Backless Sofa
Antique Late 19th Century Eastlake Chaise Longues
Upholstery, Mahogany
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Sofas
Fabric, Walnut
2010s American Modern Sectional Sofas
Fabric
2010s European Armchairs
Faux Leather
21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Daybeds
Sheepskin
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Dining Room Chairs
Oak, Fabric
Late 20th Century German Modern Side Tables
Steel, Chrome
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2010s American Flush Mount
Brass
21st Century and Contemporary American Mid-Century Modern Wall Lights an...
Brass
Mid-20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Sofas
Fabric, Oak
2010s Austrian Jugendstil Chandeliers and Pendants
Silk
21st Century and Contemporary Indian Modern Sofas
Velvet
Vintage 1960s Dutch Mid-Century Modern Sofas
Metal
Vintage 1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Sofas
Fabric
Vintage 1960s Dutch Mid-Century Modern Daybeds
Metal
Antique 1880s French Napoleon III Chaise Longues
Fabric, Beech
20th Century French Desks
Metal
Vintage 1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Sofas
Fabric
Antique 19th Century French Louis XVI Chaise Longues
Fabric, Wood
Antique Late 19th Century French French Provincial Chaise Longues
Linen, Wood
Mid-20th Century Czech Mid-Century Modern Sofas
Fabric, Wood
Late 20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Chaise Longues
Wool, Wood
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Sofas
Alpaca
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20th Century European Living Room Sets
Wood, Leather
Vintage 1930s British Daybeds
Leather, Wood
Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Sofas
Upholstery, Acrylic
Antique Late 19th Century Eastlake Chaise Longues
Upholstery, Mahogany
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Sofas
Fabric, Walnut
Vintage 1970s French Bauhaus Sofas
Fabric
Early 2000s American Mid-Century Modern Sectional Sofas
Lucite, Fabric
Late 20th Century American Modern Sectional Sofas
Fabric, Wood
Antique 1860s Swedish Biedermeier Sofas
Fabric, Birch
Antique 19th Century Swedish Neoclassical Sofas
Upholstery, Birch
Antique Mid-19th Century French Settees
Walnut
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Living Room Sets
Fabric
Antique 19th Century Swedish Daybeds
Upholstery
Antique Late 19th Century English Benches
Wood, Mahogany
Antique Early 19th Century French Empire Daybeds
Textile, Mahogany
Antique 19th Century Caribbean British Colonial Chaise Longues
20th Century French Sofas
Wood
20th Century American Modern Sofas
Metal
Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Sectional Sofas
Fabric, Wood
20th Century French Benches
Wood, Linen, Upholstery
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Club Chairs
Fabric, Ash
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Side Chairs
Velvet, Oak
Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Sectional Sofas
Brass
Antique 19th Century French Sofas
Walnut
Antique 19th Century Swedish Sofas
Wood, Upholstery
Late 20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Sectional Sofas
Chenille, Lucite
Antique 19th Century Danish Biedermeier Chaise Longues
Walnut, Fabric
Vintage 1980s American Sofas
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.
- What are backless sofas called?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertAugust 15, 2019
Backless sofas can be considered benches or a chaise longue.
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