Swivel armchair Montgolfiére with Denim plain fabric handcrafted by Murmurio
By Murmurio
Located in Lordelo, PT
Inspired by the majestic hot air balloons, the Montgolfière Swivel Armchair is a true work of art, crafted by skilled artisans using only the finest materials.
Fabric, Bouclé, Foam, Wood, Ash
Synchronicity GardenThree-Seater Sofa by Lara Bohinc, Pink, Cork , Outdoor
By Lara Bohinc
Located in Holland, AMSTERDAM
This is a three seater sofa comprising of three seating sections, its voluminous and expanding curves balloon, as if wanting to float away from the ground.
Cork
A Fine Suite of 12 Mahogany Dining Chairs by Gillows, c.1825
By Gillows of Lancaster & London
Located in Lymington, Hampshire
Of serpentine shape, these fine chairs anticipate the later balloon back models that dominated the Victorian period.
Brass
Set of Four French Louis XVI Style Dining Chairs with Brown Mohair
Located in Rio Vista, CA
The frames have round cameo or balloon backs having a distinctive exposed rear side.
Brass
$1,701Sale Price / set|20% Off
Louis XVI Design Style Dining Chair set Model Fer à Cheval, France 1940's
Located in Oud-Turnhout, VAN
Made in France, 1940's period. Hot Air Balloon Model Fer à Cheval. Ivory lacquered / stained wood constructed chairs with cane webbing seats.
Cane, Wood
$1,120Sale Price|20% Off
Eames Molded Plywood Lounge Chair Metal Base (LCM), 1950s
By Charles and Ray Eames
Located in Centreville, VA
The first plywood pieces got their shape from balloons, which Charles and Ray filled with air supplied by a bicycle pump!
Plywood
Vintage French Louis XVI Style Carved Walnut Fireside Arm Chair Fauteuil
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Item features beautiful carved scrollwork-acanthus arms, small florets along the back, carvings the entire way around the oval balloon back, and fluted column-form legs. Circa Early ...
Mahogany, Walnut
Rattan and Bamboo Porter's Chair
Located in East Hampton, NY
Rattan and bamboo porter's chair with balloon style hood.
Bamboo, Rattan
Vintage Boho Mother of Pearl Inlay Papier Mache Chair
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Discover the captivating allure of this exquisite vintage accent chair, featuring intricate mother-of-pearl inlay shimmering against a deep black lacquered finish, likely over a trad...
Mother-of-Pearl, Cane
Set of Four Louis XVI Style Painted Dining Chairs
Located in Rio Vista, CA
The chairs feature beautifully carved frames with an oval cameo or balloon-shaped backs having a floral spray on the tops.
Velvet, Wood
Set of Six French Louis XVI Style Painted Dining Chairs
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Sublime set of six French 20th century carved beech dining chairs crafted in the grand Louis XVI taste. The oval balloon back or cameo frames feature an opulent silver cloud or oyste...
Brass
$35,000 / set
Pair of Anglo-Dutch Carved Walnut Chairs
Located in Greenwich, CT
A rare and unusual pair of walnut Anglo-Dutch side chairs with a saddle chest top rail over a veneered back splat, the stiles carved with bell flowers, having a molded, balloon-shape...
Walnut
$1,400Sale Price / set|22% Off
Pair of 18th Century American Mid-Atlantic Hepplewhite Arched Back Side Chairs
Located in Nashville, TN
Pair of mahogany wood side chairs with balloon backs. White paint and hand glazing. Re-upholstered seats.
Mahogany
Outstanding Quality Set of 6 Antique Victorian Carved Walnut Dining Chairs
Located in Suffolk, GB
Outstanding quality set of 6 antique Victorian carved walnut dining chairs having a magnificent quality carved walnut balloon back with carved walnut scroll shaped supports, newly re...
Walnut
Curved Sofa Montgolfiére grey Bouclé handcrafted by Murmurio
By Murmurio
Located in Lordelo, PT
Inspired by the majestic hot air balloons, the Montgolfière curved sofa is a true work of art, crafted by skilled artisans using only the finest materials.
Fabric, Bouclé, Foam, Wood, Ash
English 19th Century Set of 6 Rosewood Upholstered Chairs
Located in Staffordshire, GB
Set of 6 excellent quality rosewood balloon back upholstered dining chairs. Upholstered in Artemis Velvet.
Rosewood
20th Set of One Bench and Four Victorian Chairs, Wood and Rattan
Located in Miami, FL
Antique 19th century English Victorian balloon back mahogany library side chairs. Listing features turn carved legs, caned seats, balloon backs, solid wood construction, beautiful ...
Cane, Mahogany
$9,800 / set
Swedish Gustavian Chairs, circa 1800
Located in Huntington, NY
A set of four 19th century Swedish Gustavian Ax (also known as Vase) chairs from Lindome featuring a balloon-shaped back with five vertical, interconnected slats.
Fabric, Wood, Paint
Swivel armchair Montgolfiére grey Bouclé handcrafted by Murmurio
By Murmurio
Located in Lordelo, PT
Inspired by the majestic hot air balloons, the Montgolfière Swivel Armchair is a true work of art, crafted by skilled artisans using only the finest materials.
Fabric, Bouclé, Foam, Wood, Ash
$1,144Sale Price|20% Off
Louis Philippe Side Chair, Walnut and Leather, 19th Century, France
Located in LA CIOTAT, FR
This handsome Louis Philippe side chair is crafted from walnut and leather, and features the rounded top rail and nipped in waist of the classic 'balloon back' style. Prized for its ...
Leather, Walnut
William IV Carved Mahogany Library Armchair with Red Velvet Upholstery
Located in London, GB
Constructed in mahogany, rising from caster shod scrolled toe cabriole legs to the front and rear, the knees carved with addorsed 'C' scrolls, dressed with pendant foliates, the seat...
Mahogany
Rare Set of 22 Nineteenth Century Antique Dining Chairs with Leather Upholstery
Located in London, GB
A Large Set of 22 mid-19th century Dining Chairs Constructed from Honduran mahogany, prized for its strength and beauty, the set consisting of twenty side chairs and two armchairs...
Leather, Mahogany
Pair of Yellow and Red Natural Suede Leather Lounge Fifties Chairs by Hans Olsen
By Hans Olsen
Located in Antwerp, BE
Set of two leather balloon chairs designed by Hans Olsen in the 1950s, is very comfortable and has a very characteristic and identifiable shape.
Metal
$3,720Sale Price / set|20% Off
Dramatic 19th Century Newly Upholstered Tufted Fan Back Slipper Chairs
Located in Hopewell, NJ
Super glamorous pair of French fan back tufted slipper chairs having wonderfully shaped balloon seats and brand new high quality white duck upholstery.
Upholstery, Wood
Pair of French Carved Mahogany Armchairs, 19th Century
Located in London, GB
An imposing pair of Louis Philippe Fauteuils Constructed in Honduras Mahogany, standing on swept lappeted gentle 'S' shaped legs to the front, and sabre shaped to the rear, the pa...
Mahogany
$1,356Sale Price / set|20% Off
Pair of Antique 1790s Era French Carved Oak Period Louis XV Side Chairs
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
Each chair features gracefully shaped balloon backs with serpentine crest rails and finely carved detailing along the apron, emblematic of the Rococo influence.
Walnut
$2,730Sale Price|30% Off
20th Century Walnut Victorian Bench in Wood and Rattan Seat
Located in Miami, FL
Listing features cabriole legs, caned seats, balloon backs, solid wood construction, beautiful wood grain, very nice antique item, circa 19th century.
Cane, Walnut
Fine Quality Set of 6 Antique Victorian Mahogany Dining Chairs
Located in Suffolk, GB
Fine quality set of 6 antique Victorian mahogany dining chairs having a quality mahogany balloon back with carved scrolls shaped carved pierced splat to the centre, newly reupholster...
Other
Antique 19th Century Set of Six Victorian Walnut Dining Chairs
Located in Suffolk, GB
Fine quality set of six English Victorian antique walnut dining chairs having beautifully designed and crafted circular balloon backs with stunning pierced carving. The serpentine se...
Walnut
$1,252 / set
Pair of Victorian Walnut Bedroom/Side Chairs
Located in Suffolk, GB
Pair of 19th century Victorian antique walnut bedroom/side chairs having a pretty balloon back with carved lower rail and serpentine seat.
Walnut
Important 18th Century Portuguese Chair
Located in Greenwich, CT
Bold 18th century Portuguese period side chair with scroll and stylized lion tail carving, the upholstered balloon seat over scrolled and outward rolled apron, standing on boldly car...
Rosewood
Mid-Century Modern Eero Saarinen for Knoll Brown Executive Arm Chair
By Eero Saarinen, Knoll
Located in Secaucus, NJ
Specifications: Upholstered with Knoll fabric Hula Hoop in reverse balloon, 63% polyester, 37% cotton Seat color dark Brown, back color light Brown with Grey, Green and Beige Steel ...
Steel, Chrome
Pair of Victorian Walnut Bedroom/Side Chairs
Located in Suffolk, GB
Pair of 19th century Victorian antique walnut bedroom/side chairs having a pretty balloon back with carved lower rail and serpentine seat.
Walnut
Late 19th Century Ornately Carved Oak Settee
Located in Bridgeport, CT
Late 19th century carved settee, oak, double balloon back with scrolled foliate carved motif and central fleur-de-lis crest, scrolled floral upholstered inset backs and long seated c...
Oak
$3,886Sale Price / set|38% Off
19th Century Set of 6 English Victorian Mahogany Dining Chairs by James Reilly
Located in Casteren, NL
An exclusive set of 6 Victorian Mahogany splat back dining chairs made by master carpenter James Reilly (1825 – 1889). The chairs have a balloon back above a splat to the seat and ...
Mahogany
Set of 6 Air Chairs by Jasper Morrison for Magis, 1999
By Magis, Jasper Morrison
Located in Izegem, VWV
A simple analogy would be to imagine blowing up a balloon inside a shoebox. In the case of gas injection moulding, where there is extra volume in the mould, the plastic is pressed ag...
Plastic
$823Sale Price|27% Off
Four Mahogany Chairs in Floral Upholstery, Circa 1930, Set of 4
Located in Opole, PL
Each chair features: Elegant balloon backs with gently contoured lines and a rich, warm wood finish.
Upholstery, Mahogany
$1,996Sale Price / set|20% Off
Set of 6 Louis XVI Style Dining Chairs
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
Crafted from rich mahogany, each chair features the classic balloon back with a carved lyre or wheat sheaf motif, reflecting the balance and symmetry celebrated in the Louis XVI peri...
Upholstery, Wood
Pair of 2007 Restored George Smith Tom Dixon Wing Back Armchairs
By Tom Dixon, George Smith
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
We are delighted to offer for sale this stunning pair of fully restored original edition 2007 Tom Dixon George Smith wingback armchairs RRP £16,000 Inspired by the traditional 17t...
Upholstery, Beech, Oak
Set of 10 Antique English William IV Mahogany Dining Chairs by J Proctor
Located in Glasgow, GB
Made from the best quality dense and finely figured mahogany these are heavier than standard chairs of this model, the waisted balloon back with a deep concave shaped toprail centred...
Upholstery, Mahogany
Set of Eighteen Red Walnut Dining Chairs Attributed to Gillows, circa 1830
By Gillows of Lancaster & London
Located in Brighton, West Sussex
Each chair has a waisted balloon back, with incised foliage and panelled horizontal splat, above a caned seat and panelled apron centred by a flowerhead, on ring-turned tapering reed...
Walnut
Walnut Queen Anne Balloon Seat Side Chair
By William Savery
Located in West Chester, PA
Philadelphia walnut Queen Anne balloon seat side chair with Savery style knees terminating in slipper feet.
Walnut Queen Anne Balloon Seat Side Chair
Located in West Chester, PA
Yoke crest, solid splat, slip seat. Cabriole legs terminating in slipper feet. Wonderful stature. Philadelphia, PA, circa 1740.
Walnut
Philadelphia Queen Anne Balloon Seat Side Chair
Located in West Chester, PA
Philadelphia Queen Anne side chair with yoke crest, solid splat and cabriole legs terminating in slipper feet.
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.
Modern icons are showing up in gracefully layered dining nooks, living rooms and lounges — proof that great design only gets better with context.
Andrianna Shamaris has filled her epic new home with pieces of her own design.
Top interior designers show — and tell — us how to create delectable spaces for hosting dinner parties.
With its plush cushions, cane details and dazzlingly colorful back, it’s inviting from every angle.
You know the designs, now get the stories about how they came to be.
The plush Cove Slipper 2.5 Seater sofa is just one of many convenient combinations from the London-based maker.
Sam Klemick's cool stool is edgy, cozy and environmentally sustainable all at once.
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.