Art Deco Bucket Chair
2010s American Art Deco Lounge Chairs
Steel
2010s American Art Deco Swivel Chairs
Maple, Velvet
Vintage 1970s Italian Modern Club Chairs
Chrome
Late 20th Century European Art Deco End Tables
Wood
Vintage 1960s Unknown Mid-Century Modern Patio and Garden Furniture
Bamboo
Vintage 1970s Italian Modern Sofas
Chrome
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2010s American Modern Swivel Chairs
Sheepskin, Wood
2010s American Mid-Century Modern Wall Lights and Sconces
Brass, Bronze, Enamel, Nickel
2010s Brazilian Organic Modern Armchairs
Wicker
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Barware
Metal, Brass
Vintage 1920s Dutch Art Deco Umbrella Stands
Zinc
21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Night Stands
Wood
Vintage 1930s Japanese Scholar's Objects
Bamboo
1990s American American Classical Swivel Chairs
Cotton, Wood, Down
Vintage 1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Armchairs
Plastic
Vintage 1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Armchairs
Plastic
Vintage 1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Barware
Chrome
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Barware
Glass
Vintage 1970s Dutch Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs
Metal
Vintage 1930s American Machine Age Lounge Chairs
Steel
Vintage 1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Armchairs
Bamboo, Wicker, Cane, Rattan
20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Armchairs
Fabric
Recent Sales
Vintage 1930s British Art Deco Dry Bars
Mirror, Burl
Vintage 1960s Danish Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs
Leather, Wood
Antique Late 19th Century Bauhaus Side Chairs
Chrome
Vintage 1970s Italian Modern Dining Room Chairs
Metal
Vintage 1980s American Mid-Century Modern Office Chairs and Desk Chairs
Metal
Vintage 1960s German Mid-Century Modern Armchairs
Aluminum
Vintage 1970s Dutch Modern Sectional Sofas
Chrome
Vintage 1950s Club Chairs
Upholstery
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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