Arne Norell Bench
20th Century Danish Mid-Century Modern Benches
Suede, Teak
Antique 1660s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Sofas
Leather, Mahogany
Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Settees
Chrome
People Also Browsed
2010s American Flush Mount
Brass
21st Century and Contemporary Swedish Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps
Textile
21st Century and Contemporary American Mid-Century Modern Flush Mount
Steel, Brass
2010s American Industrial Fireplace Tools and Chimney Pots
Steel
2010s South African Minimalist Pedestals
Hardwood
Vintage 1930s Dutch Bauhaus Side Chairs
Metal, Chrome
Vintage 1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Chairs
Leather, Walnut
2010s Belgian Modern Sofas
Linen
2010s Austrian Jugendstil Chandeliers and Pendants
Silk
Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Benches
Aluminum
Vintage 1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Sofas
Metal
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Sofas
Fabric, Wood
Vintage 1960s French Mid-Century Modern Sideboards
Brass
2010s Italian Modern Chandeliers and Pendants
Metal, Brass
Vintage 1950s German Mid-Century Modern Stools
Metal
Vintage 1970s American Doors and Gates
Bronze
Recent Sales
Vintage 1960s Dutch Mid-Century Modern Sofas
Leather, Beech
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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