Bernhardt Bench
1990s American Mid-Century Modern Benches
Brass
Antique Mid-19th Century American Mid-Century Modern Benches
Chrome
2010s American Modern Benches
Leather, Wood
2010s American Modern Benches
Steel, Chrome
Vintage 1970s Mid-Century Modern Benches
Stainless Steel
Recent Sales
1990s American Benches
Steel
Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Benches
Leather
20th Century Benches
Stainless Steel
Vintage 1980s American Mid-Century Modern Benches
Upholstery
21st Century and Contemporary American Benches
Brass
Late 20th Century American Neoclassical Benches
Wrought Iron
People Also Browsed
Vintage 1960s French Mid-Century Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables
Stainless Steel
21st Century and Contemporary American Mid-Century Modern Flush Mount
Brass, Silver, Gold, Steel
2010s Mexican Mid-Century Modern Side Chairs
Rattan, Walnut
Late 20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Stools
Wood, Rope
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Sideboards
Steel
2010s American Modern Benches
Oak
21st Century and Contemporary American Night Stands
Leather
21st Century and Contemporary American Scandinavian Modern Wall Lights a...
Steel, Zinc
21st Century and Contemporary American Scandinavian Modern Wall Lights a...
Gold, Brass
2010s Vietnamese Dining Room Chairs
Oak
2010s American Ottomans and Poufs
Wool, Jute
Vintage 1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Chairs
Metal
21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Ottomans and Poufs
Upholstery, Wood
Vintage 1970s Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Sofas
Velvet, Wood
2010s American Modern Stools
Walnut, Cane
21st Century and Contemporary English Modern End Tables
Oak
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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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.
Rock Your Cares Away on This Sunny Hand-Crocheted Swing
The boho-chic Enchanted Forest Swing, handmade by marginalized women from Turkey and Syria, is uplifting in every way.
Learn Why Designer Maarten Baas Set This Charles Rennie Mackintosh Chair on Fire
What happens when you do something to a piece of furniture that you shouldn’t? It becomes an entirely new object.