Atomic Age Chairs
Vintage 1940s Mid-Century Modern Chairs
Brass, Steel
20th Century Mid-Century Modern Swivel Chairs
Iron
1990s German Space Age Dining Room Chairs
Metal
1990s German Space Age Dining Room Chairs
Metal
Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Swivel Chairs
Faux Leather
Vintage 1950s Dutch Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs
Steel
Recent Sales
Vintage 1950s American Lounge Chairs
Chrome, Steel
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs
Wool, Walnut
Vintage 1950s Australian Mid-Century Modern Dining Room Chairs
Velvet
Mid-20th Century European Space Age Armchairs
Iron
Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Chairs
Iron
Vintage 1950s American Side Chairs
Metal
20th Century American Armchairs
Walnut, Chenille
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Chairs
Iron
Vintage 1950s American Lounge Chairs
Vintage 1950s American Lounge Chairs
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Chairs
Metal
Vintage 1960s American Lounge Chairs
20th Century North American Mid-Century Modern Chairs
Metal
Vintage 1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs
Fabric, Fiberglass
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Corner Chairs
Steel
20th Century North American Mid-Century Modern Dining Room Chairs
Naugahyde, Walnut
Late 20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs
Chrome, Iron
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Dining Room Chairs
Wrought Iron
20th Century North American Mid-Century Modern Dining Room Chairs
Naugahyde, Walnut
Vintage 1950s American Living Room Sets
20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Chairs
Rattan
Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Patio and Garden Furniture
Plastic
Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs
Steel
Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Armchairs
Iron
Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Armchairs
Walnut
Vintage 1950s American Chaise Longues
Vintage 1960s Sofas
Fabric, Walnut
Mid-20th Century European Space Age Chairs
Chrome
20th Century German Mid-Century Modern Chairs
Metal
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Chairs
Iron
Vintage 1960s American Brutalist Lounge Chairs
Upholstery, Resin
Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs
Fabric, Walnut
Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Chairs
Vintage 1950s American Lounge Chairs
Vintage 1960s American Armchairs
Plastic
People Also Browsed
Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Armchairs
Cane, Mahogany, Upholstery
Vintage 1960s Mid-Century Modern Stools
Metal
21st Century and Contemporary English Folk Art Side Tables
Iron
21st Century and Contemporary American Scandinavian Modern Wall Lights a...
Brass, Nickel
2010s American Mid-Century Modern Wall Lights and Sconces
Brass, Bronze, Enamel, Nickel
21st Century and Contemporary Vietnamese Modern End Tables
Wood
Vintage 1980s Post-Modern Night Stands
Wood, Lacquer
21st Century and Contemporary American Bohemian Chandeliers and Pendants
Brass
2010s American Brutalist Table Lamps
Brass
Vintage 1980s Italian Mid-Century Modern Glass
Glass
21st Century and Contemporary French Modern Wall Lights and Sconces
Nickel, Brass
2010s Italian Modern Wall Lights and Sconces
Brass
21st Century and Contemporary American Mid-Century Modern Wall Lights an...
Brass
21st Century and Contemporary Dutch Art Deco Chandeliers and Pendants
Smoked Glass
Early 2000s American Post-Modern Sectional Sofas
Chrome
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Sofas
Metal, Brass
Atomic Age Chairs For Sale on 1stDibs
How Much are Atomic Age Chairs?
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 24, 2024To tell the age of an old rocking chair, search under the seat, the legs and the bottom of the rockers for a maker's marking. By researching the maker and learning about how the characteristics of its pieces evolved over the years, you can often get a rough idea of how old your rocking chair is. If you are unable to find a mark, your piece could be a newer handcrafted item or an antique, in which case it would be helpful to have a certified appraiser or knowledgeable antique dealer evaluate your piece. An expert can also assist you if you run into any difficulty dating your piece. Explore a variety of rocking chairs on 1stDibs.
Read More
All the Furniture in This Organic Modern Soho Loft Can Be Yours
Andrianna Shamaris has filled her epic new home with pieces of her own design.
20 Inviting Dining Rooms Perfectly Arranged for Entertaining
Top interior designers show — and tell — us how to create delectable spaces for hosting dinner parties.
Nobody Puts This Sunny Sofa in a Corner
With its plush cushions, cane details and dazzlingly colorful back, it’s inviting from every angle.
The 21 Most Popular Mid-Century Modern Chairs
You know the designs, now get the stories about how they came to be.
Fred Rigby’s Modular Seating Can Be Configured in So Many Handy Ways
The plush Cove Slipper 2.5 Seater sofa is just one of many convenient combinations from the London-based maker.
This Chubby-Chic Quilted Stool Stands on Its Own Two Feet
Sam Klemick's cool stool is edgy, cozy and environmentally sustainable all at once.
Is Lionel Jadot the Willy Wonka of Upcycled Belgian Design?
From his massive collaborative workshop in a former paper factory, the designer concocts funky furniture from disused materials, as well as luxe hotel interiors like the new Mix Brussels.
Rock Your Cares Away on This Sunny Hand-Crocheted Swing
The boho-chic Enchanted Forest Swing, handmade by marginalized women from Turkey and Syria, is uplifting in every way.