
Bronze, Wrought Iron
2010s Chandeliers and Pendants
Metal
21st Century and Contemporary American Bohemian Chandeliers and Pendants
Brass
21st Century and Contemporary European Neoclassical Benches
Iron
2010s British Scandinavian Modern Tables
Mohair, Oak
2010s American Flush Mount
Brass
Antique Early 19th Century French Charles X End Tables
Bronze, Ormolu
Antique Late 19th Century French Louis XVI Beds and Bed Frames
Cane, Walnut
Antique 19th Century English Chinese Chippendale Vitrines
Glass, Mahogany
Antique Late 19th Century French Louis XVI Beds and Bed Frames
Cane, Wood
Vintage 1960s French Chandeliers and Pendants
Alabaster
Antique 19th Century Italian Apothecary Cabinets
Glass, Walnut
Antique 19th Century English William IV Benches
Mahogany
Antique Mid-19th Century Neoclassical Beds and Bed Frames
Walnut, Burl
Early 20th Century Italian Rococo Bird Cages
Metal
Antique 18th Century Other Dinner Plates
Enamel
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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