Armless Wood Bench
2010s American Modern Benches
Maple
20th Century French French Provincial Benches
Wood, Hardwood
Late 20th Century Primitive Benches
Wood, Pine
2010s American Modern Sofas
Mahogany
Mid-20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Chairs
Wood, Upholstery
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Sofas
Faux Leather, Wood
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2010s American Primitive Console Tables
Reclaimed Wood
21st Century and Contemporary Swedish Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps
Textile
21st Century and Contemporary American Mid-Century Modern Flush Mount
Steel, Brass
2010s Austrian Jugendstil Chandeliers and Pendants
Silk
2010s American Organic Modern Vases
Ceramic
21st Century and Contemporary American Mid-Century Modern Wall Lights an...
Enamel, Brass
2010s American Streamlined Moderne Wall Lights and Sconces
Brass
2010s American Modern Stools
Leather, Cherry
2010s American Mid-Century Modern Wall Lights and Sconces
Brass, Bronze, Enamel, Nickel
21st Century and Contemporary Brazilian Modern Dining Room Chairs
Wood
2010s American Mid-Century Modern Wall Lights and Sconces
Brass
21st Century and Contemporary Mexican Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps
Textile, Wood
21st Century and Contemporary American Wall Lights and Sconces
Brass
2010s Belgian Modern Sofas
Linen
21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Wall Lights and Sconces
Alabaster, Metal
21st Century and Contemporary American Bohemian Chandeliers and Pendants
Brass
Recent Sales
Antique 18th Century Spanish Benches
Wood
Early 20th Century Benches
Wood
2010s American Modern Sofas
Fabric, Wood
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Loveseats
Linen, Wood, Down
Late 20th Century Unknown Modern Sofas
Fabric, Foam, Wood
Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Sectional Sofas
Upholstery, Foam, Lucite, Wood
Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Sofas
Steel
Early 2000s Italian International Style Sectional Sofas
Steel
Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Benches
Fabric, Wood
Antique Late 19th Century French Benches
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Dining Room Chairs
Upholstery, Cane, Wood
Vintage 1970s Slipper Chairs
Upholstery, Wood
Vintage 1970s American Slipper Chairs
Upholstery, Wood
Vintage 1960s American Settees
Birch, Upholstery
Mid-20th Century French Louis XV Benches
Wood
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.
- 1stDibs ExpertOctober 19, 2021Many types of wood can be used for an outside bench — it is really a matter of preference. Generally, hardwood is considered the best option since these varieties are durable, rot-resistant and have the best chance at a long life outdoors.
- 1stDibs ExpertOctober 26, 2021The best wood for a garden bench is one that is durable and naturally weather-resistant. The need for outdoor chairs, tables and benches to withstand varying weather conditions means that many contemporary offerings prioritize durability over form. For a touch of glamour in your garden, antique and vintage pieces from France or Italy, which have already proven they can stand the test of time, can introduce an elegant sensibility to your outdoor space. On 1stDibs, find a variety of antique and vintage garden benches.
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