Art Deco Shell Back Sofa
Vintage 1930s American Sectional Sofas
Rattan
2010s Italian Sofas
Shell, Velvet, Hardwood, Wood
Mid-20th Century Swedish Art Deco Sofas
Fabric, Beech
Vintage 1980s American Post-Modern Benches
Fabric, Oak
Vintage 1950s European Mid-Century Modern Armchairs
Fabric, Wood
Recent Sales
Vintage 1940s American Art Deco Sofas
Upholstery, Velvet, Wood, Paint
Vintage 1930s English Art Deco Sofas
Walnut
Mid-20th Century Swedish Art Deco Sofas
Upholstery
Early 20th Century British Sofas
Walnut
Vintage 1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Sofas
Bouclé, Walnut
Vintage 1940s Danish Scandinavian Modern Sofas
Fabric, Wood
Mid-20th Century Swedish Art Deco Lounge Chairs
Mahogany
Mid-20th Century Swedish Art Deco Loveseats
Fabric, Mahogany
Mid-20th Century Swedish Art Deco Side Chairs
Fabric, Beech
Early 20th Century English Art Deco Living Room Sets
Faux Leather, Walnut
Mid-20th Century Swedish Scandinavian Modern Living Room Sets
Birch
Mid-20th Century Swedish Art Deco Living Room Sets
Fabric, Beech
Mid-20th Century Swedish Art Deco Living Room Sets
Fabric, Beech
21st Century and Contemporary British Art Deco Chaise Longues
Velvet
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Art Deco Armchairs
Brass
Vintage 1960s Danish Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs
Leather, Wood
Antique Late 19th Century Swedish Biedermeier Sofas
Birch
2010s American Modern Sofas
Aluminum
1990s American Modern Sofas
Leather, Walnut
Early 20th Century Swedish Art Deco Living Room Sets
Leather
Late 20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Living Room Sets
Leather
Early 20th Century Austrian Art Deco Club Chairs
Leather, Wood
Early 20th Century French Art Deco Loveseats
Metal
Vintage 1960s Danish Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs
Leather
Vintage 1930s Swedish Art Deco Sofas
Vintage 1930s French Art Deco Sofas
Upholstery
Early 20th Century European Art Deco Sofas
Vintage 1930s English Living Room Sets
Wood, Fabric
Vintage 1930s British Art Deco Living Room Sets
Fabric
Vintage 1930s British Art Deco Sofas
Fabric, Walnut
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21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Wall Mirrors
Glass, Plastic
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Brass
Antique 17th Century Italian Baroque Dining Room Tables
Wood, Walnut
Vintage 1970s American Brutalist Dining Room Tables
Bronze
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Dining Room Tables
Art Glass
Early 20th Century French Art Deco Vases
Art Glass
Vintage 1920s French Louis XVI Bergere Chairs
Velvet, Beech
21st Century and Contemporary Danish Mid-Century Modern Sofas
Fabric, Wood
Antique Early 19th Century Swedish Gustavian Secretaires
Brass
Mid-20th Century Swedish Scandinavian Modern Armchairs
Leather, Rope, Wood
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Mid-Century Modern Floor Mirrors a...
Glass, Acrylic
21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Ottomans and Poufs
Velvet, Walnut, Alpaca, Mohair, Bouclé, Linen, Wood, Oak
Early 2000s Italian Modern Wall Lights and Sconces
Brass
Early 20th Century Unknown Art Deco Sofas
Fabric, Foam, Walnut
20th Century German Art Nouveau Animal Sculptures
Bronze
Vintage 1940s Italian Vases
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.
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