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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 bentwood chair?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertFebruary 22, 2021A bentwood chair is a chair made out of wood that has been steamed and formed into its desired shape. The iconic No. 14 chair made by Thonet is a well-know chair made in this technique. There are many bentwood chairs for sale on 1stDibs.
- How old is a Morris chair?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022The Morris chair was first created in the 1860s. William Morris designed the Morris chair, and it is known to be one of the earliest styles of reclining chairs. Coveted for their versatile design, Morris chairs continue to be a favorite seating option for the home. Shop a collection of Morris chairs on 1stDibs.
- What is a Morris-style chair?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022A Morris-style chair is a type of furniture used for seating. The name comes from Morris & Company, the original manufacturer of the chair. It features a boxy reclining backrest, a matching upholstered seat cushion and wide wooden arms. Shop a selection of Morris-style chairs on 1stDibs.
- What is a Morris chair worth?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertOctober 5, 2021A Morris chair's worth depends on age, condition and history, as with any antique furniture. From about 1895 to 1914, Morris's chair designs were more ornate, boasting curved legs and feet. These early examples are worth more due to their style and rarity. Find a wide range of Morris chairs on 1stDibs.
- When were Bentwood chairs made?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022The Bentwood Chair was made by German-Austrian cabinetmaker Michael Thonet in the mid-19th century. His design is still popular with interior designers and homeowners worldwide. Shop a collection of Bentwood chairs from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022To tell if a Morris chair is a Stickley, look for the furniture designer's mark. Often, Gustav Stickley marked his pieces with a compass logo, his signature and the phrase "Als ik kan." The phrase roughly means "to the best of my ability." On 1stDibs, shop a collection of expertly vetted Stickley chairs.
- 1stDibs ExpertOctober 12, 2021How much a Morris chair is worth usually depends on when it was manufactured. They can be worth anywhere between $500 to $700. Morris chairs were first manufactured in England and were the first reclining chairs to be produced. Find a collection of antique and vintage Morris chairs on 1stDibs.
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