Balloon Back Rattan
Late 20th Century Unknown Hollywood Regency Dining Room Chairs
Fabric, Rattan, Foam
Vintage 1980s Bohemian Dining Room Chairs
Bamboo, Rattan
2010s Mexican Chairs
Steel
Vintage 1980s Philippine Regency Dining Room Chairs
Cane, Bamboo, Rattan
20th Century Organic Modern Dining Room Chairs
Fabric, Bamboo, Wicker, Rattan
Late 20th Century Unknown Hollywood Regency Dining Room Sets
Fabric, Rattan, Glass, Foam
Late 20th Century Spanish Victorian Benches
Cane, Walnut
Antique 19th Century European Victorian Dining Room Chairs
Cane, Mahogany
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21st Century and Contemporary Spanish Minimalist Side Tables
Marble, Travertine
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Mid-Century Modern Dining Room Tables
Travertine
21st Century and Contemporary Brazilian Modern Dining Room Chairs
Wood
2010s South African Minimalist Pedestals
Hardwood
21st Century and Contemporary Danish Modern Side Tables
Wood
2010s American Mid-Century Modern Wall Lights and Sconces
Brass, Bronze, Enamel, Nickel
2010s American Modern Table Lamps
Steel, Brass, Silver Leaf
21st Century and Contemporary Swedish Scandinavian Modern Wall Lights an...
Metal
21st Century and Contemporary Unknown Art Deco Carts and Bar Carts
Marble
Mid-20th Century French Neoclassical Benches
Bronze, Wrought Iron
2010s South African Minimalist Night Stands
Burl, Poplar
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Mid-Century Modern Dining Room Tables
Travertine
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Mid-Century Modern Dining Room Tables
Travertine
2010s Mexican Modern Floor Mirrors and Full-Length Mirrors
Mirror, Rattan
21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Art Deco Chandeliers and Pendants
Metal
2010s Mexican Modern Lounge Chairs
Hardwood, Wicker
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Vintage 1980s Dining Room Chairs
Bamboo, Rattan
20th Century Bohemian Dining Room Chairs
Bamboo
Mid-20th Century North American Regency Settees
Upholstery, Rattan
20th Century American British Colonial Dry Bars
Rattan
Vintage 1960s French Mid-Century Modern Armchairs
Rattan
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Armchairs
Bamboo, Wicker, Rattan
Vintage 1980s American Mid-Century Modern Armchairs
Bamboo, Wicker
Mid-20th Century Lounge Chairs
Brass
Late 20th Century Philippine Chairs
Rattan
20th Century Bohemian Armchairs
Bamboo
20th Century American Hollywood Regency Armchairs
Fabric, Bamboo, Wicker, Rattan
Late 20th Century Spanish Victorian Dining Room Chairs
Cane, Mahogany
20th Century American Hollywood Regency Dining Room Chairs
Metal
20th Century Adirondack Armchairs
Rattan, Leather, Wicker
20th Century Adirondack Armchairs
Rattan, Wicker
Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Side Chairs
Bamboo, Rattan, Reed, Upholstery, Wicker
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 is a balloon back chair?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022A balloon back chair is a specific type of seat that became popular during the Victorian era. It features a curved back that tapers as it travels down to the seat. Many balloon back chairs are armless, and nearly all examples feature upholstered seats. You'll find a range of balloon back chairs on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022Balloon back chairs were made mostly in the Victorian era, as they were highly popular at this time in the 19th century. It is generally regarded as a classic antique dining room chair. Browse an array of authentic antique balloon back chairs on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertMay 5, 2023Balloon back chairs are from the Victorian era, which lasted from the late 1830s to the turn of the 20th century. These chairs get their name from their rounded backrests and narrow waists, which make it seem like their tops have ballooned or grown in size. On 1stDibs, shop a range of balloon back chairs.
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