Birger Hahl
20th Century Finnish Scandinavian Modern Benches
Pine, Bouclé
Recent Sales
Early 20th Century Finnish Scandinavian Modern Footstools
Leather, Birch
Vintage 1930s Finnish Mid-Century Modern Sofas
Fabric, Ash
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Early 20th Century Japanese Meiji Cabinets
Cedar
Mid-20th Century Japanese Showa Stools
Wood
Vintage 1950s French Mid-Century Modern Chandeliers and Pendants
Steel
Early 20th Century Japanese Meiji Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Iron
Early 20th Century Japanese Taisho Cabinets
Wood, Cedar
20th Century Japanese Taisho Benches
Cedar
Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Sofas
Mohair, Mahogany
Vintage 1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Chandeliers and Pendants
Metal, Brass
Vintage 1960s Finnish Scandinavian Modern Drop-leaf and Pembroke Tables
Birch
Vintage 1940s French Art Deco Chandeliers and Pendants
Iron, Wrought Iron, Gold Leaf
1990s American Post-Modern Desks
Steel
20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Chandeliers and Pendants
Brass
Early 20th Century French Modern Vases
Earthenware
Vintage 1940s Finnish Scandinavian Modern Wardrobes and Armoires
Birch, Plywood, Paint
Antique 1890s British Jugendstil Armchairs
Mahogany
Antique Early 1900s European Jugendstil Coffee and Cocktail Tables
Copper
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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