Bent Willow Chair
20th Century American Rustic Rocking Chairs
Iron
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Vintage 1920s American Folk Art Armchairs
Bentwood
Early 20th Century French Children's Furniture
Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs
Rattan
Early 20th Century Swedish Scandinavian Modern Rocking Chairs
Wood, Willow, Bentwood
Early 20th Century Swedish Scandinavian Modern Rocking Chairs
Wood, Willow, Bentwood
Early 20th Century Swedish Rocking Chairs
Bentwood
Vintage 1920s American Primitive Armchairs
Willow
Vintage 1910s American Folk Art Toys and Dolls
Vintage 1940s Rocking Chairs
Vintage 1930s American Adirondack Lounge Chairs
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Late 20th Century Lounge Chairs
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21st Century and Contemporary American Adirondack Patio and Garden Furni...
Wood, Oak
Early 20th Century North American Adirondack Armchairs
Twig
20th Century American Adirondack Dry Bars
Wood
Antique 19th Century French Pillows and Throws
Canvas
Vintage 1960s American Adirondack Lounge Chairs
Wood
Antique Late 19th Century American Adirondack Nautical Objects
Wood, Paint
20th Century Caribbean Mid-Century Modern Decorative Art
Cotton
Mid-20th Century American Adirondack Chandeliers and Pendants
Resin
Mid-20th Century American Adirondack Side Tables
Wood
Antique Early 1900s American Adirondack Side Tables
Willow
20th Century American Rustic Armchairs
Iron
Vintage 1980s American Adirondack Chandeliers and Pendants
Steel, Wire
Antique Late 19th Century American Adirondack Pedestals
Cherry
Antique Late 19th Century American Adirondack Rocking Chairs
Hickory
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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