Antique Industrial Drafting Stool
Early 20th Century Industrial Stools
Metal
Mid-20th Century American Industrial Chairs
Metal
Early 20th Century American Chairs
Steel
People Also Browsed
Mid-20th Century American Industrial Stools
Chrome
Mid-20th Century American Industrial Stools
Steel, Iron
Vintage 1920s American Industrial Industrial and Work Tables
Metal
Early 20th Century French Industrial Industrial and Work Tables
Metal
Mid-20th Century Czech Industrial Stools
Iron
Vintage 1930s Austrian Art Deco Stools
Iron
Early 20th Century American Industrial More Furniture and Collectibles
Wood
Vintage 1960s Dutch Industrial Swivel Chairs
Metal
Late 20th Century American Industrial Stools
Steel, Metal
Early 2000s Hungarian Minimalist Rocking Chairs
Birch, Walnut
2010s American Modern Stools
Aluminum
Vintage 1950s Industrial Stools
Antique Late 19th Century French Rustic Stools
Wood, Ash
Mid-20th Century American Art Deco Stools
Aluminum, Steel
Vintage 1920s American Industrial Stools
Metal
Antique 19th Century English Industrial and Work Tables
Mahogany, Pine
Recent Sales
20th Century French Industrial and Work Tables
Metal
Antique 1890s American Industrial Stools
Maple
Vintage 1920s American Industrial Stools
Steel
Vintage 1950s American Industrial Stools
Early 20th Century American Industrial Stools
Metal
20th Century American Industrial More Furniture and Collectibles
Steel
Mid-20th Century American Industrial Chairs
Metal
Vintage 1940s American Industrial Stools
Metal, Iron
Early 20th Century American Industrial Stools
Vintage 1930s American Arts and Crafts Stools
Cane, Oak
Mid-20th Century North American Industrial Stools
Metal
Antique Late 19th Century American Industrial Stools
Steel
Antique 1890s American Industrial Stools
Iron
Early 20th Century American Industrial More Furniture and Collectibles
Steel
Early 20th Century French Industrial Desks
Iron
Vintage 1940s American Stools
Iron, Steel
Early 20th Century American Industrial and Work Tables
Iron
Vintage 1930s North American Industrial Stools
Steel
Vintage 1920s American Office Chairs and Desk Chairs
Antique 1890s American Industrial Office Chairs and Desk Chairs
Early 20th Century American Industrial Stools
Metal
Early 20th Century American Industrial Stools
Iron
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.