Argyle Mackintosh
Vintage 1980s Italian Arts and Crafts Chairs
Ash, Ebony
Vintage 1980s Canadian Arts and Crafts Armchairs
Oak
1990s European Arts and Crafts Chairs
Ash
1990s European Arts and Crafts Chairs
Ash
Vintage 1980s American Modern Side Chairs
Fabric, Ash
Vintage 1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Chairs
Wood
Late 20th Century European Arts and Crafts Dining Room Chairs
Ash
Recent Sales
Vintage 1930s Italian Bauhaus Chairs
Beech
Antique 1890s Italian Arts and Crafts Chairs
Upholstery, Ash
1990s Italian Art Nouveau Chairs
Wood
1990s Italian Arts and Crafts Chairs
Fabric, Wood
Vintage 1970s Italian Chairs
Wood
Vintage 1970s Arts and Crafts Side Chairs
Bouclé, Hardwood
Vintage 1970s Italian Art Nouveau Dining Room Chairs
Silk, Ash
Mid-20th Century Arts and Crafts Dining Room Chairs
Suede, Wood
Vintage 1980s Scottish Art Nouveau Side Chairs
Wood
Late 20th Century Italian Arts and Crafts Dining Room Chairs
Wood, Upholstery
Vintage 1980s Italian Dining Room Sets
Ash
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Mid-20th Century French Mid-Century Modern End Tables
Glass, Oak
Mid-20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Wall Lights and Sconces
Iron
Vintage 1940s Danish Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs
Mahogany, Wool
2010s South African Minimalist Pedestals
Oak, Walnut
21st Century and Contemporary American Scandinavian Modern Wall Lights a...
Brass
Vintage 1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Armchairs
Velvet
Early 20th Century French Gothic Revival Religious Items
Brass
1990s American Post-Modern Daybeds
Upholstery
Vintage 1980s Italian Beds and Bed Frames
Metal
Vintage 1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Chandeliers and Pendants
Brass
Antique 19th Century English Regency Desks and Writing Tables
Wood, Mahogany
Mid-20th Century Danish Baroque Dining Room Chairs
Oak, Burlap
Late 20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Wardrobes and Armoires
Glass, Wood, Oak
2010s Austrian Jugendstil Wall Lights and Sconces
Brass
2010s Dutch Modern Side Tables
Travertine
21st Century and Contemporary American Mid-Century Modern Flush Mount
Steel, Brass, Gold, Silver
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.