Faux Bamboo Foot Stool
Early 20th Century French Victorian Stools
Faux Bamboo, Wood
Vintage 1970s Unknown Directoire Footstools
Metal
Recent Sales
Antique 19th Century Belgian Footstools
Wood, Fabric
20th Century American Chinoiserie Footstools
Faux Bamboo
Vintage 1960s European Directoire Benches
Brass
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Mid-20th Century European Mid-Century Modern Chandeliers and Pendants
Brass
Mid-20th Century French Art Deco Stools
Metal
Mid-20th Century British Chandeliers and Pendants
Glass
Vintage 1940s Danish Scandinavian Modern Sofas
Fabric, Wood
21st Century and Contemporary British Regency Sofas
Brass
Late 20th Century American Neoclassical Wall Mirrors
Mirror, Mahogany
21st Century and Contemporary Finnish Scandinavian Modern Floor Lamps
Brass
21st Century and Contemporary American Mid-Century Modern Wall Lights an...
Brass
2010s South African Modern Ottomans and Poufs
Feathers, Velvet
Mid-20th Century American Art Deco Armchairs
Upholstery, Wood
Vintage 1950s American Hollywood Regency Sofas
Fabric, Feathers
Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables
Bronze
Vintage 1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Dining Room Chairs
Leather
Vintage 1930s Danish Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs
Wool, Birch
Early 20th Century French Louis XVI Bergere Chairs
Walnut
Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Benches
Oak, Leather
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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