Apollo Sofa
Vintage 1970s Italian Sofas
Velvet
2010s Portuguese Modern Benches
Metal, Brass
2010s Portuguese Modern Benches
Metal, Steel
2010s Portuguese Modern Benches
Metal
Recent Sales
Vintage 1970s French Sofas
Stainless Steel
Mid-20th Century French Post-Modern Sofas
Stainless Steel
Mid-20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Sofas
Metal
People Also Browsed
2010s Brazilian Organic Modern Armchairs
Wicker
Late 20th Century Moroccan Moorish Chandeliers and Pendants
Metal
Early 20th Century Italian Rococo Bird Cages
Metal
Mid-20th Century German Mid-Century Modern Chairs
Wood
Vintage 1980s Italian Mid-Century Modern Chandeliers and Pendants
Murano Glass
2010s American Mid-Century Modern Ottomans and Poufs
Fabric
2010s American Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps
Brass
1990s Italian Post-Modern Center Tables
Maple
Vintage 1930s Swedish Art Deco Chandeliers and Pendants
Brass
2010s Italian Other Chandeliers and Pendants
Blown Glass, Art Glass, Murano Glass
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Wall Lights and Sconces
Brass
Vintage 1960s Austrian Mid-Century Modern Chandeliers and Pendants
Metal
Vintage 1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Flush Mount
Plastic, Parchment Paper, Ceramic
Vintage 1960s Swiss Patio and Garden Furniture
Concrete
Antique 19th Century Italian Empire Armchairs
Velvet, Mahogany
Mid-20th Century Unknown Mid-Century Modern Armchairs
Hide, Lacquer
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
Sam Klemick's cool stool is edgy, cozy and environmentally sustainable all at once.
Is Lionel Jadot the Willy Wonka of Upcycled Belgian Design?
From his massive collaborative workshop in a former paper factory, the designer concocts funky furniture from disused materials, as well as luxe hotel interiors like the new Mix Brussels.
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.